President's Report

sdascoe@yahoo.com

President's Report

With all the potential changes and threats to our benefits and the way we do our jobs, we owe it
to ourselves to be informed.

I don’t mean to be doom and gloom, but the reality is that due to budget issues we are looking at
some very serious changes. We are already dealing with changes in our offices with cutting back
on mailings, supplies and travel. Our COLA’s have been frozen. What will be next?

There are potential changes being looked at in DC that directly affect our benefits such as our
health insurance and annuity calculations. There are organizations trying to take acreage
reporting away from us and the administration of Conservation Programs. Our grass roots
County Committee system is being challenged.

We need to educate ourselves so we aren’t taken by surprise if these and other changes
become a reality. There are many ways to keep on top of these issues:
NASCOE and SDASCOE Websites
NASCOE Now
NASCOE and SDASCOE Newsletters
CAPWIZ Alerts
Giving your home email to our NWA Executive for updates
Gov Exec.com
Federal Daily.com
NAFEC Newsletters

As things get moving, NASCOE will be requesting we take action on some CAPWIZ alerts. Please
do your part as these changes will be affecting every FSA employee and possibly retirees.

NASCOE saw the fruits of their labor on two specific items this past year. FERS employees
receiving credit for unused sick leave at retirement and children staying on their parent’s health
insurance until 26 if still attending school. NASCOE worked on these issues for a number of
years. Their persistence paid off.

NASCOE will not have years to work on these current changes/issues. They will have to move
quickly.

SDASCOE/NASCOE has a rich history of working for the benefits and jobs of ASCS/FSA
employees. Part of that history is being proactive and being ready to deal with the changes
before they happen not to react to them after the change is made. Let’s do our part and be
ready for action.

Respectfully Submitted,
Peggy Groen
SDASCOE President

Notes From the President

SDASCOE