Betty Lucero-Turner, President Pro-Tem
Colorado Federation of Chapters

     We will shortly be entering 2009, and I hope you are aware of how important it is for you to actively contribute to NARFE’s effort to maintain its strength.  In his report to the National Convention held September 7-11, 2008, NARFE Legislative Director, Dan Adcock, issued a warning:  A “perfect storm” is gathering that threatens federal retirement benefits.  He ticked off a long list of warning signs: the $400 billion federal deficit, the credit crisis and associated foreclosures and bank bailouts, the prospect of higher unemployment, the expense of waging two wars, the decline of retirement and health benefits in the private sector, the retirement of the baby boomer generation, and a recession that would depress tax revenue and increase the federal deficit.  Federal and military retirement benefits and other entitlement programs – such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – are in the path of the legislative storm that Adcock predicted.  Congressional attempts to overhaul entitlement programs are likely to take place in 2009 because politicians like to take unpopular steps early in their terms.  Bills are often brought to the floor of the House and Senate with little notice so that groups like NARFE don’t have time to muster a grass-roots defense.

     Many members and prospective members don’t realize their benefits are at risk.  The vast majority of current federal employees and retirees give little or no thought or concern to the preservation of their benefits – oblivious to the reality that their assets will surely erode if left exposed to political forces.  A NARFE poll found that 41 percent of federal employees erroneously believe that the federal government does not have the ability to change their retirement benefits.  Every year, Congress generates a federal budget that sets forth total levels of spending.  Funding for our federal benefits is dependent on this process. It is important to know that Congress has the power to make changes to federal benefits at any time.  The perfect storm is brewing and our fear should be that in the not to distant future, lawmakers may be looking to cut federal retirement benefits in response to these warning signs that are putting a strain on the budget.

     How can you help?    Recruitment at the grass roots level is still the most effective way to get new members.  I am asking you to commit to reach out and recruit just one federal employee or retiree.  If you do this, we become one more member stronger in political clout.  You can also help our cause by getting active with your Chapter -- running as an officer, volunteering for any of your Chapter’s committees, or contributing to NARFE-PAC.    Don’t keep depending on the other NARFE member to carry this association – it’s time for you to step up to the plate!  Let’s do whatever we need to make sure our benefits are not diminished in 2009!!