| Hello fellow Sisters and Brothers of Chapter 9. I want to start by thanking you for supporting NTEU's Legislative Program. We recently received a report from National Office telling us Chapter 9 is ranked the tenth most active NTEU Chapter using CapWiz. Our 162 e-mails this year do make a difference in getting a fair pay raise for our families, protecting our benefits, and to protest ill advised programs like contracting out. As a negative, we have over 500 members and only 162 e-mails this year. I challenge you to do better. |
| As in every election it is important all Chapter 9 members vote. The next opportunity is November 7 that includes the midterm Congressional election. It is in Congress where our true strength lies. By voting for members of Congress who vote favorably for Federal employee issues we can be focused to make a difference; focused every day we spend at work and focused every day during retirement. I don't think there is one among us who believes their job is unimportant. I work with you. I know you are important to my country and I am thankful you work beside me. |
| It is again election season. Every two years when the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate is up for reelection, Federal employees can vote for their “Board of Directors.” This is a great right we have. Those in the private sector would love to have this right. Congress, who I consider to be our Board of Directors, sets our yearly pay raise. Congress is a source of our benefits. Our Board provides oversight on such issues as retirement, health benefits, contracting out, and our bargaining rights established by law through Civil Service legislation. Our Board protects us, the Americans who do the work of the Federal Government. So please, Vote this November 7th. Vote Loud, Vote Proud. You have earned this right and maybe more so than your family and friends because you do the work of our great country. |
| Before you vote you will undoubtedly see many “approved” television commercials that will tell you each candidate is the greatest person who ever lived or the biggest scoundrel that ever chose to be a public servant. But I'm guessing you are like me and other coworkers. Your job will be one of the important factors in deciding who earns your vote. |
| In a couple of weeks NTEU will send you a letter discussing candidates and Federal employee issues. Please take the time to read NTEU's message. Our Union's message is unique. NTEU's message will define candidates who will support you as IRS employees based upon their historical support of Federal employee issues including their voting record on Federal employee issues. For candidates who do not have a voting record, NTEU has solicited a questionnaire on the key issues impacting our jobs to determine their support. NTEU is giving you an honest opinion. Our Union has a tremendous legislative staff that is looking out for you every day in Washington. NTEU would not be earning your dues if they didn't provide you with an honest message. |
| If you want to make a bigger impact, volunteer to do campaign work for the candidate of your choice. The Hatch Act allows you to participate, with a few minor restrictions. If you work for a candidate during their campaign, it provides you with an even greater voice when you share your CapWiz message with them. |
| Help me, help your coworkers, help the Chapter and help NTEU, and most importantly, help America by voting on November 7. |
Tim Feldman,
Legislative Coordinator,
NTEU Chapter 9 |
| 10/1/2006 |
