dec 2011 wash report

8/3/2019 DEC 2011 Wash Report

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Copyright NAPO 2011. All rights reserved.

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RReepprreesseennttiinngg AAmmeerriiccaass FFiinneessttDecember 1, 2011NAPO LOBBIES HELICOPTER NOISE RELIEF

In October, NAPO contacted Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA) concerning a provisionin his bill, The Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act of 2011, (H.R. 2677).

This legislation contains regulations that aim to reduce helicopter noise in residential areas.However, section two, sub-paragraph B of H.R. 2677 states the Administrator may exempthelicopter operations related to emergency, law enforcement, or military activities from

requirements . . . we believe the language needs to be changed so as not to have anadverse effect on law enforcement. NAPO proposes that the language of the legislation bechanged from may exempt to shall exempt.

NAPO agrees with the intent of Congressman Bermans underlying bill; it is important forhelicopter operators to fly safely while minimizing noise impact on the surroundingcommunities. Equally important is the ability of first responders to preserve public safety.NAPO was successful in its lobbying efforts, working with Congressman Berman and hisstaff, to strengthen the exemption language without undermining the underlying objective ofthe bill.

Similar legislation has been introduced as an amendment in the Senate by Senator CharlesSchumer (D-NY), this time affecting New York State. NAPO is working to add this change tothe language of his amendment. NAPO appreciates efforts to address the helicopter noiseproblem throughout our communities but at the same time we will work to ensure Capitol Hillis cognizant of the legitimate needs of local law enforcement.

MINIBUS SPENDING PACKAGE SENT TO PRESIDENT OBAMA

On November 17, 2011, both the House (298-121) and the Senate (70-30) cleared the firstspending package for FY12, H.R. 2112. This was done in advance of the November 18 th self-imposed deadline and also extends the current budget resolution through December 16th.

Included in the minibus are three appropriations bills; Agriculture, Commerce-Justice andScience (CJS) and Transportation-HUD. Prior to the final vote on the package the twochambers met in conference negotiations over the amount. During the Summer the HouseAppropriations Committee passed their version of the FY12 CJS spending bill without fundingfor the COPS Program.

The Senate allocated $200 million for the COPS Hiring Program in September. Theconference reported out $166 million in COPS Hiring funds. It is important to note that there


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is a 25% match requested from the departments and a cap of $125,000 for salaries. TheByrne JAG program received $470 million but after carve-outs the new amount is $325million. $25 million was directed to the Bulletproof Vest Program and $2 million was awardedto VALOR; Preventing Violence Against Law Enforcement and Ensuring Officer Resilienceand Survivability.

NAPO continues our efforts to educate members on the importance of these programs and tolobby for increased funding. We will maintain our efforts to secure FY12 funds to benefit lawenforcement through the Department of Homeland Security grants.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT

NAPOS LABOR RIGHTS SEMINAR AND OHIO VICTORY

On October 24th and 25th NAPO hosted our National Labor Rights Seminar in Orlando,Florida. There were almost 100 members in attendance. The agenda included breakoutworking groups resulting in best practice solutions and communications plans onimplementation of action items. NAPO would like to extend a special thanks to the following

NAPO presenters; Rob Nixon with the New Jersey State PBA, Terry Gallagher the currentExecutive Director of the Ohio PBA and Jeff Pedicino the incoming Executive Director of theOhio PBA.

The results of the Labor Rights Seminar tied in with the November victory for publicemployees in the State of Ohio. Republican Governor John Kasich supported the removal ofcollective bargaining rights that would affect 350,000 public workers. Over the past fewmonths labor groups, led by the Ohio PBA joined in an effort with teachers and other firstresponders known as We Are Ohio in opposition to the Governors position. The groupcanvassed the streets and worked phone banks to acquire the required number of signaturesto put the issue up for a vote on the November ballot. Governor Kasichs initiative, known asIssue 2, was rejected by the voters; defeating a proposal that would have had a detrimentaleffect on public safety.

The Ohio PBA took the lead to ensure that the ballot language was not convoluted, helping togive the voters a clear signal that a NOvote was appropriate. NAPO President, Tom Neeflew to Ohio to support NAPOs membership. Terry Gallagher spoke on behalf of thecollective bargaining efforts to the media during the election watch event held at theCleveland Airport. On Tuesday, November 15 th members of the Ohio Executive Boardattended a victory rally in Euclid, Ohio. Vice President Biden attended the Euclid event toshow the support of the Administration.

The Ohio victory should serve as a beacon to public workers across the country. Itdemonstrates the political power achieved by the unification of police, firefighters, teachersand citizens to form a united front on collective bargaining attacks.

Ohio continues to face an uphill battle with three additional bills still on the table affectingpensions. Now, more than ever, critical events such as NAPOs Labor Rights Seminar canprovide useful information and facilitate critical information sharing and communicationinitiatives critical to the preservation of collective bargaining.


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IRS NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE

NAPO has been successful at postponing the enactment date for the IRS Normal RetirementAge from January 1, 2009, to 2011 and then to its current date; January 1, 2013. The IRS-issued regulations began in 2007 and would make public pension plans define normalretirement age for public safety officers in regards to in-service distributions as age 50 and

not based on years of service.

It is important to note that a public safety officer can still retire after 20 or 25 years ofservice, even if he has not reached the age of 50, and receive a full, unreduced pensionas long as he serves all employment with the employer who maintains the plan. This wouldno longer be considered normal retirement age, but rather early unreduced retirement.

The IRS normal retirement age is not retroactive. If an officer is already retired or is planningto retire prior to January 1, 2013, the new IRS rule should not affect him or her.

If you would like additional information on the enactment of the IRS Normal Retirement Age

please do not hesitate to contact NAPOs Director of Government Affairs, Rachel Hedge at703-549-0775.

NAPO WELCOMES 10,395 NEW MEMBERS IN 2011

In the month of January we welcomed the Conroe Police and Firefighters' Retirement Fundon board as new members of NAPO with 98 officers. In July, we were able to welcome asnew members the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs with 4,800 members. Also inJuly, NAPO welcomed the Royal Bahamas Police Staff Association on board with 2,200members. The New York State Troopers PBA joined us in November with a force of 3,297.

NAPO PARTNERS WITH FORD FOR THE POLICE APPRECIATION PROGRAM

The Police Appreciation Program for $500 cash back on a Ford or Lincoln has been extendedthrough January 7, 2013. Be sure to advertise this great program to your members. Youwont want them to miss out! All NAPO members who are active or retired officers andresidents of the continental United States are eligible. New in 2012: The offer may be usedup to five times per program year and may be applied to members of the same household(residing at the same address).

Please visitwww.fordspecialoffer.com/police/napofor more information. A new flyer is in theworks. If you are interested in receiving flyers to distribute to your membership, please

contact Nina Kunkel at the NAPO Office at (703) 549-0775 [email protected].

NAPO relies on your assistance to administer the program. Please help by not only informingyour members, but also provide them with your organizations username and password sothey can immediately act on this great deal. The NAPO office can provide you with theseaccess codes, which are unique for each organization, in case you do not already have them.
http://www.fordspecialoffer.com/police/napohttp://www.fordspecialoffer.com/police/napohttp://www.fordspecialoffer.com/police/napomailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.fordspecialoffer.com/police/napo


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Save the Dates!Please Make Note of NAPOs 2012 Events

24th Annual Police, Fire, EMS & Municipal Employee Pension & BenefitsSeminar

Sunday, January 15 Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Caesars Palace -- Las Vegas, Nevada

Annual Legal Rights and Legislative SeminarFriday, May 11, 2012

The Mayflower Hotel -- Washington, District of Columbia

19th Annual TOP COPS AwardsSaturday, May 12, 2012

The Mayflower Hotel -- Washington, District of Columbia

NAPOs 34th Annual Convention

Saturday, July 21 Wednesday, July 25, 2012Palm Beach County Florida

Please visitwww.napo.orgfor detailed event information and exhibiting/sponsorshipopportunities.

Contact us at (800) 322-6276 or via e-mail: [email protected] any questions.
http://www.napo.org/http://www.napo.org/http://www.napo.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.napo.org/

dec 2011 wash report

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