NARFE 2247 NEWS #32

PRES. Joseph A. Beaudoin, NARFE National HQ

Saturday, May7,2011

The Senate is about to vote on a disastrous budget proposal that would slash federal pay and retirement by $375 billion over 10 years. We need to speak out now.

A few weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed a budget proposal that would cut 10 percent of the federal work force, reduce pay, and jeopardize benefits for those who have already retired. It’s an unfair attack that singles out the federal workers who protect our nation every day.

I just sent a letter to all senators telling them to vote “No” on the House budget proposal. Will you add your name to mine and send a letter today?

Visit our newly updated www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org website and send your letter now.

America’s federal employees perform important jobs that demand skill and dedication – and they’ve been doing more with less. Twenty years ago, in 1989, there was one federal employee for every 110 residents in the United States. Today, there’s one for every 147 residents.

Please send your letter now by going to:

www.ProtectAmericasHeartbeat.org

Cece Dougherty

Finally some very good news; Cece is able to speak now and is staying awake most of the day. She is still being treated for a MRSA infection and a cough, but her lungs are clear and her future is much brighter.
The family wants to thank everyone for their concern, cards and prayers.
Visitor are still not allowed, but that may change in the near future.

Cece Dougherty

Finally some very good news; Cece is able to speak now and is staying awake most of the day. She is still being treated for a MRSA infection and a cough, but her lungs are clear and her future is much brighter.
The family wants to thank everyone for their concern, cards and prayers.
Visitor are still not allowed, but that may change in the near future.

Cece Dougherty

Cece has been moved to Florida Hospital, Oceanside (on AIA) where she will receive basic therapy. She is making progress, and the family is very positive about her recovery. There is still a no visitation rule in place, but hopefully that will be removed in the future.

Cards are not necessary. Prayers and positive thoughts are appreciated.

LEGISLATION:

My sincere hope was that we would have a National Budget and no Government Shutdown by the time I wrote this newsletter. However, there is no budget!

My hope was also that the budget would reflect a situation where everyone was paying their fair share to reduce the National Debt. That doesn’t seem to be the case either.

Some simple observations: first, the Congress seems to be arguing more about programs and their value than about monies. I thought these programs were passed in good faith in the past, and now it is the responsibility of congress to support these programs. If some Congress persons want to reevaluate a particular program, that should be done at another time. What seems to be happening is just plain mean spirited. The focus should be on money not programs that have been decided on in the past.

Second, the position of House Leader seems to have sunk to an all time low. I actually pity House Speaker John Bohner, R-Ohio. The tea party has divided the conservatives and prevented the Speaker from representing a consensus. Every point requires the tea parties’ approval and then post approval when the next position is taken. They can never seem to come to one uniform conservative position, because they are not true conservatives. The tea party has no feeling for compromise. It is their way or no way.

TRUE LEADERSHIP:

Cece Dougherty had a fall and is presently recovering in the local hospital, but that isn’t the news. The news is the vital part that Cece has played in every single chapter member’s life. I find it difficult to even name all the things she has been involved in, and her very presence gives us inspiration. No job is too small or too large for Cece. She has fought to provide you with interesting and at the same time economical activities both through the year and during the summer. She has worked with food mangers to provide you with the best to be had and in pleasant surroundings. She has managed to obtain extras and coupons on several occasions. We had no event that did not owe its success to the efforts of Cece Dougherty.

In addition to her personal skills, Cece also is accomplished with the computer. She searches out programs and legislative items that needed to be brought to the attention of our members. She could also make her computer work for the chapter by printing the newsletter, letterheads, cards, place settings, and many other items. She designed and produced awards and other items that would add to an event.

Cece is capable of being your President, but that was never one of her ambitions. What she likes to do is plan and carry out activities behind the senses. Cece is a true leader in every sense of the expression.

PROGRAM:

Our speaker for the April meeting will be the new Executive Director of United Way for Volusia and Flagler counties. This will be our first opportunity to meet the new Director, and he will provide us valuable information about some services we might not be aware of in detail.

Marguerite Hiemenz, Program Chair