South Carolina Association of
County Office Employees
County Office Employees
| Legislative Report Legislative Chairman MIKE MAYFIELD Legislative Co-Chairman Loren Nelson |
| Legislative Committee Report NASCOE Organizational Meeting Hot Springs, Arkansas October 10-11, 2009 The Legislative Committee has been monitoring legislation in the works since our National Convention this past August. There has not been a great deal of movement on our items thus far, but there has been a lot of debate on two big issues. We are continuing to monitor the Climate bill (also referred to as the Cap and Trade bill), Health Care. The Ag Appropriations bill has been completed, and we are trying to sort through that. The two main pieces of legislation that congress has been tied up with for quite some time have been the Climate Bill and the Health Care bill. These both have been very large pieces of legislation and have been quite controversial by the public. The verdicts of both of these pieces are still unknown and are such a moving target right now, it is hard to predict what the final outcome will be. Goals for 2009-2010: - Continue to monitor Reorganization and pursue in any reorganization those items that were identified by membership as priority areas. - Target key contacts with Agriculture Committee and Agriculture groups if and when the need arises. Have NASCOE member assigned to House and Senate Ag Committee member. - Continue to follow and support the FERS Sick Leave bills as well as other Benefit issues. Especially follow Health Care reform and respond when needed as it affects membership. - Continue to have conference calls with the Legislative Committee when needed (at least quarterly) and work with Consultant Bob Redding. - CAPWIZ is crucial to get our message across to membership in a timely manner. Our goal is another 10% increase in participation. Utilize Cap Wiz more often in communication with our legislators and membership. - PAC is crucial to help legislators carry our message and compete against those that oppose our views. Our goal is to increase payroll allotments to 300 by the National Convention. - Coordinate information to NAFEC and RASCOE to help NASCOE’s cause. - Keep Web Page updated with important information for membership and Congressional staffers to use to keep current with issues. Also, add an informational you tube type educational video about NASCOE. -1- - Continue establishing new Coalition Partners and working with existing Coalition Partners to promote our mission and cause. - Update Assigned duties for the Area Legislative Chairs for the 2009-2010 Legislative Year. Recommendations by the Legislative Committee to the Executive Board for Approval: 1. In regards to Reorganization and pursuit of program administration the group established areas of Priority based on discussion from all the Area meetings. The group recommended these areas of priority: A. Conservation Administration B. Cap and Trade program administration C. Elimination of duplicative duties within USDA (e.g. RMA and NASS) The Legislative Committee would like approval to develop White papers when needed on these topics based on the aforementioned priorities. 2. Request a $250 incentive for the state with the largest percentage increase in PAC participation between August 12, 2009 and the 2010 National Convention. 3. Recommend a Legislative organizational meeting be held this year to prepare for the upcoming legislative year. This follows last year’ s recommendation to hold an organizational meeting opposite of the National legislative conference. 4. Request approval of the 2009-2010 legislative Committee budget. 5. Request to continue the Coalition Partner of the year award. Request a plaque, one room night and $250 toward travel to attend the National Convention. 6. Reports back from area meetings detailed the need for further education and concluded this was the key to greater participation. Based on this information we request to use part of the PAC budget for travel expenses for Loren or Mike to attend area meetings or large state conventions to handle PAC promotion and sign up. -2- Legislative Committee Budget Report 2009 – 2010 Proposed Actual Budget 2008 - 2009 Fall Legislative Organizational Meeting ………… $ 5,000.00 $ 5,684.72 10 attendees, 2 nights stay, travel, per diem Committee Conference Calls ……………………… $400.00 $206.49 Legislative Fly-Ins (as needed) ………………….. $20,000.00 $0.00 Bob Redding responsible for recommendations PAC Promotional Costs……………………………..$4,000.00 $1,600.39 (e.g. Internet lines and travel) Coalition Award and Travel …………………………$750.00 $750.00 Legislator of the Year Award ……………………… $1000.00 $1000.00 Full Legislative Conference…………………………. $0.00 $60,548.29 TOTAL $31,150.00 $69,789.89 Respectfully Submitted, Loren Nelson and Mike Mayfield |