Greetings,

This is the Federation Hotline updated Nov. 3.

ELECTION DAY TODAY-DON'T FORGET TO RETURN BALLOTS

Today is election day. Most counties vote by mail ballot only. So today is the deadline to get those mail ballots in. There are several close elections. Don't forget to get your ballots in!

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON HEALTH CARE THURSDAY

Momentum for some form of acceptable public option in the national health care bill is growing and several key members of the U.S. House of Representatives need to hear from you.

Rep. Jay Inslee of the 1st Congressional District, Rep. Rick Larsen of the 2nd CD, Rep. Brian Baird of the 3rd CD and Rep. Adam Smith of the 9th CD all need to hear from you to support a robust public option.

The House is expected to vote as early as this Friday, Nov. 6. A National Day of Action has been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5.

So, tell Congress to act now. Call 1-888-460-0813. Tell your member of Congress we need health care reform that doesn't tax our benefits, holds employers accountable and includes a robust public option.

WFSE/AFSCME NATURAL RESOURCES TASK FORCE RELEASES FINDINGS

The Federation's Natural Resources Task Force has issued its official response to the governor's "ideas" on consolidating the functions of several natural resource agencies, from Parks to Ecology to Natural Resources to Fish and Wildlife and Agriculture.

The governor's subcabinet in September issued a set of "ideas" for public comment.

But the union's task force had several conclusions:

- Several ideas will be cost-prohibitive in these tough economic times.

- Many ideas will take legislative action and revision of regulatory or statutory language.

- Some ideas might generate savings, but that has to be balanced against a capital investment up front.

- Some ideas "can be considered low-hanging fruit" that can be enacted fairly easily and bring about economies and efficiencies.

- "In severe economic times, some options that look attractive may not be the most viable in the long term. The Task Force is concerned that consolidation and major reorganization will ultimately eliminate some, if not all, checks and balances that have been created by the agencies and will have a detrimental effect on the natural resources of the state and a potentially negative impact on the future economy of the state. The well-managed and sustainable natural resources available to the citizens of this state are a significant draw for business relocation, recreation, education and retirement opportunities that increase the amount of revenue brought into the economy."

The Federation task force also found several major missing pieces in the governor's subcabinet's work. The most significant? "Input from the people who do the 'boots on the ground' work for natural resource agencies and their partners. The draft report reflects the high view of agency management and resources compiled in a vacuum."

You can view the full report of the Federation's Natural Resources Task Force at www.wfse.org > WFSE Blogs > Natural Resources Policy Committee.

REMINDER--OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR HEALTH INSURANCE started Oct. 26 and runs until Nov. 30. Significant changes are coming to co-pays and deductibles, depending on your plan. This is your chance to switch to a new plan. Also be aware that Nov. 30 is the deadline to verify the eligibility of any family members you cover. The Public Employees Benefits Board sent out only one open enrollment notice, so don't overlook the chance to change plans. Benefits fairs continue this week in Bellingham, Ellensburg, Everett, Mount Vernon, Port Angeles, Selah, Shoreline, Tacoma, Vancouver and Wenatchee. For full information and a full list of benefits fairs, go to www.pebb.hca.wa.gov .

SHARED LEAVE REQUEST:

IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE: Theresa Adams, a support enforcement officer 2 in Tacoma and a member of Local 53, is in need of shared leave to care for her critically ill husband who has had multiple surgeries. He will have several more surgeries and a long rehabilitation. To assist Theresa with a donation of eligible unused annual leave or sick leave or all or part of your personal holiday, contact Paulette Handley at (253) 680-3184.

That's it for now. Call Nov. 10 for the next message.

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