PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Scott Robinson
I hope everyone had a good summer. For those of you who subscribe to BlueCross BlueShield Basic Plan (FEHB), I want to remind you to request reimbursement for your Medicare Part B premiums. BCBS promised $800 to you and $800 for your spouse if both of you pay Part B premiums. Tami and I received our reimbursements this summer. All you need to do is apply for it. It you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, or any officer or director.
Spokane Chapter is planning to “Walk for Alzheimer’s” on October 8th. NARFE has contributed financial resources to Alzheimer’s research over many years because this disease touches many of us in our later years. I invite all volunteers who would like to either walk for Alzheimer’s or host a NARFE table at the walk. These opportunities offer you chances to mix and mingle with other federal retirees and, perhaps, recruit a new member or two along the way. We discuss our plans at the September Meeting.
As Spokane Chapter resumes its monthly in-person meeting in September, I invite you to join us. You may ask, “What’s in it for me?” Firstly, visiting with other federal retirees during lunch. Secondly, listening to our guest speaker Joel Loiacono talk about Alzheimer’s research. And thirdly, learning about local grass-roots advocacy for our earned benefits with our Congressional Representative.
Please call me at 208-661-7695 or email me at scottsoriole@q.com if you have any questions regarding Spokane Chapter 32.
LEGISLATION Roger Bosky
As the year winds down, note that when this year ends, any unfinished legislation over the last two years ends with it. We lose any support we had, and we must start all over again generating support for legislation in support of our earned benefits.
Currently, the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions can reduce the social security benefits of people who have worked in both private industry (covered by social security) and receive a government annuity (from employment not covered by social security). The bill which would eliminate this adverse impact, HR 82, has reached an important milestone. It now has over 290 co-sponsors. This means that, generally, the House must act on it. NARFE has fought for this legislation for many years and has urged us to send a message to Congress in support of it. Let’s get over the top with this one.
Another piece of needed legislation is HR6398. This bill would give federal employees a 5.1% average pay increase for 2023. However, the President has proposed a 4.6% increase in his 2023 budget . After years of no pay raises and a couple of years of inflation, federal employees deserve our support and that of Congress.
Another item to watch is the budget for next year. If not resolved before the end of September, it’s going to be another Continuing Resolution or limbo.
ALZHEIMER’S (Vacant Chairperson)
Spokane Chapter is recruiting an Alzheimer’s Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing your learned knowledge with the group, then please contact any Officer or Director.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the NARFE Alzheimer Research fund please make your check payable to “NARFE Alzheimer’s Research”, write Spokane-Chapter 32 on the notation line, and mail to:
Lorie Bennett
WSF Alzheimer’s Coordinator
4310 S. Kingwood Street
Kennewick, WA. 99337-5706
MEMBERSHIP (Vacant Chairperson)
The Chapter is looking for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact any of the Officers or Directors. Come be a part of a great group of people fighting for your benefits.
NARFE – PAC MaryAnn Bosky
You can contribute to NARFE – PAC using the contribution form found in the monthly NARFE Magazine or by sending a check, made out to NARFE – PAC, to our Post Office Box. The address is: NARFE, PO Box 4592, Spokane, WA 99220.
PAST VICE PRESIDENT Arlene Patton
SAVE THE DATES:
· Week of October 11-14, 2022, WSF all virtual training conference – more info to come.
I am just returning from attending FEDcon22. 18 members from the Washington State Federation were in attendance, two from Chapter 32.
Every Chapter should have a succession plan, does Chapter 32 have such a written plan? If not, why not?
Alzheimer Association gave a great presentation on research results and how the NARFE dollars have made a difference. $6.5 millions of funds have helped to fund at least 85 different research grants. Scanning of the brain and blood tests are now possible to detect Alzheimer. Trial Matches are encouraged, to learn more call the 1-800-272-3900 help line.
WEB/GTO now has 295 cosponsors signed on in support of the bill. Expect some action as early as mid-September.
35 Chapters closed in 2021, 36 closed in 2022 and 12 currently in the pipeline for closing.
Deaths for the period of 2018 – 2021 totaled 16,226. 1,055 from Region # 9 ( AK, WA, OR, ID and MT) Ever member should set a goal of recruiting one new member, ever year.
The 2024 Annual NARFE conference will be held August 18-20, in St. Louis.
The NEB has voted to sell the NARFE Headquarters building. Currently looking for leased property, in and around the DC area.
PROGRAM (Vacant Chairperson)
The Fall line-up for our guest speakers include (1) Joel Loiacono talking about Alzheimer’s research in September; (2) Ruth Gifford talking about the Dishman Hills Conservation Area in October; and (3) Ann Ozuna talking about anticipated health benefits in November. Spokane Chapter is recruiting a Program Chairperson. If you are interested in sharing speakers with our group, suggestions are welcome, then please contact any Officer or Director.
NARFE is more than just a great magazine. Let them know!
Promote NARFE anytime you can. The more members we have the more power to protect our benefits and retirement!
NARFE = YOUR BEST BET FOR THE FUTURE!
SUNSHINE Susan Harvey
If you become aware of good news, illnesses, surgeries, or a death of a member or family member, please contact me at 509-953-6828.
REMINDER, spouses can be members OR can take over the membership of a deceased member. If you are interested in continuing this very valuable membership, please contact Scott Robinson. He is currently recruiting for a Membership Chair. If you are interested, please contact him.
The Chapter is sending birthday and anniversary wishes to all who celebrate in September. As the seasons begin to change, continue to enjoy the rest of our summer.
For those who may not have heard, Bob Elmore is now a resident of Hospice House.
The additional bad news is Joanne Welch recently had a second surgery in just a few months; Pat Hegerberg is NOT enjoying the discomfort from knee issues; and Tami Robinson decided to fight with a piece of granite and lost badly and now sports a broken arm. The summer months have included the loss of members Sam Rothwell and Judy Anderson.
DATE FOR YOUR CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER CHAPTER MEETING
MONDAY 12, 2022 – 11:30 AM
DARCY’S RESTAURANT
10502 E SPRAGUE,
SPOKANE VALLEY
SERVICE & OUTREACH Kathy Brooks
Our annual yard sale and potluck was very successful. We once again were able to assist members in decluttering their homes. The items not sold were donated to Value Village on the North side. They were very appreciative.
We are hoping we will be able to provide future retirees with a Pre-Retirement Seminar this coming Spring. Be on the lookout for more information.
Spokane Washington Chapter 32
PO Box 4592
Spokane, WA 99220
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association 32