MIDWEST RALLY

 Friday, May 4, 2007

  Golf Tournament in afternoon

  7:00 pm: Midwest Idol Contest: Winner Tom “Awesome” from WI

  Live entertainment in evening

 Saturday, May 5, 2007

• 2007 MASCOE State Convention
• Call to order: President, Wayne Stickler, called the meeting to order at 8:30 am .
• Invocation: Travis Murray
• Minutes: Rosie Gallagher
• Golf Outing Report “Beer Can Open”: Presentation of golf awards best game, longest drive, etc.
• Membership increased significantly in MI this year.
• Thank you to Kay Lumsden for organizing the rally.
• MI State Executive Director, Nancy Dietz: Has been SED for one year and this is the first convention she has attended.  She introduced the members of the STC present.  Discussed office closure plans and this has not been finished in MI to date.  All factors will be taken into consideration when developing the plan.  There will be many retirements in the next couple of years and new positions will be placed where the most intense need is at.  Training: plans to have more training in the near future.  Her door is always open and encouraged everyone to contact her with concerns.
• Administrative Officer: Maureen Meehan:  Budget: through PP7; have spent 55% of budget which is right where it should be.  She thanked everyone for being conservative and keeping within budget restrictions. For training needs, may use live web meetings in order to save dollars.  Will request travel money when needed.  Suggested purchasing supplies now for the balance of the year; try not to stockpile, but plan ahead. GS budget is also at 55%, so that part is at a good point.  MI is considered fully staffed at this time.  Trying to stay on top of vacancies. Can open a position in the STO before the retirement occurs as long as the job is not offered to anyone specifically before the person retires.  Training: Will put together a list of required training for the COF personnel.  New hires: the new process slows down the process a great deal, but MI is working to make the process go more smoothly.  Current ceiling for MI: GS: 79 COF: 210. MI is filling vacancies as quickly as possible.  Hiring temps is also a difficult process with the homeland security requirements.  DD’s have fingerprint kits to aid in speeding the process.
• RASCOE: Leo Holmstrom:  Started with FSA since 1959 and has been retired for 18 years. Being a member of RASCOE is very important because RASCOE fights for benefits for retired persons.  Retirees do not get tax deductable health benefits at this time. MASCOE members can be an associate member. Membership makes an organization strong.   Send out regular newsletters and meet regularly.   5 Midwest states have organized RASCOE affiliates. WI has 105 members, the largest in the Midwest.  It is difficult to find out when someone retires so they can be contacted for membership in RASCOE. He encouraged everyone to take a brochure and share the information
• NASCOE President: Dan Root:  He thanked MI for the support. He discussed the following items:
• RASCOE: He encouraged everyone to become associate membership.
• NASCOE was formed in 1959 to obtain benefits for FSA employees.  In 1961 congress passed a bill to give employees some of the basic benefits they now have. Mark Van Hoose will run for NASCOE Vice President along with Myron Stroup.
• Thanked everyone for their hard work and support.

• Committee Reports:  All complete reports will be published in the MASCOE newsletter.
• Publicity: Ronda Bozek Smith: One newsletter was sent out, but information has been sent out via email during the year. The new website is up and running with links to NASCOE, etc. Many pictures will be posted.  Discussed sick leave and the states will certify sick time.  This must be certified by state officers, so they cannot be submitted electronically.
• Awards: Kathy Nelson:   List of sick leave awards was handed out to everyone. Scholarships: Thanked the judges for their hard work.  $500 award to Beth Stickler.  One county won a 40 year membership award.
• Webmaster: Rita Mills: Need information to be posted. Would like to start a new theme with the Mackinow Bridge idea.
• Membership: Connie Wilkinson/Ellen Wilson: Ellen reported: has done 2 large mailings in the past year with good success and membership has risen from 51% to 70% .
• Benefits:Kaye Vining: No Report.
• Legislative: Kay Lumsden:  She discussed CAPWIZ and the importance of getting signed up. She handed out the legislative report to all and reviewed it with everyone.  She reviewed the position papers that outlined the following topics:
• FSA and the new Farm Bill, FSA and administering Conservation programs, Elimination of duplication of duties, and employees benefits issues.  All position papers are posted to the NASCOE website. Kay also discussed continuing contacts with legislators.
• Programs: Rosie Gallgher: This is a new committee and Wayne encouraged everyone to utilize this committee: Rosie outlined what the function of the program committee is. There is a direct line to Washington.  An example is the suggestion to use of the 502 excel spread sheets. You can put your suggestions into action. The NASCOE website has the submission form online.
• Emblems: Debbie Diehl: She recently volunteered to chair this committee. You can purchase items all year long from www.thenascoestore.com. 
• Elections:
• Nominations: President: Wayne Stickler was nominated and elected by unanimous vote.
• Vice President: Kay Lumsden was nominated and elected by unanimous vote.
• Secretary/Treasurer: Blane Becktol was nominated and elected by unanimous vote.
• JM Marketing: Jim Mace: passed out packets regarding the new long-term care policies and asked everyone to be sure that they were passed out at the county offices.

 New Business

• Scholarship Committee Recommendation: to request an essay with application.  A motion was passed to require an essay with the scholarships.
• National Convention: Discussed attending the convention.  MASCOE will pay for 2 rooms so that members can attend.
• MASCOE Convention: a motion was approved to delegate the place and time for next year’s convention to be decided by the Executive Board.
• The memorandum of understanding: with the STC will be done at the next Executive meeting.
• Adjournment: 9:45 am

• MIDWEST RALLY
• Call to Order: 10:00 am by Mark Van Hoose, Midwest Area Executive
• Color Guard: Scout Troop #570 from Caro MI
• National Anthem: Deborah Esselman-Baird-WI
• Welcome: Wayne Stickler, MASCOE President: Welcomed everyone to the Wolverine State and gave some interesting facts regarding Michigan.  Mackinow Bridge is over 5 miles long and one of the longest suspension bridges in this country.  Michigan touches 4 out of 5 of the great lakes. He hoped everyone will have a good time while on their stay in MI.
• Invocation: Travis Murray
• Nancy Dietz, MI State Executive Director:  She understands how difficult work has been for the past several months for all COF’s and Washington is aware of the problems that have been encountered.  It is very important to be sure all paperwork is done properly and reports coming in so far have been very favorable and everyone is doing a great job.  She urged everyone to continue interest in the employee organization and their jobs for FSA. The producers are the most important factor in our jobs and they must feel like they are a priority for FSA, which they are.  She thanked everyone for the great job they are doing.
• JM Marketing, Jim Mace:  Now the second largest marketing company in the nation at this time.  He discussed the following:
• Dental Insurance.  Open enrollment is in September.  There will be a letter to all employees stating that if they are in the federal dental program, they can enroll in this program in January.  This program pays in addition to any other dental insurance that you may have. In another state, a list was provided of all non-members to show the benefits of membership.  JM Marketing will send a packet out if requested.
• Retiring: please contact the company so that billing can be sent to home so there is no lapse in coverage. Also be aware if changing from CO to GS, you must be sure to have billing done right in order to maintain coverage.
• Long-Term Care: You can go to www.jmmarketing.biz has information and applications for this benefit.  The American Hospital Association endorsed this program.  There are 112 long term care policies and this is the one they endorse. He described the coverage available under this policy.
• Will be introducing a short term heath care policy at the National Convention.  1-5 year commitment and a national health plan with about a $1000 deductible.  This can be used as an interim policy. Approximately $69 per month will be the cost.
• PAC: Mark Van Hoose: This was an educational discussion only, not a request for any money.  The PAC is important because it supports legislators that will work on behalf of FSA. Tammy has her laptop and can help with getting signed up for payroll deduction. She will also sign anyone up for CAPWIZ
• Door Prizes were handed out and Raffle tickets are available for the National Convention.

• FSA Administrator, Teresa Lasseter: She said that she truly understands the importance of NASCOE to obtain benefits for the employees.  She discussed the following:
• Office restructuring: FSA Tomorrow was put aside just before she was appointed as administrator.  She felt that plan was not feasible. As she became more familiar with the budget and needs of farmers, it was evident that restructuring was necessary. There are many reasons why we need to restructure, but we must keep in mind that service to our farmers must be the main focus. In Georgia there are 159 counties and they want all the offices just as bad as any other employees and farmers. She does not take pleasure in closing offices, but FSA must restructure to meet the demands of budget constraints. She allowed the states to develop their own plan.  There are about 30 plans submitted.  Proposal to consolidate 135 counties at this time.  There are about 200 offices that need to be closed.  58 offices have no employees at this time.  We cannot close those offices until certain requirements are met. Congress passed laws that outline specific guidelines and that process is: State develops the plan-Washington-DAFO reviews plan for good business sense-If ok, back to state and set up visits with associated congressionals in states that would be affected-the state sets up public meetings-state reviews the plan again after meetings and do any changes that might result from public meetings and then submit final plan to Washington-if approved by Washington-the Secretary notifies the congressionals of 120 days the offices will close. Alaska closed 2 offices to date. At this time, there is a bill introduced to review national and headquarters offices prior to closing any offices. There is another bill that has about 10 legislators signed on that would prevent any offices from closing prior to the new farm bill.  She feels that we should get positioned before the new farm bill.
• Computers (IT): The problems are related to budget. We must have a long-term plan regarding IT.  In 2003, there were proposals to update, but this is a very expensive project.  She feels we need to offices set up before we spend more money on IT.  She wants the offices to be staffed with enough people to do the job right with good equipment.
• Budget: The 2007 allocations have been sent out to the state. We are officially under a continuing resolution for the balance of the year.   We have saved some money to date and might be able to use it in other places, but she wants the states to have the flexibility to use the money where needed, so the full appropriation was sent to the states.
• Improper payments: COR reviews are currently being done in the states. There are 7 programs, disaster, MILC, NAP, DCP, CRP, Marketing Loans and LDP’s.  She commended everyone on the improvements made, but we must remain diligent in filling out forms properly.
• Breach of Security: Social security numbers were used in farm loan programs file numbers and published on websites.    The person who complained was contacted regarding the published numbers and she reported that over 28,000 numbers were online.  The numbers were taken off-line that same day.  Rural Development was also part of this system. All people involved were notified. She asked everyone to report any type of situation like this immediately so we can protect our customers. We cannot allow any type of breach of security that would compromise our customers.
• House meetings:  The Undersecretary, FSA Administrator and assistants went to the Hill and were questioned by the House Ag Appropriations Committee. There are budget restraints that we must work within, but we must provide the very best service we can.
• NAIP Imagery: The task force put together for IT problems detailed the need for $20 million to fix things on an immediate basis. The budget did not have this allocated, so NAIP had to be sacrificed in order to pay for the IT needs. Not sure where any more money may come from. There are some proposals regarding funding, but nothing is decided at this time.
• Assistant to the Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs, Craig Trimm:  He has been in this position for about 1 ½ years. He was able to meet with Program Technicians in a local office to get input on check-sheets, etc.  He wanted to make a difference when he went to Washington.  The CRP worksheet is to be revised. The task force was instructed to develop the check-sheets as a solution to a problem.   He discussed the following:
• The Improper Payment Information Act was passed in 2002 and we are all in this together to be sure payments are issued correctly.    He encouraged specialists to go out into the field and get first-hand knowledge about the process and it is a reality check to understand what is actually happening in the field. In many cases, if employees had been told how to do their jobs better, we would not have had such problems with improper payments. We need to get back to the basics and do the job right.
• NASCOE: He understands the importance of the employee association and that we must always remember our farmers and the service we provide.
• Payment Limitation: We must have data collection in order to comply with actively engaged and person rules. Discussed using Social Security numbers for trusts.
• Will have a cash rent statement that can be used at the offices sent out by Washington.
• Cash leases for DCP: Notice 172, gave specific CFR rules regarding dollars and production and this can cause problems with DCP rules. Owner must have a share in the contract if they have any risk in production.  Clarifications will be sent out electronically.
• CRP: If there are no other changes other than a recon, must get a new contract and all new signatures. This is being discussed at national level before the amendment is released.  We should not need new contract if just a farm number has been done.  We need to do corrections, but the basic contract has not been amended, we should have to obtain all new signatures.
• CRESS Software: eligibility flags will only be checked when payments are issued, not for cost-share payments.
• GRP Handbook is being worked on currently by FSA and NRCS.
• CCC-770: FSA must prove that payments are issued properly.  The check-sheets are necessary to be sure we do the job right. We must get eligibility corrected and then most payments should be done properly.  The check-sheets insure that all required steps have been followed.
• AD-1026A: this is used to support information used on the CCC-502. We must be sure to detail share-rents and cash rents.  They are looking into using some type of informational form that could be used with the CCC-502 because the AD-1026 does not list share-rent, etc.
• Disaster: have only seen the proposals. Will have to wait until legislation in passed in order to know what will need to be done.
• Measurement Service Fees: using farm number where the commodity is stored. We must be sure to measure commodity correctly. Fees are $30 per farm and charges per hour.
• MILC: a recommendation was made to pay quarterly when payments are small.  At this time, it must be done monthly. A notice has been issued when dealing with some of the MILC corrections. Washington is working with Kansas City to get the correction software done.
• System 36: have to look for parts to fix it. E-gov is still being considered an important tool.
• RMA: Date Sharing: Washington is working on software that will be compatible between RMA and FSA.
• DCP: August 3 deadline extension: Hopefully this will be helpful to the COF’s.  Some offices can do DCP and then the crop report at different times.

• Banquet Luncheon
• Awards: Distinguished Service Award to NASCOE: Rosie Kahl, IA
•   DSA-Community: Diane Collier, IL
•   DSA-FSA Ag: Jean Finch, IA
•   Best Newsletter: Tammy Eibey, IA
•   Best Human Interest Story: Charlene Neukomn, IL

   Best Humor Story: Roseann Warner, IA

   Best Newsletter Single Issue: Tammy Eibey, IA

   Best Website: Deb Esselman-Baird, WI

The following won the national competition and will receive their awards at the national convention:

   Best Humor Story: Roseann Warner, IA

   Best Human Interest Story: Charlene Neukomn, IL

   Best Website: Deb Esselman-Baird, WI

• NASCOE President-Dan Root: He introduced himself and talked about his county in Minnesota.  He is the CED at Freeborn County. He discussed the following items:
• Membership: NASCOE at 84% membership.  Midwest is at 88%.  He encouraged states to reach out to new employees and let them know about NASCOE.
• State Plans: Office consolidations have been a topic for a long time. Currently there are 30 plans submitted and each state’s plan is individualized for that state.  Savings must be reinvested back to the states and counties. NASCOE will assist and support plans if the state association approves their plans.  State Offices need to be examined for possible streamlining.
• Farm Bill: No one knows what the final bill will be.  Budget will drive the final version.  It is exciting for an association to be involved in the process.
• Reassignment of Conservation duties-FSA should administer conservation programs. But we will also need the resources to achieve that goal.  NASCOE supports a moratorium on offices closures that has been introduced by congress.  Should wait for the new farm bill before closing any offices.
• Duplication of Services: FSA wants duplication eliminated. FSA should be the agency for data gathering and this could be disseminated to other agencies.  Baseline staffing: asked for a baseline of 9,800 employees to administer the new farm bill.  This will probably meet resistance in Washington.
• Partnership: NASCOE has started working with National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). Krista Harden, CEO for NACD, was very willing to meet with NASCOE to discuss conservation issues. If negotiations don’t go the way NASCOE hopes, NASCOE will withdraw from negotiations.
• PAC: We need to provide education regarding the PAC so members can make an informed decision regarding participation.
• Whistleblower Protection: CO, Title 7, employees are not covered by this Act.  NASCOE is working on getting legislation to correct this situation.
• Pride in our jobs: We need to be proud of what we do. We serve the best group of people in the country, the American farmers.  We are accountable for our jobs and we must do our jobs in the best manner possible.  We can administer programs for as little as 5%. NRCS is currently administering EQIP, etc for about 30%.   Actually have .8% of payments as erroneous, not the original 11%.  Ms. Lasseter has really gone to bat for us and we must continue to do our best. He believes that we have a future to look forward to with the new farm bill.
• “Determine that the thing can and shall be done and then we shall find the way”…Abraham Lincoln.  We need to remember this quote and act upon it.

• NAFEC Legislative Consultant-David Senter: Brings greetings from all officers of NAFEC. Dennis Kuhlengel-IL is now the new president of NAFEC.  The officers are all working in the field right now, so they could not be here. Thanked Ms. Lasseter for her comments. He has noticed a difference in FSA since she started as administrator and that is access to her and her office. NAFEC has been very busy in this past year working on the farm bill and FSA’s role in it along with adequate funding.  NAFEC has been very busy with the new state consolidation plans and working with COC’s involved in the process.  In some instances, the FSA office is planned to close, but NRCS will remain open. This is contrary to the Service Center plan and NAFEC feels we must stay with the service center concept.  In many cases, there is very little savings in dollars by closing offices.   There are some offices that can and should be closed. Plans in some states are working very well and these states had employee associations, NAFEC and farmer groups involved in the process. Some states just develop plans and drop them on employees and the farmers.  In those states, there is the most animosity regarding the plans. There is a plan to put a moratorium on closing offices prior to the enactment of the new farm bill.  This is gaining support with farm groups and other legislators. Congress is working on the farm bill and it is hard to predict what the final result will be. There may be additional programs that could cause workload for some of the low workload counties.  The new web-based programs are causing major problems with breaches in security, lack of consistency and lack of accessibility. Technology must be in place and reliable before we are expected to use it because it causes far more problems to fix things.  Rural America is still in its infancy in IT technology. We must now downsize and let employees go before IT is in place and working properly.  NAFEC will support whatever IT needs that FSA will request but they will also lobby for adequate salaries for employees.  A survey was done in some states, there were situations that employees could not discuss office closures on their own time and NAFEC upholds the first amendment rights of freedom of speech.
• USDA Military Tribute: Deb Esselman-Baird
• Rally adjourned at 3:00 pm
• Midwest Business Meeting Minutes will be posted to the Midwest Area Website.
• Respectfully submitted,
• Deb Esselman-Baird-WI