LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS WEEK OCTOBER 14-20, 2012

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Bruno Floyd
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1 LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS WEEK OCTOBER 14-20, 2012

2 AFSA PURPOSE The Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), founded on May 3, 1961, provides a voice (through advocacy and education) for all enlisted grades of Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Command, retired, veteran and family members.

3 Your AFSA Legislative Representatives educate Congress about the enlisted force and fight for your best interests. AFSA representatives have walked a mile in your shoes and know about your military contributions and sacrifices.

4 10 YEAR LOOKBACK MAJOR VICTORIES Annual Pay Raises > ECI Defeated Major TRICARE Fee Hikes Concurrent Receipt Major GI Bill Upgrades (Transferability) Survivor Benefit Upgrades Wounded Warrior Protections Repealed REDUX Retirement Penalties Reserve TRICARE Coverage (& Premium Cut) Retirement Age Credit for AD Service (G&R)

5 RECENT VICTORIES A 1.6% military pay raise Limited increases in TRICARE Prime fees to rate of annual COLA Blocked a 27% cut in Medicare and TRICARE payments A Upgraded transitional health benefits for separating members and families Prohibition of administrative separation for medical conditions previously cleared by physical evaluation board Blocked restrictions on servicemembers rights for AFBCMR actions Extension of voluntary separation pay authority through 2018 $45 million in impact aid for schools attended by military kids Improved transition services for separating service members Strengthened reemployment rights protections for ANG members

6 RECENT VICTORIES CONT Enhancement of Yellow Ribbon Program to improve state-to-state consistency Approval of voluntary retirement incentives for members with 20+ yrs. OK for Temporary Early Retirement Authority for members with yrs. Expanded death gratuity protections for Reserve members on IDT An expedited process for disability determinations A congressionally directed review of space-available travel options for current ineligible retirees/survivors Participation in Military Children s Educational Compact (Now 43 States) Improved spouse/veteran education and employment opportunities

7 MAJOR UNRESOLVED ISSUES FY 2013 NDAA FY 2013 Funding Sequestration Doc Fix

8 HOUSE FY13 NDAA H.R (Passed 5/18/12) 1.7 percent military pay raise No TRICARE Fee Increases; hikes in drug copays limited to COLA rate No new BRAC rounds; no similar commission looking at military pay Provides transition benefits for involuntarily separated members (active duty) 180 days of TRS and TRICARE dental coverage for members involuntarily separated from the SR Protects child custody agreements for military parents who are deployed Refinancing help for qualifying service members who can t sell their homes in conjunction with a military-ordered relocation

SENATE FY13 NDAA S. 3254 Awaits full Senate approval 1.7 percent military pay raise 1.

9 SENATE FY13 NDAA S Awaits full Senate approval 1.7 percent military pay raise 1.7% military pay raise No TRICARE fee increases; significant hikes in drug copays No new BRAC rounds Requires a Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission Codifies Space-A travel eligibility 180 days of TRS and TRICARE dental coverage for members involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve (SR) Allows a PCS move for SR members who are separated due to force reductions, but who fill critical vacancies in another unit more than 150 miles from their home

FY 2013 FUNDING Congress failed to pass annual Budget Resolution Also unable to pass any of the 12 annual funding bills Government continues to operate via

10 FY 2013 FUNDING Congress failed to pass annual Budget Resolution Also unable to pass any of the 12 annual funding bills Government continues to operate via a temporary Continuing Resolution Stopgap measure expires end of March 2013 Congress must act before then by passing the annual funding bills or another CR

11 SEQUESTRATION Directed by Budget Control Act of 2011 Another $500 Billion in Defense Cuts Impact effective 1/2/13 unless Congress acts to block or delay Injects chaos and politics into the entire defense system Threatens pay, jobs and benefits

12 DOC FIX 27% cut in payment to doctors who treat Medicare/TRICARE patients Cut is effective 1/2/13 Threatens access for beneficiaries Cost of fix is $245+B over 10 yrs Relief likely to come via another temporary fix

Prevailing theme in Washington: All must share the pain If lawmakers follow course of history,

13 LOOKING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL Congress won t act until Election is over The long term view is Not Pretty Everything is on the table! Prevailing theme in Washington: All must share the pain If lawmakers follow course of history, expect deep defense cuts which will impact pay & benefits AFSA goal is to avoid disproportional sacrifice and ensure enlisted members have what they need to perform mission

15 YOU HAVE A CHOICE! To be the thermometer, or a thermostat Hot and out of control as the situation changes, or to react and cool things off Be Active! Learn the issues Use AFSA CapWiz Call your elected officials VOTE! Recruit and educate new members!

17 QUESTIONS?

FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act Matrix with TMC Positions October 11, 2012

FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act Matrix with TMC Positions October 11, 2012 Guard and Reserve Provisions, Retired Issues, Survivor Issues, Veterans/Other Provisions, Health Care Provisions Active Forces Provisions Sec. 401 End strength for Active Forces. Sec. 401 Similar provision