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Area Committeepersons: Northeast AreaRob Gallinger Midwest AreaTony Augustine Southeast AreaPatricia Sorensen Northwest AreaPaula Reed Southwest AreaDarin Slack

FARM BILL REPORT	TALKING POINTS FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Introduction to FSA and NASCOE	Talking Points - Next Farm Bill
FSA and the Next Farm Bill	CapWiz Congressman Search
FSA & Efficient Conservation Title Implementation	Talking Points - FSA Efficient Conservation Title Implementation
NASCOE CapWiz "Tell A Friend"	National Animal Identification System (NAIS)
USDA Modernization	Legislative Conference Pictures
Benefits papers

NOTE: See Committees Page for where to submit individual forms.

Legislative Committee Report
NASCOE Organizational Meeting
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
September 19-20, 2008

The Legislative Committee has been monitoring farm bill information, FERS sick leave bill, and looking into the future of the possibility of Reorganization since our last session at the National Convention in Omaha.

Successes:

Our successes this past year have been many. Going into the Farm Bill over a year ago, it appeared we were facing the possible elimination of Direct/Countercyclical Payments; Loans/LDP’s; Compliance was scaled back, and with the higher commodity prices, the possible threat of pulling out of CRP and/or the elimination of the program. Also, at this time the media was very tough and negative to our programs that we implement. FSA maintained its position in all current program areas. In addition, FSA was assigned the ACRE program and the permanent disaster title responsibilities along with several other responsibilities. A detailed list of farm bill accomplishments is available on the web. These accomplishments were way more than we ever anticipated when the farm bill process started over a year ago. We are thankful for that and for Bob Redding positioning NASCOE to be successful! This was a credit to our membership getting the message out and using our CAPWIZ program. In addition, we have steadily increased our PAC contributions which have enabled NASCOE to help support those congressional members that support our views. Bob Redding continues to stress the importance of CapWiz and Pac growth.

Goals for 2008-2009:

1. Continue to monitor Reorganization and pursue in any reorganization those items that were identified by membership as priority areas.
2. 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.
3. Continue to follow and support the FERS Sick Leave bill (H.R. 1108 and companion S.B. 625) as well as other Benefit issues affecting membership.
4. Continue to have conference calls with the Legislative Committee when needed (at least quarterly) and work with Consultant Bob Redding.
5. Continue recruiting membership on CAPWIZ . CAPWIZ is crucial to get our message across to membership in a timely manner. Our goal is another 10% increase in participation.
6.  PAC is crucial to help legislators carry our message and compete against those that oppose our views. Continue to have Area Execs carry the message when attending State and Area Conventions with computer access to take signups.

Our goal is to double payroll allotments by the National Convention in Gatlinburg.

1. Coordinate information to NAFEC and RASCOE to help NASCOE’s cause.
2. Keep Web Page updated with important information for membership and Congressional staffers to use to keep current with issues.
3. Continue establishing new Coalition Partners and working with existing Coalition Partners to promote our mission and cause.
4. Update Assigned duties for the Area Legislative Chairs for the 2008-2009 Legislative Year.

Recommendations by the Legislative Committee Approved by the Executive Board :

1. The consensus of the Legislative meetings was that the Legislative expenditures were of the utmost importance and should be a priority over other expenditures. Recommend a full legislative conference in conjunction with Reorganization legislation movement and Bob Redding’s recommendation.

2. In regards to Reorganization, the group established areas of Priority based on discussion from all the Area meetings. The group recommends a White paper on Reorganization be prepared with the following areas of priority:

1. Conservation Administration
2. Eliminating duplicative processes in USDA (ex: acreage reporting and yield data)
3. Premise registration and Animal ID
4. Crop insurance loss adjustment
5. Elimination of roadblocks to allow single acquisition of computer equipment, software, copiers, and leasing at the Service Center level.

3. Request a $250 incentive for the state with the largest percentage increase in PAC participation between August 1, 2008 and the 2009 National Convention.

4. Recommend a Legislative organizational meeting only be held every other year and preferably opposite of a full Legislative conference.

5. Request approval of the 2008-2009 legislative committee budget.

Respectfully Submitted,

Loren Nelson and Mike Mayfield

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