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Vice-President’s Report The Farm Bill has arrived! While we’re all busy at the counter with crop reporting, DCP signups, and making “sure” we don’t forget SURE, there’s a lot going on with TASCOE too.
As for the Farm Bill, no one would care to wager whether or not we will get one by April 18. But, one thing that was apparent is that we will continue to see changes in the role FSA’s plays in carrying out the Farm Bill. After some very uncertain weeks of debate and clerical errors, we did get a Farm Bill. As FSA employees, we often associate change with negativity. However, positive opportunities can also be a part of change. The true impact of the new disaster programs (SURE) is uncertain as there are obviously pro’s and con’s involving this program. In my 16 years with the agency, I’ve never heard anyone say that we’ve had the perfect Farm Bill; this one is no exception. USDA Re-Organization became an issue during the initial phases of Farm Bill development. We are unsure of what the proposed plan involves, but NASCOE’s leadership feels that it is vitally important that we be proactive in thinking about how we want to react to any ideas of re-organization that could include mergers of agencies within USDA. There are a lot of uncertainties about the direction Congress will take when considering this issue. There is no predetermined NASCOE plan of action. No decision has been made. However, NASCOE’s leadership wants input and feedback on the way our association should pose itself when, or if, we are asked to provide NASCOE’s position on USDA Re-Organization. A good source of information on this matter can be found on WWW.NASCOE.ORG. The Southeast Area discussed and adopted a resolution stating our position. Below are 3 criteria that SEA is recommending NASCOE’s leadership to consider when developing NASCOE’s position, if a position is required: 1) The County Committee system must remain in place and unchanged; We all need to be gearing up for the 2008 TASCOE Convention in September. One of the highlights that we are working on is a seminar for employee benefits. Too often, we consider this type of training only necessary for employees nearing retirement. However, after attending a benefits session in St. Simons, it became obvious that new employees, mid-career employees, and employees nearing retirement all need to be informed of vital information that pertains to investments and retirement, during all stages of their careers. Efforts are currently underway to finalize plans for such a seminar at this year’s convention. If successful, we plan on proposing another session next year. Stayed tuned to www.tascoe.com for more details on this benefits training. With our hosting of the 2009 National Convention just around the corner, we need EVERYONE’S help. Volunteering for a committee or getting involved with fundraising efforts would be an excellent way to show your support in making this the best ever National Convention, as we celebrate NASCOE’s 50th. Convention back in Tennessee. In conclusion, I would like to ask that all counties try to help keep our TASCOE Photo Directory up to date. It’s simple. If office staff changes, just snap me a digital picture and send me an email with a listing of employees shown. We’ve had a lot of positive comments about the directory. Let’s keep it updated. Respectfully submitted,
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After returning from the All South Rally in St. Simons, Georgia March 26-30, I have been thinking about what I should be reporting back to our members in Tennessee. The re-occurring themes were the Farm Bill (to be, or not to be), USDA Re-Organization, and Employee Benefits.