NARFE applauds house committee action
NARFE praised the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for reporting favorably on legislation, H. R. 1110 Premium Conversion, that would allow federal and military retirees and active duty personnel to pay their health insurance premiums with pre-tax earnings. Federal and military retirees lose ground every year as health insurance premiums skyrocket.

The premium conversion benefit helps federal workers pay for their insurance and this tax relief would enable federal annuitants living on fixed incomes the same benefit. Many federal employees don't know they enjoy an average tax savings of about $820 a year because Premium Conversion is an automatic benefit handled by their employing agency. They may not realize they have it until it's gone when they retire. That's why federal workers who will want premium conversion when they retire, and need it most, should be helping NARFE fight for it now. The tax code allows public and private employers to permit their workers to pay for health insurance with pre-tax dollars.

Approval of H R 1110 by the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce is only one of the many steps in a lengthy journey toward enactment of this bill. It must now go to the House Ways and Means Committee for further action.

The Brasstown Bald chapter of NARFE will meet at 11:45 on Tuesday October 9th at Grinds & Glazes in Blairsville. All active or retired federal employees, their spouses or survivors, are welcome at the meeting. For more information, contact Larry 706 745 4092 larjon@brmemc.net