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  • 12 Feb 2020 3:22 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Cards for 2020 are due to be mailed out to members shortly. They were just recently received from national lodge.

  • 26 Jun 2018 3:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Washington Watch: Legislative Update
    For the Week of 18 June 2018
     
    I.Legislative News and Activity  
    II.This Week in Congress
    III.Update on Top Legislative Priorities
    IV.Support the National FOP PAC
    V.Follow the FOP on Twitter! 

     

    I. LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
    National President Chuck Canterbury represented the FOP at the U.S. Department of Justice forum sponsored by Bureau of Justice Assistance on improving police community relations through faith-based initiatives and community actions.

    Senior Advisor to the National President Jim Pasco:

    • Spoke with Jennifer Korn, Special Assistant to the President of the United States, regarding border security and officer safety;
    • Spoke with Steven H. Cook, Associate Deputy Attorney General, regarding the future of Office of Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS);
    • Spoke with Thomas E. Brandon, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding firearm initiatives and interstate cigarette smuggling.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson represented the FOP at a briefing hosted by Steven H. Cook, Associate Deputy Attorney General. U.S. Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions III, Acting Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio and Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy Elizabeth A. Williams all spoke at the briefing.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson met with staff with the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations to discuss their agenda for rest of the session.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Mike Martin:

    • Met with staff in the office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) on Federal officer issues;
    • Met with Judiciary Committee staff for Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) on S. 2794/H.R. 5698, the “Protect and Serve Act.”

    Legislative Liaison Martin spoke with staff in the office of Representative Andre D. Carson (D-IN) regarding Federal officer issues.


    II.  THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
    Action in the House
    The House considered and passed H.R. 5687, the “Securing Opioids and Unused Narcotics with Deliberate Disposable and Packaging Act,” on a 356-3 vote. This bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

    The House considered and passed H.R. 5676, the “Stop Excessive Narcotics in our Retirement Communities Protection Act,” on a 239-142 vote. This bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.

    The House considered and passed H.R. 6082, the “Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act,” on a 357-57 vote. This bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.


    Action in House Committees
    The Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing entitled “Examining The Need for New Federal Judges.”

    The Committee on Financial Services held a hearing entitled “Illicit Use of Virtual Current and the Law Enforcement Response.”   

     
    Action in Senate Committees
    The Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs’  subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance held a hearing entitled “Combating Money Laundering and Other Forms of Illicit Finance: How Criminal Organizations Launder Money and Innovative Techniques for Fighting Them.”

     

    III.    UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
    For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out https://www.congress.gov/


    A.  Support H.R. 1205/S. 915, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
    We have 185 co-sponsors on H.R. 1205.
    We have 25 co-sponsors on S. 915.


    B.  Support the H.R. 964/S. 424, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"
    We have 42 co-sponsors H.R. 964.
    We have 6 co-sponsors on S. 424.

     
    C. Support H.R. 4846/ S. 2845, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act”
    Two additional lawmakers have co-sponsored H.R. 4846, bringing the total to 46.
    No lawmaker has co-sponsored S. 2845.

     

    IV. Support the National FOP PAC
    It is crucial to our political agenda we keep our PAC competitive with other organizations.
    If you want more information on the PAC or want to sign up for a $5.00 monthly recurring contribution, please email scott.marks@fop.net or call (202)547-8189.

     

  • 08 Feb 2018 4:58 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Washington Watch: Legislative Update
    For the Week of 29 January 2018
     
    I.      Legislative News and Activity  
    II.    This Week in Congress
    III.   Update on Top Legislative Priorities 
    IV.   Reminder: Day on the Hill is February 12-14, Meeting starts at 4:00, D.C. Lodge 1
    V.    Follow the FOP on Twitter! 

     

    I.    LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
    Senior Advisor to the National President, Jim Pasco:

    • Met with John F. Kelly, Chief of Staff to the President, to discuss immigration, drug policy, vacancies in key law enforcement agencies and FOP priorities;
    • Met with Johnny DeStefano, Assistant to the President, regarding key law enforcement vacancies;
    • Met with Rachel L. Brand, Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), to discuss issues with the Office of Justice Programs;
    • Spoke with Steve H. Cook, Associate Deputy Attorney General, regarding the “Cole Memo” and vacancies within the DOJ;
    • Met with Jennifer K. Korn, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director for the Office of Public Liaison, on the opioid epidemic and vacancies within the Administration;
    • Met with John Zadrozny, a member of the President’s Domestic Policy Council, on pending criminal justice legislation.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson represented the FOP at a summit on Human Trafficking hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

    Legislative Liaison Mike Martin:

    • Met with staff in the office of Rep. Bradley R. Byrne (R-AL) to discuss H.R. 949/S.597, the “Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act.”

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Martin:

    • Met with staff in the office of Rep. John L. Ratcliffe (R-TX) to discuss legislation about the 1033 program and increasing penalties on those who target law enforcement for ambush attacks;
    • Met with staff in the office of Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Joseph Manchin III (D-WV) to discuss legislation to increase penalties on those who target law enforcement for ambush attacks;
    • Met with other law enforcement stakeholders to discuss issues of mutual interest;
    • Met with staff in the office of Rep. Ralph W. Norman, Jr. (R-SC) to discuss legislation to increase penalties on those who target law enforcement for ambush attacks.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Scott Marks met with staff from the Senate Committee on Banking regarding future legislation involving corporate transparency and beneficial ownership.

     

    II.  THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS

    The House and Senate were in session for only part of the week before adjourning to allow the Republicans to leave for their policy retreat. On Tuesday, President Donald J. Trump delivered the State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress.

    Action in the Senate
    The Senate has considered but rejected a motion to invoke cloture on S. 2311, “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” on a vote of 51-46.



    III.    UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
    For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out https://www.congress.gov/


    A.  Support H.R. 1205/S. 915, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
    Two Additional lawmakers have co-sponsored H.R. 1205. We now have 171 co-sponsors.

    We have 18 co-sponsors on S. 915.

    B.  Support the H.R. 964/S. 424, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"

    We have 32 cosponsors on H.R. 964.

    We have 5 cosponsors on S. 424

     

    C. Support H.R. 4846, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act”

    We have 1 original sponsor on this legislation. 



    IV. Reminder FOP Day on the Hill is February 12-14, Meeting starts at 4:00, D.C. Lodge 1

    FOP’S DAY ON THE HILL: 12-14 FEBRUARY 2018

    The FOP’s Day on the Hill event is a key component of our legislative advocacy strategy and our Grassroots Action Network. Having our members here on Capitol Hill, sitting down with their elected Senators and Representatives has a real and lasting impact on the FOP’s ability to move its agenda through Congress. We are coming off of a very successful First Session, but we need to continue to build on that success and we can’t do that without YOU!

    Your participation is critical, and while we look forward to seeing old friends and our Day on the Hill veterans, this year we also want to see some new faces. We are challenging our members who do attend to bring along a lodge member who hasn’t yet participated in this event. By increasing the number of officers that lawmakers hear from, the greater effectiveness we will have as an organization. Talk about Day on the Hill in your lodge meetings and help us help you by increasing our participation.

     
    We need Congress focused on OUR issues and OUR safety. We need you to help make sure our voice is heard and we need more voices!


    This year’s Day on the Hill will begin on Monday, 12 February 2018. The National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing on our legislative agenda. The briefing will take place on Monday afternoon at D.C. Lodge #1 at 4:00 and will last approximately one hour.

    Tuesday and Wednesday, 13-14 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

    Accommodations for Day on the Hill Participants
    The National Legislative Office is fortunate to have secured a room block at the Hyatt House, a brand new hotel on the Washington, D.C. waterfront just three blocks south of the National Mall. The room rate is $149 per night.  Members must call 202-554-1234 and identify themselves as being part of the FOP National Legislative Group to get this reduced rate. Members can also go to this website to make their reservations: https://washingtondcthewharf.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?corp_id=G-FOPN

     

    V.  Follow the FOP on Twitter!
    Sign up today for the latest news from Capitol Hill:  https://twitter.com/GLFOP

  • 28 Jan 2018 3:22 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Washington Watch: Legislative Update
    For the Week of 22 January 2018
     
    I.     Legislative News and Activity  
    II.   This Week in Congress
    III.  Update on Top Legislative Priorities 
    IV.  Reminder: Day on the Hill is February 12-14
    V.  Follow the FOP on Twitter! 

     

    I.    LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
    Legislative Liaison Mike Martin Met with staff in the office of Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA) to discuss H.R. 949/S. 597, the “Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act.”

    Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson and Legislative Liaison Scott Marks spoke with staff in the in the office of Representative David F. Kustoff (R-TN) regarding H.R. 4768, the “National Strategy for Combating the Financing of Transnational Criminal Organizations.”

     

    II.  THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
    There was a 3-day partial government shutdown, which came to a close Monday evening when the President signed H.R. 195. The government is funded through 8 February.

    Action in the House
    The House was not in session this week.

     

    Action in the Senate
    The Senate has considered and passed H.R. 195, the vehicle for the Continuing Resolution which funds the government through 8 February, on a vote of 81-18.

     

    Action in Senate Committees
    The Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs held a hearing entitled: “Combatting the Opioid Crisis: Exploiting Vulnerabilities in International Mail.” 



    III.    UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
    For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out https://www.congress.gov/


    A.  Support H.R. 1205/S. 915, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
    We have 169 cosponsors on H.R. 1205.
    One additional lawmakers have co-sponsored S. 915. We now have 18 co-sponsors.

    B.  Support the H.R. 964/S. 424, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"
    We have 32 cosponsors on H.R. 964.

    We have 5 cosponsors on S. 424

     

    C. Support H.R. 4846, the “Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act”
    We have 1 original sponsor on this legislation. 



    IV. Reminder FOP Day on the Hill is February 12-14

    FOP’S DAY ON THE HILL: 12-14 FEBRUARY 2018

    The FOP’s Day on the Hill event is a key component of our legislative advocacy strategy and our Grassroots Action Network. Having our members here on Capitol Hill, sitting down with their elected Senators and Representatives has a real and lasting impact on the FOP’s ability to move its agenda through Congress. We are coming off of a very successful First Session, but we need to continue to build on that success and we can’t do that without YOU!

    Your participation is critical, and while we look forward to seeing old friends and our Day on the Hill veterans, this year we also want to see some new faces. We are challenging our members who do attend to bring along a lodge member who hasn’t yet participated in this event. By increasing the number of officers that lawmakers hear from, the greater effectiveness we will have as an organization. Talk about Day on the Hill in your lodge meetings and help us help you by increasing our participation.

     
    We need Congress focused on OUR issues and OUR safety. We need you to help make sure our voice is heard and we need more voices!


    This year’s Day on the Hill will begin on Monday, 12 February 2018. The National Legislative Office and the National Legislative Committee will host a short briefing on our legislative agenda. The briefing will take place on Monday afternoon at D.C. Lodge #1 and last approximately one hour.

    Tuesday and Wednesday, 13-14 February, will be devoted to your meetings with Members from your home States and districts. These appointments should be made in advance!!! Event participants should make every effort to have their Representative or Senator attend the meeting along with the appropriate staff person.

    Accommodations for Day on the Hill Participants
    The National Legislative Office is fortunate to have secured a room block at the Hyatt House, a brand new hotel on the Washington, D.C. waterfront just three blocks south of the National Mall. The room rate is $149 per night.  Members must call 202-554-1234 and identify themselves as being part of the FOP National Legislative Group to get this reduced rate. Members can also go to this website to make their reservations: https://washingtondcthewharf.house.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html?corp_id=G-FOPN

    THE CUT OFF DATE IS TOMMOROW 27 JANUARY 2018, SO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!!!

     

    V.  Follow the FOP on Twitter!
    Sign up today for the latest news from Capitol Hill:  https://twitter.com/GLFOP

  • 05 Dec 2017 5:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Washington Watch: Legislative Update
    For the Week of 27 November 2017
     
    I.         Legislative News and Activity  

    II.       This Week in Congress

    III.     Update on Top Legislative Priorities 

    IV.  FOP News: Law Enforcement Mental Health Bill Passes House

    V. Follow the FOP on Twitter! 

     

    I.    LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY

    Senior Advisor to the National President, Jim Pasco:

    • Spoke with Mercedes Schlapp, Director of Strategic Communications, regarding law enforcement vacancies and FOP priorities;
    • Spoke with Jennifer Korn, Special Assistant to the President, regarding upcoming FOP events and communication issues at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;
    • Spoke with Steve H. Cook, Associate Deputy Attorney, regarding first responder liability issues; and
    • Spoke with leadership at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on the current NICS (National Instant Criminal Check System) and bump stocks regulation.

    Senior Legislative Tim Richardson:

    • Represented the FOP at a stakeholder meeting with staff in the office of the Speaker of the House to discuss the tax reform bill and its impact on public pension systems; and
    • Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson represented the FOP at a law enforcement roundtable hosted by the American Trucking Association to discuss areas of mutual concern for law enforcement and the trucking and shipping industry.

    Legislative Liaison Mike Martin:

    • Participated in a stakeholder meeting for the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) Working Group;
    • Participated in a stakeholder meeting hosted by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS);
    • Met with staff in the offices of the Majority Whip, the Committee on Ways and Means and Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) to discuss the tax reform bill and its impact on public pension systems.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson and Legislative Liaison Mike Martin met last week with staff in the offices of Senator Joseph S. Donnelly (D-IN) and Representative Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) to discuss the impending passage of H.R. 2228, the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act.”

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Scott Marks participated in a stakeholders conference call to discuss pending legislation addressing anti-money laundering efforts and the need to collect beneficial ownership information to combat money laundering and fraud.

     

    II.  THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS

    Both chambers were in session this week

    Action in the House
    The House considered and passed H.R. 2228, the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act,” by voice vote.  The legislation, which the FOP helped craft, now goes to the Senate for further consideration.  (See Item IV. below)

    The House considered and passed H.R 4182, the “Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act (EQUALS) Act,” on a 213-204 vote.


    Action in House Committees
    The Committee on the Judiciary considered and favorably reported H.R. 38, the “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” on a 19-11 vote.  The measure, on which the FOP did not take a position, now goes to the House floor.

    The Committee on the Judiciary considered and favorably reported H.R. 4477, the “Fix NICS Act,” on a 17-6 vote.  The FOP supports this legislation, which now goes to the House floor.

    The Committee on the Judiciary considered and favorably reported H.R. 2666, the “AMBER Alert in Indian County Act,” on a voice vote.

    Two Subcommittees of the Committee on Financial Services, the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit and the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance,  held a joint hearing entitled: “Legislative Proposals to Counter Terrorism and Illicit Finance.”

     

    Action in Senate
     The Senate approved the motion to proceed to the consideration of H.R. 1, the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” on a 52-48 vote.  This vote triggered the consideration of additional amendments to the underlying bill. Voting is expected to stretch into the night and possibly over the weekend or into next week.  If the bill passes, it will be reconciled by a House-Senate conference committee.

     

    Action in Senate Committees
    The Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on S. 1241, “Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Counterfeiting Act,” entitled: “Modernizing AML Laws to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing.”  The FOP supports S. 1241.

     

    III.    UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

    For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out https://www.congress.gov/

    A.  Support H.R. 1205/S. 915, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
    Three additional lawmakers have co-sponsored H.R. 1205. We have 164 cosponsors.

    We have 9 cosponsors on S. 915.

     
    B.  Support the H.R. 964/S. 424, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"

    We have 32 cosponsors on H.R. 964.

    We have 4 cosponsors on S. 424.

     

    V.  FOP News:  Law Enforcement  Mental Health Bill Passes House
    Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, was proud to announce that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2228, the “Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act” under suspension of the rules by voice vote. The bill was sponsored by Representatives Susan W. Brooks (R-IN) and Valdez V. Demings (D-FL). 

    “This bill came to be when Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young reached out to us to see what more could be done to help law enforcement officers struggling to cope with the stresses of their profession,” Canterbury explained. “We worked with them to craft a bill, S. 867, which, with their help, passed the Senate earlier this year. We’re also grateful to Representatives Brooks and Demings who worked so closely with us to get the bill through the House today.”

    The House companion measure cleared the Judiciary Committee in October. The FOP led an effort to defeat a harmful, last-minute amendment pushed by the National Sheriffs’ Association, which opposed the bill as introduced. 

    “Our officers wear protective clothing and other equipment to keep themselves safe from physical harm, but these officers also face challenges to their mental health and well-being.  Unlike many other professions, sometimes you can't leave the job at the office and we need to do a better job of supporting our officers and their mental health,” Canterbury said.

    The legislation directs the U.S. Attorney General to identify existing mental health and wellness programs administered by the Federal government including those in the U.S. Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. This information will then be compiled into a report to Congress which will contain best practices and model policies which could be adopted by State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies in an effort to improve their own mental health services for their officers.  The bill would also authorize the establishment of pilot peer mentoring programs and review existing crisis hotlines for law enforcement officers.

    “The FOP has been a leader on mental wellness for law enforcement officers and we believe we can provide better support for the men and women behind the badge,” Canterbury said. “We are proud to support the ‘Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act’ and look forward to getting this bill through the Senate and then to the President's desk."

     

    VI.  Follow the FOP on Twitter!

    Sign up today for the latest news from Capitol Hill:  https://twitter.com/GLFOP

  • 05 Dec 2017 5:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The following link is to an End of the Year Legislative Update from the team at the Steve Young Legislative Advocacy Center

    https://fop.net/CmsDocument/Doc/2017EOYLegislativeRoundUp.pdf

  • 17 Nov 2017 9:41 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    October 16, 2017

    The Inver Hills Community College Foundation reported that the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1 Scholarship fund for fiscal year 2017 has a total fund balance of $116,241.15. Total scholarships awarded to individuals who are in the public safety program disbursed since 2012 total $5000. The scholarships have helped the students improve their lives and positively impact their community. This scholarship program was made possible through Lodge 1 charitable gaming program and will help students far into the future.
  • 27 Feb 2017 4:20 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Washington Watch: Legislative Update
    For the Week of 20 February 2017
     
    I.       Legislative News and Activity
    II.     This Week in Congress
    III.   Update on Top Legislative Priorities
    IV.    FOP NEWS: Social Security Fairness Act Introduced in the House
    V.     Follow the FOP National Legislative Office on Twitter!


    I.      LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
    Jim Pasco, Senior Advisor to the National President, represented the FOP at a law enforcement stakeholder meeting with U.S. Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions III.

    Senior Legislative Liaison Tim Richardson and Legislative Liaison Mike Martin met with staff in the office of Senators Gary C. Peters (D-MI) and Dean A. Heller (R-NV) regarding S. 322, the "Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act."

    Senior Legislative Liaison Richardson and Legislative Liaison Martin represented the FOP on the quarterly conference call of the Blue Alert Advisory Grooup.

    Legislative Liaison Martin met with staff in the office of James B. Renacci (R-OH) to discuss FOP priorities.

    Legislative Liaison Martin represented the FOP at a stakeholder meeting to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA).



    II.     THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
    The House and Senate were recess this week in observance of President's Day.


    III.       UPDATE ON TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
    For the complete list of cosponsors for all of our top legislative priorities, or to find out if your Representative and Senators are cosponsors of specific bills, check out https://www.congress.gov/

    A.  Support H.R. 1205, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
    There are 77 cosponsors on H.R. 1205.

    B.  Support the H.R. 964/S. 424, the "Law Enforcement Officers' Equity Act"
    There is one cosponsor on H.R. 964.

    There is one cosponsor on S. 424.



    IV.      FOP NEWS: SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE
    Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, welcomed the introduction of H.R. 1205, the "Social Security Fairness Act." in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    "The FOP has been pushing for this repeal for many years," Canterbury said.  "We are very pleased that Representatives Davis and Schiff are again leading the charge to repeal the WEP and GPO."
                     
    The bill was introduced in the House by Representatives Rodney L. Davis (R-IL) and Adam B. Schiff (D-CA), along with more than 70 other original cosponsors.  The bill would repeal both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in current Social Security law.

    The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) affects workers who spent some time in jobs not covered by Social Security and also worked other jobs where they paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify for retirement benefits.  The provision has a disproportionate effect on law enforcement officers, who retire earlier than most other public employees and are more likely to begin a second career after they leave law enforcement.  Officers in this position are penalized and may have their Social Security benefit reduced by up to sixty (60%) percent.

    "The WEP substantially reduces a benefit that workers had included and counted on when planning their retirement and it substantially penalizes lower paid public employees with short careers or, like many retired law enforcement officers, those whose careers are evenly split inside and outside the Social Security system," Canterbury explained.  "This is a loss of benefits to which they are entitled, not an adjustment for a 'windfall.'"

    Like the WEP, the Government Pension Offset was adopted to shore up the finances of the Social Security trust fund.  This "offset" law reduces by two-thirds the benefit received by surviving spouses who also collect a government pension. 

    "Nine out of ten times," Canterbury said, "this so-called 'offset' completely eliminates the spousal benefit even though the covered spouse paid Social Security taxes for many years, thereby earning the right to these benefits."

    "The WEP and GPO provisions do not eliminate a windfall for workers, instead they have proved to be a windfall for the Federal government at the expense of public employees.  That?s not right and it's not fair," he said.  "Congress should repeal these inequitable provisions and pass the 'Social Security Fairness Act.'"


    V.      Follow the FOP National Legislative Office on Twitter!
    Sign up today for the latest news from Capitol Hill:  https://twitter.com/FOPLegislative

  • 07 Jun 2016 8:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Due to many factors, Lodge 1 has made the decision to close down our Charitable Gambling effective April 30, 2016.  We had a great run over the years and donated to many worthy causes.  Thank you to all who played pull tabs at our booths over the years and allowed us t support the community with our donations.

  • 01 May 2016 9:32 AM | Deleted user

    Brothers and Sisters:

    Minnesota FOP Lodge 11, Brainerds Lakes Lodge, hosted the 2016 Fraternal Order of Police State Conference at Grand View Lodge. There were 12 Lodges represented with 35 members present. Jim Huffman and I were in attendance as members of East Metro Lodge #1. This year's conference was very informative and extremely productive.

    Following the opening ceremony, the first order of business was the nomination and election for the vacant position of 2nd Vice President.  There had been NO nominations received from the membership prior to the conference.  Our current State Lodge Sgt at Arms, Pat Garcia, was nominated from the floor with a 2nd. No other nominations were presented.   This created a vacancy in his position. Karol Strey, Lodge #4 was nominated from the floor with a 2nd, to the position of Sgt at Arms.  No other nominations were presented. Both members were voted into their respective offices with a 'White Ballot'.

    President Hagen presented a review of the current financial situation between MN FOP and North Dakota FOP.  With the modest increase in State dues, the reduction of spending at the State level and the constant income from telemarketing, the debt that had been incurred by MN FOP to ND FOP has been reduced from approx. $100,000 down to approx. $42,000 in about 1 1/2 years.  Our president has been negotiating with the ND FOP president since February this year for an agreement of a one time payment to eliminate this debt.  After much discussion, ND FOP agreed to a payment of $30,500 to retire this debt, saving MN FOP almost $12,000.  The payment was made from existing cash and reserves in the State FOP accounts. NO loans were taken from any outside source. The State FOP can now focus on the financial growth of the organization.

    Attending our conference were two FOP Grand Lodge members. Pat Yoes, Natl FOP Secty, and Roger Mayberry, Natl FOP Sgt at Arms.  Brother Yoes gave a report on the recent hacking of Grand Lodge computer system and gave assurances that NO financial data had been breached.  He invited MN FOP to New Orleans for the 2017 Natl Conference.

    Brother Mayberry presented a review of lawsuits against FOP members for a variety of reasons and encouraged everyone in the occupation to participate in a Legal Defense Plan, regardless of where it is offered. There was a detailed discussion of the Michael Griffin case and importance the FOP LDP played in the representation. 

    Joe Ditsch, representing the FOP LDP firm of Fowler Ditsch, gave an overview of their activity since the last State conference. There are currently 1167 FOP members enrolled in the FOP LDP. On June 14, 2016, at 1800hrs, Mike Freeman, Hennipen County Atty, will be at Chanhassan American Legion talking about the changing Grand Jury process and how that will affect the investigation of officer involved shootings.

    The MN Natl Trustee presented a calendar of events for Natl Police Week in May.  Members of MN FOP will be attending the ceremony and providing an escort for the widow of the slain Aitkin County officer on May 15th.  Our Natl Trustee also reminded everyone of the political endorsement process that will take place in August. Each Lodge is encourage to discuss the candidates and be ready to have their respective State Trustee participate in a teleconference on the matter.

    Past President Cayo announced the results of the Jersey Mike's fundraising effort.  MN FOP Foundation will receive $40,608 this year. After discussion of possible donation recipients in the law enforcement community, it was decided to wait until a formal presentation of the check is made to MN FOP by Jersey Mike's sometime in June.

    A note from our State President that MN has not been present at the Western States conferences due to funding constraints and will not until the State budget is in a better financial position to support our participation. We still actively communicate with the Western States leadership.

    Presentations were given by Dalor Marketing on the FOP Journal, Homes for Heroes Foundation, and Backing the Blue Line.  Dalor Marketing is our current publisher for our State FOP Journal and let everyone know how important it is for the membership to provide names of possible advertisers. Homes for Heroes is a nonprofit organization designed to assist law enforcement officers in search of a new home. If you are anticipating a new purchase, this organization could save you a lot of money. Backing the Blue Line is a nonprofit comprised of wives of law enforcement officers committed to providing any support needed to other wives of officers.

    A discussion of future sites for the FOP State conference continued with Cragun's Resort and Madden's Resort each giving a brief presentation. After reviewing the costs for the resorts available, it was decided to stay at Grand View Lodge and enter into a 3 year contract.  2017 conference is scheduled for April 23-25.  All members are encouraged to check their calendars and make an effort to attend.

    The review of nominations for MN FOP Member of the Year were delayed until the July State meeting. Two written nominations were received but after the April 1st deadline

    The next FOP State Lodge meeting will be held in St. Cloud on Tuesday, July 12 and the location is TBD. 

    Now for a review of activities outside the official business meetings. The food at the lodge was fantastic and plentiful. The accommodations were great. The hospitality room was well stocked with refreshments provided by almost every Lodge in attendance and a donation of 5 cases of Mike's Hard Lemonade product from the local distributor. The opportunity to have one on one discussions with our State Lodge officers and the Grand Lodge officers was amazing. There is so much information exchanged.

    If you need any further information on the topics outlined above, please check the MN FOP State Lodge website for all officer and individual lodge reports submitted in writing.

    Fraternally,

    Fred Anderson, Past State FOP President.

     

      

     

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