Hello to all county office employees and COC members of Minnesota!
NAFEC is in the process of working on some issues in Washington D.C. that might interest you. One issue is the contracting out of the ballot for the COC election. It is NAFEC’s position that given a durable ballot, the county office can get this ballot out without all the mistakes at less cost than the contractor. Mr. Little’s office has told us that they are going ahead and do it the same as last year, but NAFEC wants it changed back to the county office this year. NAFEC would also like more than one nominee on the ballot because we need an alternate in case the COC person from that LAA is going to be absent or not present for any reason. The COC needs representation from all LAA districts at their meetings.
Another issue is the political activity concerning COCs and prospective COC nominees. NAFEC’s concern is that since we only meet one day a month, the regulations are too restrictive. We feel that only on the day that you have a meeting do you need to adhere to regulations for political activity. NAFEC feels that we should be able to hold offices of farm organization at the township and county levels and be able to be on boards at the state level in a director’s capacity.
NAFEC has concern about the reimbursement for travel expense of county office employees. We want to see that come back to the county office where it will be less expensive and more efficient. We were told by Mr. Chott this was done from a higher level than their office. If that is the case, we need to go to Congress. We are in the process of drafting a letter to Congress on this issue at this very moment.
Think your data is Secure at USDA? It may not be.
The U. S. General Accounting Office says it found “significant” information on security control weaknesses in USDA computer systems. Because USDA has not adequately protected or controlled access to its networks, GAO says there is a risk that undetected hackers could obtain or change sensitive information about those who participate in USDA programs, payroll and financial transactions and farm production and marketing estimates. USDA recognizes the need to improve security but hasn’t fully implemented a security program as of yet.
More later.
Paul Clark
NAFEC’S MISSION
National Association of Farmer Elected Committees
NAFEC was organized in 1965 and our mission has not changed from then to the present. “The primary purpose of our organization is, and will be, to promote and improve the farmer elected committee system for the local administration of farm programs. The coordinated effort will give us strength, and much more influence in Congress for the kind of farm legislation we feel we need.”
NAFEC is dedicated to keeping the county committee system of program delivery intact. With all the different factions in Washington wanting to do away with the COC, it is becoming more difficult, but we will prevail. County committees provide the spark and imagination as well as the judgment needed in locally adopting and running FSA farm programs. They have earned the confidence of their neighbors by doing a capable, vigorous and dedicated job. There have been numerous attempts to strip the committee of its authority, provided in statute, of supervision, selection of the CED’s and virtually every aspect of their jurisdiction. NAFEC has lobbied to assure that the COC authority, written by Congress in the Code of Federal Regulations, is not diminished.
NAFEC has worked with Congress and the administration to provide a level playing field for county committees and the employees in the FSA offices. NAFEC has worked diligently this past year trying to keep the county offices open. If we fail at this, the county as well as the state will be the bog losers. Many employees will not have a job and the county committees will cease to exist. NAFEC has not always been successful in every attempt they have undertaken, however they have won the friendship of many within the Congress and the Administration through their continued efforts to promote the interests of the American farmers and ranchers. Our association has played a role in shaping several farm bills and expects to do the same in the future.
Membership is the key to making any association successful and NAFEC is no exception. NAFEC membership is vital to the future of both the Committee Association and the County Office Employees Association. NAFEC needs help to carry our messages. We urge all members of the County Committees, the advisors and county office employees to join NAFEC so we may continue to work for programs that will keep the American farmers and ranchers in business and help the entire county office system move forward. We dare not let down. Without members, the organization cannot carry our voice to policy makers. Membership dues are only $35.00 per year for county committee members and $20.00 for associate members. If NAFEC fails to survive, the county committee system may cease to exist also. Without the county committee doing the checks and balances, the Washington offices will make all the decisions for producers. NAFEC cannot let that happen.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FARMER ELECTED COMMITTEE
Membership Application/Renewal Form
NAME: ____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP: ____________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER: ____________________________________________________________
FAX NUMBER: ____________________________________________________________
CELL PHONE: ____________________________________________________________
E-MAIL: ____________________________________________________________
Would you prefer to have the newsletter sent to you electronically? Yes________ No________
Are you submitting an FSA-444 to your County FSA office for automatic dues withholding? Yes________ No________
If yes, please remember to send your personal information to NAFEC or have your FSA office do so.
________ Committee member - $35
________ FSA employee or Associate member - $20
If paying by check, please make payable to NAFEC.
Mail to : Paul Clark
NAFEC Secretary-Treasurer
751 Knox Highway 12
Gilson IL 61436