FOP COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL NO LONGER INCLUDED

IN WAR SUPPLEMENTAL – SENATE LEADERSHIP PROMISES A VOTE

 THIS YEAR (Details in this report)

 

Washington Watch: Legislative Update
For the Week of 19 July 2010
 
I.      Legislative News and Activity  
II.     This Week in Congress
III.    Update on FOP Top Legislative Priorities
IV.     Update on LEOSA
V.      2010 Model Questionnaire Released!!!


I.      LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ACTIVITY
Executive Director Jim Pasco met this week with White House Associate Director of Political Affairs, Nate Tameron to discuss the issue of collective bargaining and other FOP top legislative priorities.  Executive Director Pasco also met with various Staff of House leadership to discuss the recent Senate action to strip the 2010 War Supplemental (H.R. 4899) of all non-germane conditions and spending.  He discussed the urgent need to get collective bargaining included in another legislative vehicle that would help provide passage of this FOP priority.  Legislative Affairs continues to seek a remedy for this action.

The FOP submitted letters of support to Congressional leadership this week in favor of H.R.725 – “The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009.”  The bill significantly improves Federal, State, Local and Tribal law enforcement officer safety, as well as public safety by allowing the expansion of the National Crime Information Database to tribal law enforcement officers allowing them to retrieve and share information on crimes committed in the tribal community.  The bill also provides for increased and more rigorous training of tribal law enforcement by members of the Federal law enforcement community.  The bill passed both the House and Senate and President Obama has announced his support for it as well.


II.  THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS
The House and the Senate were in session this week.

Action in the House
This week, Democrats in Congress broke a Republican filibuster and passed legislation to extend unemployment benefits. 2.5 million unemployed people will get payments retroactive to the time they stopped receiving benefits. The House of Representatives voted 272-152 on Thursday to pass the bill, and the Senate passed it by a 59-39 vote on Wednesday. 

Action in the Senate
Elena Kagan, U.S. Supreme Court nominee, won approval from the Senate Judiciary Committee this past Tuesday.  The vote was 13-6, with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., joining the majority Democrats.  Graham's vote ensures that Democrats will have the 60 votes necessary to overcome a potential Republican filibuster of the nomination.  Kagan’s final hurdle comes when the full Senate votes on her nomination in the coming weeks.

The Senate effectively rejected the House version of War Supplemental (HR 4899) in a procedural vote late Thursday, 46-51. It then sent its slimmer version of the supplemental, originally passed in May, back to the House by unanimous consent.  The House is expected to concede the Senate’s stripped bill.


III.  UPDATE ON FOP 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 http://thomas.loc.gov .
 
A.  Social Security Issues

(1)  Support H.R. 235/S. 484, the "Social Security Fairness Act"
We currently have a total of three hundred and twenty-two (322) cosponsors on H.R. 235--more than a House majority!  Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including six (6) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress, nor the three (3) Delegates, who have limited voting rights on the floor.
 
We currently have thirty (30) cosponsors on S. 484.  Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), who died last year.  Senator Kennedy's successor, Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA), is not currently a cosponsor of the bill.

(2)  Opposing any legislation that would require the participation of public employees in Social Security
The FOP will continue to lobby against this scheme and oppose any legislation which would mandate participation in Social Security.


B.  Support H.R. 413/S. 1611/S. 3194, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"  No longer a War Supplemental add-on

The "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act"

The Senate passed an emergency supplemental spending bill to fund the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, forcibly setting aside a House package that included language addressing collective bargaining and fund for additional social spending.

The Senate action late Thursday sends the stripped package back to the House for its consideration. The provisions included by the Senate are funding to support troops serving in Iraq and in Afghanistan, the funding that addresses the damage caused by several natural disasters, and funding to respond to the economic and environmental impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The bill also adds money to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund. Senator Reid has indicated his commitment to pass the bill this year with the possibility of floor time in September and addressing it during the Lame Duck session. Aggressive efforts by FOP Staff, in conjunction with Leadership and Staff are being made to incorporate this bill into moving legislation.


C.  Support H.R. 1972, the "Law Enforcement Officer’s Procedural Bill of Rights Act"
We currently have (9) cosponsors on H.R. 1972.

The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.


D.  Support H.R. 673, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Equity Act"
We currently have thirty-two (32) cosponsors on H.R. 673.  Please note that this total differs slightly from THOMAS, as we are not including in our count two (2) Representative no longer serving in Congress.

The Senate companion bill has not yet been introduced.


IV.     UPDATE ON LEGISLATION AMENDING LEOSA
In May, the Senate passed S. 1132 by unanimous consent.  This legislation has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Last week, National Legislative staff met with staff members for the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee regarding S. 1132.  This week, they met with staff members in the office of the House Majority Leader to discuss how the bill might be considered on the House floor.

We currently have thirteen (13) cosponsors on H.R. 3752.  Please note we are not including in our count two (2) Representatives who are no longer serving in Congress.  The bill is similar in most respects to the Senate companion bill, S. 1132.  The House bill includes language that would also clarify the status of retired military personnel that served as law enforcement officers in their respective branch of service.


V.     2010 MODEL CONGRESSIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE RELEASED!!!
Staff in the National Legislative Office have prepared a model questionnaire for State and local Lodges to aid them in evaluating candidates for Congress.  The questions are drawn from issues being lobbied by the Grand Lodge on Capitol Hill.

It is particularly important for the State and local Lodges to endorse candidates who support our  top priority items and oppose those candidates who do not.  The success of the National Legislative Program depends on having an active grassroots base and on electing lawmakers who support our pro-law enforcement agenda.

The Model Questionnaire can be found on the Grand Lodge website: www.fop.net in the Washington Watch section and on the home page of the National Legislative Office home page ( http://www.fop.net/legislative/index.shtml ).

Contact the National Legislative Office if you have any questions.

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National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
Contribution Form

Please return the form and contribution to:
National Fraternal Order of Police PAC
328 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
 
Name of Contributor ______________________________________
 
Occupation _____________________________________________________
 
Employer ______________________________________________________
 
Home Address _____________________________________________________________
 
____________________________________________________________________
 
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Contribution Amount (Please circle one):
$25      $50      $100    $150    $200    Other $______
 
Date ______________________________
 
Is contributor a member of the F.O.P.?  Y     N
 
A. If YES, please list:
F.O.P. State Lodge __________________________________
 
F.O.P. Local Lodge __________________________________
 
F.O.P. Membership # ________________________________
 
B. If NO, please list:
F.O.P. Member’s Name ____________________________________
 
Your Relationship to F.O.P. Member  _________________________
(son, daughter, spouse, etc.)
 
Contributions or gifts to the National Fraternal Order of Police PAC are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.  Only PERSONAL or NON CORPORATE checks may be accepted.  A contribution of $25 is suggested, but please contribute more if you are able, and a lesser amount if you are not.  Contributions to the NATL FOP PAC are strictly voluntary and FOP members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal.  Your contribution will be used to support candidates for federal office who support law enforcement.  Federal law requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year

Posted 6/10/2010

Received 5/26/2010

LEGISLATIVE ALERT:
The FOP-IAFF collective bargaining bill has been offered as an amendment to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act"

Yesterday morning, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV) offered the text of S. 1611/S. 3194, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act," as an amendment to H.R. 4899, the "Supplemental Appropriations Act," which provides additional funding for U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as disaster relief for areas affected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

For the last thirty-six hours, the staff in the National Legislative Office has been involved in intense negotiations with our allies in the Senate in an effort to ensure that the amendment will be considered.  It is very likely that the opponents of the bill will object to its being offered on a spending bill--known as a "Rule 16" objection.  In other words, we expect the amendment to be ruled out of order.

We want to ensure that all of our members are fully informed as this procedural maneuvering plays out, so as not to be taken in by false rumors, like the "carve out" amendment. Senator Michael B. Enzi (R-WY), the Ranking Member on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), has offered seven second degree amendments to the collective bargaining amendment.  The staff in the National Legislative Office has reviewed the language from all amendments, none of which would "carve out" any particular State, office or agency.  If the amendment should be considered, we will oppose each of the second degree amendments.

Again, while we expect the amendment to be challenged under the rules of the Senate, it is an excellent opportunity for FOP members to contact their Senators and ask them to support Senator Reid's amendment, S. Amdt. 4174!!!

FOP members can call their Senators at their Washington offices (or through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121) and urge them to support S. Amdt. 4174!!!


REMEMBER:  the bill does not require binding arbitration, protects existing right-to-work laws, and specifically prohibits strikes and lockouts. The legislation merely requires that States “substantially provide” for the following rights and responsibilities:

� the right to form and join a labor organization;

� the right to bargain over hours, wages, and the terms and conditions of employment; and

� the availability of an “interest impasse resolution mechanism such as fact-finding, mediation, arbitration, or comparable procedures".

Additional talking points to use when making your case:

• In the previous Congress, this legislation, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on a 314-97 vote.
• The House bill won a majority of votes from BOTH party caucuses.
• The Senate bill has strong bipartisan support.
• In the previous Congress, the Senate voted 69-29 in favor of cloture on a motion to proceed to consider the legislation (RCV #126).
• The bottom line for both public safety employers and employees is not profit for shareholders, but to best ensure the safety of the officers, to bring them home safely at the end of their shift and to deliver emergency services in the fastest and most efficient way possible.
• It is irresponsible and offensive to suggest that collective bargaining would impede or jeopardize the ability of law enforcement officers to do their jobs.  Their lives are on the line everyday, agreement or no agreement and to suggest that response to a critical incident would be used as a bargaining chip is reprehensible.

You can get additional information on the bill, and can direct Senate staff to, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Grand Lodge website: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/bargain/hr413s1611faq.pdf


If any of the Senator's staff that you speak with have additional questions about the legislation, tell them to contact Tim Richardson at in the FOP's National Legislative Office at 202-547-8189

CALL NOW AND WATCH YOUR EMAIL AND THE FOP WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE ALERTS!!!

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, stated his strong support for law enforcement officers in Arizona, who will soon be charged with enforcing the new State statute to combat illegal immigration and human trafficking.

“Our members in Arizona are justifiably offended with some of the assumptions that have been made by the media, pundits, and even elected officials who insinuate or state outright that these professional law enforcement officers will use the new law as a pretext to engage in unlawful racial profiling,” Canterbury said.  “They are angry and rightly so.”

The statute, Arizona Senate Bill 1070, the Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act, has been criticized by many outside of the State as being too harsh or unfair to persons unlawfully present in the United States and Arizona.  From the perspective of Arizona law enforcement officers, it is extremely offensive to suggest that the law means officers will engage in racial profiling.

“Honest policy differences are both healthy and expected in the public forum, but some critics have really crossed the line,” Canterbury said.  “In their haste to criticize the law, I do not think they have stopped to think that its very insulting to law enforcement officers to hear that they will engage in biased policing, as if these officers do not understand the concept of reasonable suspicion or probable cause.”
                                   
The law, which will go into effect this summer, obligates officers to make an attempt, when practicable, during a lawful stop to determine the individual’s immigration status if there is
a “reasonable suspicion” that the person is in the United States illegally.  The individual may be arrested if there is probable cause to believe that their presence is unlawful.

“Law enforcement officers are trained in the police academy to recognize reasonable suspicion and probable cause,” Canterbury said.  “These officers put their lives on the line for the public�we entrust them to make life and death decisions in a fraction of a second.  You do not have to attack the law by attacking the integrity of these brave men and women.”


Milder critics of the statute argue that officers in Arizona will need additional training to ensure that they do not engage in racial profiling.  The Arizona FOP State Lodge rejects this claim, stating that what is truly needed is additional funding for the 287(g) program, which provides State and local law enforcement with training and the authorization to identify, process, and when appropriate, detain persons they encounter during their regular, daily law-enforcement activity who are illegally present in the United States.

“This is a very unique and detailed training that cannot be taught in a 60 to 90 minute video,” said Bryan Soller, the State Lodge President of the Arizona State Lodge, said of the 287(g) program.  “We need a clear direction on what proper documentation is, how to recognize forged documentation, the proper questioning format, and how to complete the proper ICE forms.”

“One of the genuine concerns that law enforcement does have with this new law is its potential costs,” Canterbury said.  “Whatever these costs are, local governments, which are already on very tight budgets, will bear them.”

“The one thing I do know is that the Arizona law enforcement community will find a way to make SB1070 work,” Soller said.



 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2010   MEDIA CONTACT Kevin Morison, NLEOMF kevin@nleomf.org | (202) 737-7134 Groundbreaking Set for National Law Enforcement Museum Washington, DC – With strong backing from America’s law enforcement, corporate and philanthropic communities, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) announced today that it will break ground in October on the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC. Groundbreaking will take place on October 14, 2010. The Museum will be built on Federal land across the street from the existing National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in historic Judiciary Square, the symbolic seat of the nation’s criminal justice system. A gala celebration is planned for that evening at the National Building Museum. The National Law Enforcement Museum is scheduled to open in late 2013. “Almost ten years after Congress authorized this project, and following a lot of hard work, planning and generosity from the law enforcement community, corporate America and caring citizens, we are very excited and eager to get shovels in the ground later this year,” said Craig W. Floyd, chairman and chief executive officer of the Memorial Fund. “Law enforcement officers have been serving and sacrificing for our nation dating back to the earliest days of American history. Their story needs and deserves to be told,” he declared. The non-profit NLEOMF, which built and maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, is also leading the effort to build the National Law Enforcement Museum.  The NLEOMF’s governing body is composed of top officials from 16 national law enforcement organizations.  The 55,000-square-foot, mostly underground institution will be a world-class experiential museum with high-tech interactive exhibitions. The Museum will include a vast collection of law enforcement artifacts and dedicated spaces for research and education. Visitor experiences will range from assuming the role of a police dispatcher in the Motorola 911 Emergency Call Center; to making split-second, life-or-death decisions posed by the use-of-force judgment simulator; to solving crimes in the Museum’s Target Forensics Lab. Other major exhibitions will focus on the history of law enforcement, corrections, tools of the trade, and a fascinating look at a day in the life of an officer. The “Reel to Real” exhibit will give visitors the opportunity to compare real-life law enforcement with depictions in the movies and on television. In the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, visitors will learn the inspirational stories of the nearly 19,000 fallen heroes whose names are inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. A changing exhibits gallery sponsored by DuPont will focus on topical issues of the day and delve deeper into some of the milestone moments of law enforcement’s past. One of the most comprehensive collections of law enforcement artifacts in the United States will be used by the Museum for its exhibitions, educational programs and research activities. The Museum’s collection already comprises more than 10,000 objects, including a 1703 sheriff’s writ (the oldest artifact in the collection), items from the 1932 Lindbergh baby kidnapping case and trial, Al Capone’s bullet-resistant vest and the costume worn in the 1990 movie, RoboCop 2. In addition, the Museum has been designated as the official repository for oral history transcripts from members of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. In the area of education, the National Law Enforcement Museum will offer a wide range of programs for school-age children, families, adults and law enforcement professionals. In fact, the Museum’s educational efforts are already under way. A forensics-based science activity for middle school students has been pilot tested, and staff are currently developing a domestic violence awareness program that is supported by the Verizon Foundation. “The National Law Enforcement Museum will be a must-see destination for people visiting the nation’s capital,” Mr. Floyd said. “It will also be an important hub for the study of law enforcement in America and for engaging current and future generations in what the law enforcement profession means to our society and our democracy,” he added. The Museum is being designed by Davis Buckley Architects and Planners, the DC firm that also created the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which was dedicated in 1991. Exhibit design is being led by the Boston firm of Christopher Chadbourne & Associates, whose work also includes the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Quantico, VA. Clark Construction of Bethesda, MD, has been selected as the project’s general contractor. Funds for the construction and development of the Museum are being raised privately by the NLEOMF, which has launched an $80 million capital campaign called “A Matter of Honor.” To date, law enforcement organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals from across the country have donated nearly $40 million toward that goal. The District of Columbia Government has also been a strong supporter of the project, authorizing up to $80 million in industrial revenue bonds and providing a 20-year sales tax credit for the Museum worth up to $10 million.  Major donations of $1 million or more have come from Motorola, DuPont, Target, Verizon, Mag-Lite, Advanced Interactive Systems, Panasonic, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and the Police Unity Tour, whose $5 million donation is the single largest to date. Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton serve as co-chairs of the Museum’s National Honorary Campaign Committee, which also includes seven former Attorneys General of the United States, as well as other former government officials and celebrities. The Museum was authorized by a public law enacted in 2000. The law was authored by U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former deputy sheriff. The mission of the National Law Enforcement Museum is to tell the story of American law enforcement through exhibits, collections, research and education. For more information, visit www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org. --###--

 

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Posted 4/16/2010

TAKE ACTION NOW - CONTACT YOU SENATOR AND DELEGATE - LET THEM KNOW YOU WANT THEM TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNOR'S RETIREMENT AMENDMENT!

 To find out who your representatives are use the following link:

 http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

Brothers and Sisters,

President Edwards, National Trustee Tom Stiles and I met with Governor McDonnell asking him to remove  budget language from HB30. The language on line 469 2c would allow localities to start billing current employees up to five percent toward their VRS contribution. Recently I forwarded a press release from Governor McDonnell to you.  Governor McDonnell has agreed to support you, the men and woman in law enforcement by removing budget language that would allow localities to start charging all current employees up to five percent toward their retirement. This is a very important issue and Governor McDonnell now more than ever needs our support. I am urging you to contact your Delegate and Senator either by phone or email and ask them to support the Governors amendment. It is imperative that the members of the General Assembly know how important this is to you. I am asking for you to be civil and respectful in your message. I need you to remain the professionals that I know you are. Localities across the commonwealth will jump at the opportunity to save money in their budgets by billing it to you. I do not know at this time how the House or Senate will vote on this. Let's hope they will support us on this. Don't wait to contact your representative. The veto session starts on April 21st 2010. If you hear back from your Delegate or Senator please send me an email letting me know their position. My email is THELAWMANII@verizon.net
 

Fraternally,

Kevin P. Carroll  
 

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Posted 4/15/2010

Brothers and Sisters,
President Edwards, National Trustee Tom Stiles and I met with Governor McDonnell asking him to remove  budget language from HB30. The language on line 469 2c would allow localities to start billing current employees up to five percent toward their VRS contribution. Recently I forwarded a press release from Governor McDonnell to you.  Governor McDonnell has agreed to support you, the men and woman in law enforcement by removing budget language that would allow localities to start charging all current employees up to five percent toward their retirement. This is a very important issue and Governor McDonnell now more than ever needs our support. I am urging you to contact your Delegate and Senator either by phone or email and ask them to support the Governors amendment. It is imperative that the members of the General Assembly know how important this is to you. I am asking for you to be civil and respectful in your message. I need you to remain the professionals that I know you are. Localities across the commonwealth will jump at the opportunity to save money in their budgets by billing it to you. I do not know at this time how the House or Senate will vote on this. Let's hope they will support us on this. Don't wait to contact your representative. The veto session starts on April 21st 2010. If you hear back from your Delegate or Senator please send me an email letting me know their position. My email is THELAWMANII@verizon.net
Fraternally,
Kevin P. Carroll 
 

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Posted 4/14/2010

Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Bob McDonnell  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 2010  Contact: Stacey Johnson Phone: (804) 225-4260E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov  Governor McDonnell to Send Down Budget Amendment Keeping Existing Retirement Contribution System in Place for Current Local Government Employees RICHMOND-

 

As part of his package of budget amendments that must be completed by midnight, Governor Bob McDonnell will ask the General Assembly to reject a previously passed provision giving localities the ability to shift retirement expenses to local government employees, including teachers, police officers, sheriffs and others. The Governor will ask the General Assembly to treat current local employees the same as current state employees in the funding of their retirement plans.Speaking about his amendment, Governor McDonnell noted, “The men and women who serve the Commonwealth in our state and local governments have devoted their professional lives to public service. It is important that we treat that service with the respect it deserves. Current state and many local employees took their jobs with the expectation that their retirement contributions would come from their employer. We cannot turn our back on that agreement. To do so would be unfair to Virginians who work hard for our Commonwealth every day. We should make necessary changes to our retirement system and I do support changes to the contribution requirements for future state employees, and for future local employees if a locality chooses to make such a change. For current government employees a promise was made, and it should be kept.”The budget introduced by the previous Administration called for current state employees to contribute 1% of their payroll to their pensions in 2011 and 2% in 2012. As a candidate for Governor, McDonnell opposed such a change in policy. Upon taking office he worked with the General Assembly to remove this proposal from the budget. The General Assembly did pass a budget amendment granting localities the authority to require current local government employees to contribute to their retirements, in a similar fashion as was proposed for current state employees. This amendment will remove that authority.

 

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This newsletter is distributed monthly to lodge leaders and administrators nationwide to assist in the performance of their duties. Please feel free to forward it to any member in your lodge who may benefit from the content.                                                                               April 8, 2010 Secretary Pat Yoes pyoes@fop.net   Cell: 504-234-4300   National Headquarters: 701 Marriott Drive Nashville TN 37214 800-451-2711/615-399-0900 Fax: 615-399-0400   Click the Quick Link NFOP Website PER CAPITA IS DUE! Lodges who have not paid per capita run the risk of being dropped. All Per Capita dues must be in the National Office by May 1 and are late on June 1. New Lodges Formed    Join me in welcoming six more new local lodges!   FL #058   Lighthouse Point   NY #920  NY International Officers   NY #135 Div School Safety Kings   CA #051 San Francisco Sheriffs MSA   UT #030 Heber Valley   IN #141 Chesterton Order Your "My First Ride" CDs ! Click here to order: "My First Ride"   Proceeds from the sale of these CDs go to the FOP Disaster Relief Fund  2009 Memorial DVDs Available!   The 2009 National Peace Officers' Memorial Service DVDs are now available from the Grand Lodge for just $20 per DVD. To order click on this link: 2009 Memorial DVD    For more information call the Grand Lodge at 1-800-451-2711.  Order a copy of Pat's book - all proceeds go to the FOP Foundation Order Now! "End of Watch" Memorial Painting Artist Ray Simon honors the lives of all of our fallen law enforcement officials through the release of his newest painting, Amor, Honoro, Officium, Sacrificium, meaning Love, Honor, Duty, Sacrifice, with a part of the proceeds going directly to the F.O.P. Order now at www.eowpainting.com. Many customizable painting options and choices are available.   UPS Survey Could Lead to Reduced Shipping Rates The Grand Lodge needs your help. We are exploring the possibility of developing a program with UPS whereby local and state lodges would join with the Grand Lodge in receiving preferred rates for their UPS Shipping cost. To determine the amount of business opportunity UPS can expect by providing us a nationally preferred rate, they have developed a short survey for all lodges to complete. UPS will review the results and make a determination if the FOP will be eligible for inclusion in an association program. There are only a few short questions, all regarding your lodges preferred shipping vendor, volume, and frequency of shipping. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by clicking on UPS Survey     This survey link will be active through April 31, 2010. At the conclusion of the survey, all lodges who complete the survey will be included in a raffle in which the winning lodge will receive a UPS / NASCAR gift basket. Please forward this request to other lodges and encourage their participation. Information about Adding New Members   The National Membership Staff have been receiving numerous requests from Local and State Lodges to go just ahead and approve gains entered into the Membership Information System without a Per Capita payment being forwarded to the Grand Lodge. The National Constitution and By-Laws, Article 3, Section E states:     "Member in good standing," in respect to the Grand Lodge, shall mean a member who fulfilled all requirements of membership in good standing to his respective subordinate and state lodges and for whom appropriate per capita tax has been paid to the Grand Lodge. Any member belonging to a state or subordinate lodge that is delinquent or has been suspended shall not be a member in good standing.   The Grand Lodge staff follows the Constitution and only those members that we have received a payment on will be approved and released from the Membership Information System. After a period of sixty (60) days if payment has not been received they are to "REJECT" the gain and it will be the responsibility of the State Lodge to resubmit those members once Per Capita has been received and forwarded to the Grand Lodge. Controversy Regarding FOP Decals Standing rule #5 requires that members not transfer FOP Active Member decals to non members. While some states have state laws prohibiting displaying police and related insignias, a recent court ruling challenges this law. This makes it even more imperative for lodges to police the use of Active Member decals and take appropriate action against members who violate this standing rule. The following story first appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer on March 31 and was written by Dan Horn:   Judge Upholds Man's FOP Sticker Jasbir Singh wasn't looking to become a defender of the First Amendment when he took on the village of Lockland,Ohio in a court fight two years ago. He just wanted to put a bumper sticker on his car. But the grocery store owner broke legal ground Wednesday when a federal judge ruled that village police violated the U.S. Constitution by charging Singh in 2008 with unlawfully displaying a police union sticker. U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett said the village's ban, which makes displaying such stickers a misdemeanor offense for non-police officers, unreasonably restricts the First Amendment right to free expression. "The conduct of displaying an emblem is expressive," Barrett wrote in his decision. "The defendants are trying to control the content of certain displays on motor vehicles." The village's law expressly forbids the display of an "emblem of a law enforcement agency or an organization of law enforcement officers" unless the person displaying the emblem is an officer or a formal member of the group. Singh's Fraternal Order of Police sticker, which included the letters "FOP," was deemed a violation of the law because he is not an officer or a member of the union. Singh said a police officer friend gave him the sticker and he put it on his car to show support for police. He was pulled over in 2008 while driving to his store in Lockland and was given a ticket for violating the ban. "That was very surprising," he said. "I was not speeding and I committed no traffic offense." Village and police union lawyers could not be reached Wednesday, but they have defended the law as a reasonable way to prevent people from impersonating law enforcement officers. They argued in court that the law makes officers safer because they might let down their guard if they see a police union sticker on a car during a traffic stop. Barrett rejected that argument, saying officers know they always must be careful when approaching a car. "Unfortunately, police officers never know who is driving a car until they approach the driver," he wrote. "Regardless of who the car is registered to or what emblem is placed on a car, the driver could be anyone." The judge said free speech and expression rights are not absolute, noting that restrictions may be permitted when the speech involves "fighting words" or poses a "true threat." But he said neither is the case with the police sticker ban. Singh's lawyer, Robert Newman, said stickers like the one on Singh's car are common throughout the country and don't indicate an attempt to impersonate a police officer. "You have a right to have emblems on your car that are supportive of the police," Newman said. Standing Rules Change for Social Networking Sites As reported in my last newsletter,  the Grand Lodge has previously prohibited the use of the Fraternal Order of Police name and/or star emblem on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. At the Spring Board of Trustees meeting section D of the current Standing Rules pertaining to the use of the FOP name and/or logo on the Internet was changed to the below:      Steps to using Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and other social networking sites for Lodges   1. FOP Lodges may use the Fraternal Order of Police name and the star emblem on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, subject to the guidelines and policies. Other social networking sites will require the approval of the Grand Lodge. 2. The Lodge President or Secretary must submit a written request to the National Secretary for approval of the social networking page and use of the FOP name and logo. Individual Members using FOP Marks on their personal profiles By using one or more of the Marks on any social networking site or other website, individual members agree that they are bound by the following policy:   ·         Members may use the collective membership marks for the sole purpose of identifying themselves as members of the Fraternal Order of Police.   ·         Members may not use the collective membership marks in connection with any commercial or for-profit purpose.   ·         Members may not use the collective membership marks in any manner which is profane, abusive, indecent, inappropriate or otherwise improper in the sole judgment of the Grand Lodge.   The National Board of Trustees reserves the right to rescind these policies at any time.

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Posted 4/8/2010

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE OF VA

VIRGINIA STATE LODGE

MEMORANDUM

 

            DATE:             April 8, 2010

TO:                        EXECUTIVE BOARD - DIRECTORS – LOCAL LODGE PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES

FROM:                 PRESIDENT Thomas Edwards
 SUBJECT:           STATE CONFERENCE HOSTED BY

Chesterfield Lodge #47 & Henrico Lodge #4 

THE 2010 VIRGINIA STATE CONFERENCE will be held at the Richmond, Kroger Center located at 1021 Kroger Center Blvd., Richmond 

Sunday August 01, 2010,    3 P.M. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Monday August 02, 2010,               NOON-Opening Ceremonies/Memorial Service/Business

Tuesday August 03, 2010    9 AM – 5pm Open training-Directors must attend

Wednesday August 04, 2010           9 AM - Continue Conference business

Thursday August 05, 2010  9 AM - Complete Conference business/Elections

 The room rate is $99.00 plus tax, per night for a single or double room.

To ensure this rate,  RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY  July 1, 2010.  

The Executive Board members are authorized four nights lodging, per diem and mileage.

 Directors are authorized three nights lodging, Conference events package, four days per diem and mileage.  Directors must register for their own events package and you will be reimbursed. Everyone attending the conference must fill out a registration form (even if you do not purchase the package)

 As in the past, the Lodge Director or a representative from the lodge is expected to attend the conference. Since the State pays for the Directors to attend there is no excuse not to send someone.  If for some reason no one is able to represent your lodge, the State Lodge must be contacted prior to the meeting by E-mail or letter. 

 ALL DIRECTORS REPORTS MUST BE SENT TO THE STATE OFFICE BY July 1, 2010 (This applies even if no one will be attending the meeting.)  If you have any questions, please call the State Office 1-800-367-0317.  I will look forward to seeing you at the Board meeting.

You must make your own hotel reservations – Call 804-379-3800 

 

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Posted 3/29/2010

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL TO GET HOUSE VOTE AFTER RECESS!

 

Representative Steny H. Hoyer, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, told National President Chuck Canterbury and Executive Director Jim Pasco that H.R. 413, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act," would be "among the first" bills considered on the House floor following the Easter recess.

With Members of Congress home in their States and districts, this is a perfect time to make your voice heard!


IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK HIM OR HER TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF H.R. 413 AFTER THE RECESS!!!

You can find your Representatives' district office phone number using www.congress.org, or contact their office through the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-225-3121.  When you reach their Washington office, ask for the district office phone number as well!.

The bill would recognize the fundamental right of public safety employees--primarily law enforcement officers and firefighters--to form and join unions and bargain collectively with their employers over wages, hours, and working conditions without undermining existing State labor laws. Basically, H.R. 413 would require:

•  the right of employees to form and join a union;

•  a requirement that the public safety employer recognize the union and agree to bargain over hours, wages, and the terms and conditions of employment; and

•  the availability of an impasse resolution mechanism such as fact-finding or mediation.

The legislation does not require binding arbitration and would prohibit strikes and lockouts.  You should emphasize that collective bargaining is a critical tool to resolve differences, not create them. 

Law enforcement officers and firefighters do not have a traditional labor-management relationship.  The bottom line is not shareholder profit versus wages, but how to best keep the public safe and get the officers safely home at the end of their shifts.  The success of the law enforcement mission depends on an open dialogue that is absent in far too many of our departments today. 

The FOP website has some great information on this important bill: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/bargain/index.shtml

If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the National Legislative Office at 202-547-8189!

 

DON'T DELAY -- CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TODAY!!!

 

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Posted 3/17/2010

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL TO GET HOUSE VOTE NEXT WEEK!
 

Last week, National President Chuck Canterbury appeared at a hearing held by the House Subcommittee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to support H.R. 413, the "Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act."  The hearing was held in advance of a full mark-up and vote by the full Committee on Education and Labor, which we had hoped would be scheduled for this week.

However, Committee leadership, both majority and minority, have agreed to allow the bill to proceed directly to the House floor.  Sometime next week, the full House of Representatives will consider H.R. 413 on the floor.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND ASK HIM OR HER TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF H.R. 413 NEXT WEEK!!!

You can reach the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 225-3121 and ask for your Representative by name.

The bill would recognize the fundamental right of public safety employees--primarily law enforcement officers and firefighters--to form and join unions and bargain collectively with their employers over wages, hours, and working conditions without undermining existing State labor laws. Basically, H.R. 413 would require:

•  the right of employees to form and join a union;

•  a requirement that the public safety employer recognize the union and agree to bargain over hours, wages, and the terms and conditions of employment; and

•  the availability of an impasse resolution mechanism such as fact-finding or mediation.

The legislation does not require binding arbitration and would prohibit strikes and lockouts.  You should emphasize that collective bargaining is a critical tool to resolve differences, not create them.  Law enforcement officers and firefighters do not have a traditional labor-management relationship.  The bottom line is not shareholder profit versus wages, but how to best keep the public safe and get the officers safely home at the end of their shifts.  The success of the law enforcement mission depends on an open dialogue that is absent in far too many of our departments today. 

The FOP website has some great information on this important bill: http://www.fop.net/legislative/issues/bargain/index.shtml

If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the National Legislative Office at 202-547-8189!
 

                                   SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES LEOSA BILL!!!

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, welcomed today’s news that S. 1132, the “Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act Improvements Act,” was favorably reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on a unanimous voice vote.

“I want to first express my deep appreciation to Chairman Leahy for his commitment to this issue,” Canterbury said.  “I know he’s been trying to move the bill for us since late last year, and his persistence paid off today.”

Senator Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT), the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is also the sponsor of S. 1132.  He had repeatedly placed the legislation on the Judiciary Committee’s agenda, but the weather, pressing nominations, and the threat of controversial amendments forced him to hold the bill over on several occasions.  The bill had broad bipartisan support with Senator Jefferson B. Sessions III (R-AL), the Committee’s Ranking Member, and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) as lead cosponsors.

“We’re very fortunate to have a champion like Chairman Leahy and strong supporters like Senator Sessions,” Canterbury said.  “Many of our retired officers are facing significant hurdles because some States have failed to implement the law as intended by Congress; this bill will really help them overcome those obstacles.”

The bill would improve certain provisions of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Safety Act (LEOSA), especially with respect to retired law enforcement officers, and would make clear that law enforcement officers employed by the Amtrak and Federal Reserve Police Departments, as well as those employed by the executive branch of the Federal Government who are classified as a GS-0083 meet the definition of “qualified law enforcement officer” in current law.  The bill would also lower the aggregate years of service needed to meet the definition of “qualified retired law enforcement officer” from fifteen (15) to ten (10) and removes confusing language related to that same definition.  The bill will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration.



 

Posted 2/24/10

BUDGET AMENDMENT

 Attached is a budget amendment that would allow localities to charge CURRENT employees any portion of the 5% they now pay. This is nothing more than a tax on current employees. In the 80's employees had not seen a raise for several years. Employers decided to pick up the employee portion of VRS in lieu of giving raises. they now want to take that back and make current employees pay the 5%. This will be heard on the House floor tomorrow and it will be our only chance to protect CURRENT employees from this tax increase. We need to do everything we can to kill this amendment

Art Lipscomb
 Legislative Director Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
18 North Eighth St.
Richmond, Va. 23219
Cell 434 941-4086 Fax 804 643-4064