SamKat: 09/24/16

Trump, Clinton Take Divergent Paths Prepping for First Debate

The approach and strategy of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton heading into their first debate are as divergent as the candidates themselves, The New York Times reported.
Clinton is taking the A-student approach, having compiled months of research that will culminate with mock debates all four days heading into Monday night. Trump, on the other hand, has largely eschewed briefs and prep — preferring off-the-cuff responses — and will do a run-through Sunday night only, the Times reported.
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A veteran of nearly 40 debates during her career, Clinton has never dealt with the unpredictability quotient that Trump brings.
To that end, the Times reported that Clinton has multiple people playing the role of Trump in mock debates, preparing for multiple Trumps, not knowing which one might show up.
Meanwhile, Trump prefers not to do 90-minute mock debates.
One similarity is that both campaigns are trying to throw off their candidate. Clinton's debate team hurls insults and attacks at her, preparing for the multiple Trumps they think might show up. Trump's team is getting him prepared for accusations of lying that Clinton is likely to lob.
Which style wins out? It's about substance, writes syndicated columnist Patrick Buchanan: Trump only needs to meet and exceed expectations that are not all that high.
"Specifically, what does Trump need to do? He needs to show that he can be presidential. He needs to speak with confidence, but not cockiness, and to deal with Clinton's attacks directly, but with dignity and not disrespect. And humor always helps," Buchanan said.
It will all unfold Monday night at 9 p.m. on NBC at Hofstra University.
© 2016 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

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NARFE Legislative Hotline September 23, 2016 RE:MEDICAREPT B REMINDER

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Kanzurem@aol.com

11:26 PM (9 hours ago)

to jan.gutierrez4., kurtel1, me, mac.g.mcconkey2, margectr, jknowl21, pdanielmba2

Jan, please read the Medicare Part B "Hold Harmless" Reminder. Click where indicate to write our congressman and the two senators the letter shown to vote against this 22% increase in the Medicare Pt B Premium for all Civil Service Retirees. You have to read the letter to find this in it.

VA Congressman: Donald Beyer (D), Senators; Mark Warner (D) and Senator Tim Kaine (D).

We still do not know what percentage of an increase in the COLA will be as yet; but per this letter it is small and no matter how much it is, the Medicare Pt B premium can increase up to 22% or more.

So please be sure to read this article, letter and send in your reply asap. Marge

From: leg@narfe.org
To: KANZUREM@AOL.COM
Sent: 9/23/2016 10:35:12 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: NARFE Legislative Hotline September 23, 2016

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NARFE Headquarters

September 23, 2016

Message from NARFE President Richard G. Thissen

“This week, while Congress still works toward passing a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open, our staff has been meeting with legislators and pushing the NARFE legislative agenda. I also had the terrific opportunity to attend the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals -- or ‘Sammies’ -- awards ceremony. NARFE is proud to be part of this wonderful event honoring the best of the federal workforce. The Sammies illustrate the excellence that is present throughout the civil service.”

Congress Working To Pass a Continuing Resolution

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, unveiled a continuing resolution that would fund the government through December 9. It included spending for battling Zika; for veterans’ affairs; and for flood relief in Louisiana, West Virginia and Maryland. McConnell said the Senate will have four days to review the resolution before it votes early next week.

Senate Democrats have spoken out against the resolution, particularly because it does not include funding for the water crisis in Flint, MI. Negotiations are expected to take place over the weekend. The House is expected to take up the resolution next week, after the Senate votes.

Neither chamber is set to return to Capitol Hill until Tuesday, so it’s likely the funding debate will stretch late into next week, brushing up against the September 30 deadline.

Long-Term Care Insurance Decision Date Coming Soon

Don’t forget! Enrollees have until September 30 to make a decision about their Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) policies. Don’t be faced with a steep premium increase you may not be able to afford. If you do not confirm your decision by September 30, you will be subject to the increased premium, and your coverage will remain the same.

NARFE is continuing to push for a congressional hearing on the premium increases. A hearing has been tentatively scheduled by the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for November or December. The latest information on the increases is available here. Members are encouraged to write their legislators about the significant increases. A template letter is available here.

2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Results

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released the results of the 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) this week. The survey results covered two major indices – Employee Engagement and Global Job Satisfaction across the federal government – both of which are used to improve overall engagement and employee satisfaction at federal agencies.

The 2016 FEVS was administered to 407,789 employees representing 80 federal agencies of varying sizes. For the second year in a row, there was a 1 percent improvement in both of the indices. This broke the previous four-year decline. The results also show increases at agencies that previously scored high, as well as increases at other agencies that are working to improve their employee engagement scores.

The news release by OPM can be found here. OPM plans to release detailed results of the survey in early October.

Medicare Part B ‘Hold Harmless’ Reminder

The cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for 2017 is set to be released on October 18. A small COLA could have significant implications for those who pay their Medicare Part B premiums from something other than their Social Security benefits, such as their Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) annuities. Please send an action letter to your members of Congress, alerting them to this possibility and asking them to prevent a sharp increase in your Medicare premiums simply because you are not held harmless.

Planning for Down Ballot Elections and Policy Impact

Unlike Congress, there is significant turnover in state legislatures. Voluntary retirement, term limits and primary defeats create openings for NARFE members to have substantial impact. NARFE’s Legislative Action Centercan show you the incumbents and Ballotpedia can show you everything that will be on your ballot and allow you to easily search for rich detail on every candidate. A candidate forum conducted by one or more chapters could pay dividends as immediately as the 2017 legislative session as well as in the future as you build relationships with your representatives.

Make Your Voice Heard in Congress

NARFE members are encouraged to use the Legislative Action Center to easily send letters to members of Congress on a variety of NARFE issues, submit letters to the editors to local newspapers and track NARFE-related bills and votes.

Obtaining the Hotline

This weekly legislative message is emailed to NARFE members, posted on the NARFE website, www.narfe.org, and available to NARFE members via telephone (703-838-7780 and toll-free at 1-877-217-8234). Past editions are archived for NARFE member access. If you have any questions regarding the information in this Hotline, please email NARFE’s Legislative Department at leg@narfe.org or call 703-838-7760.

To stop receiving these messages, please CLICK HERE.

www.NARFE.org

NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association)
606 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: (703) 838-7760, Fax: (703) 838-7785.