01/13/2021
January 12, 2021
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This issue of NARFE NewsLine is provided to you as a member of NARFE. Please share this newsletter with your federal colleagues and friends!
A Message From NARFE President Ken Thomas
Last week's senseless violence in Washington, D.C., is a stark reminder that the threads that hold our democracy together are fragile. NARFE condemns that violence, which took American lives and threatened the security of our elected officials and their staff. Federal workers were put in harm's way, directly or indirectly, as a result of this mob action.
While our country has survived division, turmoil, and strife, the return of such in the 21st century is astonishing and terrible. But we must move forward with the important business of government; by all measures, we should be navigating a peaceful transition of power.
I am certain our nation will endure, thanks to our steadfast, nonpartisan civil servants, who continue to fulfill their mission in these trying times.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
To access the complete articles and other advocacy updates, visit NARFE's Advocacy Homepage.
Tell Your Representative to Cosponsor New WEP/GPO Repeal Bill
On January 4, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-IL, reintroduced the latest iteration of legislation to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions cut the earned Social Security benefits of federal retirees and their surviving spouses. The Social Security Fairness Act of 2021, H.R. 82, would fully repeal both provisions, which, together, affect over 2.5 million people nationwide.
Visit NARFE's Legislative Action Center to urge your Representative to cosponsor this important legislation. READ MORE
FEDERAL BENEFITS UPDATE
OPM Issues Guidance on Higher Annual Leave Carryover Limit
The FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included a provision allowing certain federal employees to carry over an additional 25 percent of their annual leave into 2021. Typically, federal employees can carry over up to 240 hours of annual leave in a calendar year. The provision would allow most eligible employees to carry over 300 hours. READ MORE
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NARFE NEWS
Register for This Week's NARFE Webinar - Expecting the Unexpected: What We Learned From the Pandemic
As 2021 begins, many of the challenges of 2020 remain.
Join federal benefits experts Tammy Flanagan and Micah Shilanski at 2 p.m. ET this Thursday, January 14, as they discuss the consequences of the pandemic for federal employees and retirees, and what you can do to ensure your personal stability now and in the future.
Topics include paying taxes on CARES Act 2020 loans and withdrawals, the impact of the pandemic on the future of Social Security benefits, and how federal retirement processing was affected by the pandemic.
With a bit of planning and some good advice from these experts, you can set yourself up for success in 2021. Click here to register today.
This webinar is free for NARFE members, but you must register in advance. The nonmember registration fee is $48 and includes one year of NARFE membership.
Enter NARFE's 2021 Photo Contest
Capture the image that conveys your interpretation of the phrase "Greetings From the USA," and submit it to the 2021 NARFE Photo Contest. Winning photos will be featured in the 2022 NARFE Calendar.
Submissions will be accepted from now through April 2.
All NARFE members in good standing, except for those who are professional photographers, are eligible to enter. READ MORE
Fall Membership Drive 2020: Thank You for Helping Us Grow
As we wrapped up a very challenging 2020, NARFE was able to end the year on a high note. We would like to thank the nearly 200 NARFE members who helped us recruit more than 300 new members during the NARFE Fall Membership Drive. This achievement was even more remarkable because members found ways to recruit despite a public health emergency that limited their ability to make personal connections with prospective members.
The following recruiters (chosen at random) received one of our contest prizes:
Grand prize (Kindle Fire tablet) - Marianne Polo
Monthly prizes (Amazon gift card) - Mary Burkett, Rebecca Price, Yoggi Riley and Nancy Story
To all of our members who participated, we thank you again for your support and for your commitment to help us grow. As an organization, we are stronger, and so is our voice in Washington, because of you.
Follow NARFE on Social Media
Are you taking advantage of all of NARFE's channels of communication? Every member of NARFE receives a copy of NARFE Magazine in the mail, and if you're reading this, you're getting NARFE's weekly electronic news digest, NewsLine. But did you know that NARFE is on social media, too?
Find us on Facebook and Twitter as NARFEHQ. You can also find us on LinkedIn as NARFE.
Follow us on these social media accounts to stay updated on issues and information important to NARFE members-and don't forget to share NARFE posts that you like with your friends and colleagues.
FEDERAL BENEFITS QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Contributions to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund
Q: I am a federal employee with Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) retirement coverage. My spouse works in the private sector. Is there any limitation on my pension or her Social Security benefits after we both retire? That is, would she collect a reduced amount because of my CSRS pension, or vice versa? READ THE ANSWER HERE
FEDERAL UPDATE
What Democrats' Senate Majority Means for Federal Agencies
Government Executive
*Article features comments by NARFE Staff Vice President for Policy and Programs Jessica Klement
A twin set of victories in the Georgia runoff elections has given Democrats control of the Senate in the 117th Congress, setting the stage for new priorities and legislation that could dramatically impact oversight of federal agencies and the employees who work for them. READ MORE
OPM Failed to Issue Guidance for D.C. Federal Workers During Insurrection
Government Executive
The agency responsible for closing or delaying the openings of federal facilities in the Washington, D.C., area was nearly silent in the days leading up to Wednesday's insurrection by violent Trump supporters seeking to overturn the results of November's presidential election. READ MORE
HEALTH
Japan Has Found a New Covid Variant. Here's How It Compares to Virus Strains in the UK, South Africa
CNBC
Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases on Sunday said it had detected a new variant of the coronavirus in four travelers arriving from Brazil.
The newly discovered mutant strain of Covid-19 was found to share some of the mutations in common with those of concern for increased infectivity, the institute said, referring to highly infectious variants recently discovered in the U.K. and South Africa. READ MORE
FINANCES
A Marriage Starter Plan for Finances: Even If You're Late to the Party
Kiplinger
Finances are one of the biggest points of contention for many married couples. When partners don't agree about spending habits, how much to save and how to handle paying off debt, it can lead to stress, arguments and resentment.
It's easier to stay on the same page when you're clear about what your goals are. READ MORE
CONSUMER TIPS
Snow Removal Tips and Tools
KSKD St. Louis
Nothing powers through the remnants of a winter storm quite like a snow blower. But they're an investment, often costing hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars, so you want to make the right choice. READ MORE
NARFE NewsLine
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National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
606 N. Washington St. | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 703-838-7760 | new.narfe.org
NewsLine Editor: Evan Dean
Advertising: Anita Nelson
NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association)
606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 838-7760, Fax: (703) 838-7785
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