Welcome To Our Home Page   Maryland Federation President Ted Jensen   If you have any questions or comments, please email me at  tjensen.narfe@gmail.com SPECIAL EVENTS FEHB Forum    ----   Congressman Chris Van Hollen's 9th Annual Federal Employees Health Benefits Forums, in conjunction with the Maryland Federation, will be held as follows: Monday, November 14, 2011 9am to 11am, at the Holiday Park Senior Center, 3950 Ferrara Drive, Wheaton, MD 20906 Thursday, November 17, 2011 7pm to 9pm, at the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street. Rockville, MD 20850 Experts on federal health insurance plans and representatives of health insurance carriers will be present at both sessions to discuss various health plan options, the impact of new health care reforms and answer individual questions. All are welcome.  The Beacon 50+ E X P O Kathy Siggins from Chapter 409 and Chapter 1936 members Barbara Cuffie and Gary Roundtree met with Congressman Cummings (2d from the left on the photo) on 20 September 2011, when they discussed several issues of concern to Federal Employees and retirees, and challenges facing the national deficit super committee. NARFE was well represented on August 5 at a highly informative discussion by long-time NARFE friend and supporter Maryland Senator Ben Cardin. The senator updated his most appreciative audience on the details of the recent 11th-hour budget agreement and the 12-member joint bipartisan committee tasked with developing further debt-reduction legislation. At the event jointly sponsored by NARFE, AFGE and the AFL-CIO, Sen. Cardin assured those who packed the library at the Suitland, MD Census Bureau that the deal that raised the debt ceiling, though far from ideal, not only saved our nation from default but offers some protections to federal workers, retirees and all seniors. Shown in photo, are some of the NARFE attendees, left to right: Ted Jensen, MD Federation president; Gary Roundtree, Chapter 1936, member, MD Federation Legislative Committee; Evelyn Kirby, MD Federation 1st VP/Legislative Director; Senator Cardin; Ron Bowers, Region II VP; and Jim Cowie, MD Federation Legislative Committee chair. Several other NARFE Federation and chapter officers also attended. WARNING! YOUR BENEFITS ARE AT RISK! GEMS will keep you informed of Congressional efforts to reduce the compensation and benefits for both active and retired employees. GEMS stands for NARFE's Global Email Messaging System. Join Gems now! It's easy, timely, and quick! Get up-to-date NARFE information and become an active participant to protect and preserve your benefit package. To sign up, log on to www.NARFE.org * Click on "Membership" at the left side of the screen. * Sign in on the right side of the next screen by typing in your last name, and Membership ID Number which can be located on your monthly NARFE magazine mailing label. It is also on your membership card. * On the next screen, look for the heading "What You Can Do On-line" on the left side of the screen. * Click on the box that says "Join GEMS." * On the next screen, type in your Member ID Number one more time and your Birth Date, then click "Submit." It's that easy.    OR    call HQ 1-800-456-8410 and give them your email address! Be in the know!   Join GEMS! Maryland 2012 Legislative Program MD Federation Fall 2011 Newsletter MD Federation Spring 2011 Newsletter MD Federation Winter 2010 Newsletter MD Federation Fall 2010 Newsletter MD Federation Spring 2010 Newsletter MD Federation Winter 2009 Newsletter MD Federation Fall 2009 Newsletter NARFE Membership Application Maryland at a Glance Federation Purpose The Maryland Federation of Chapters was established 5 April 1956. At that time, there were 10 chapters. Today, there are 34 chapters in Maryland. The purpose of the Federation is to aid and support NARFE in the objectives set forth in the National Articles of Incorporation; to unite fraternally for the mutual benefit of all Chapters within the State of Maryland; to promote the general welfare of all retirees, including more liberal retirement laws and annuities; and to support civic and patriotic activities up-holding American institutions and ideals. The Federation is managed by (1) an Executive Committee, made up of the five elected officers plus active Past Federation Presidents, and (2) the Federation Executive Board, made up of the Executive Committee, all Chapter Presidents, and all Past Federation Presidents. The Executive Committee meets as needed. The Federation Board meets at least three times each year. The Federation holds a Convention in May of each odd-numbered year. The next Convention will be in May 2013. TEN THINGS THE MARYLAND FEDERATION OF CHAPTERS (MFC) DOES FOR YOU REPRESENTS federal retirees/employees within the state. NARFE/MFC lobbies for our earned rights/retiree benefits at the state level. Bear in mind that no U.S. Congress or Maryland General Assembly can be relied upon to treat us fairly or with concern ...MFC has to take the initiative. PROVIDES a unified voice in Annapolis when dealing with the governor and the General Assembly and educates state legislators and local officials about concerns of federal retirees/employees. It helps state legislators refine proposed bills affecting us all. PROMOTES the objectives of NARFE throughout Maryland. The MFC is the logical organization to set specific and attainable goals for the chapters to support within the state, the objectives of National Headquarters. MFC speaks for all Maryland members on National NARFE policy issues. FACILITATES effective group action to accomplish common objectives. By establishing a viable political base at the grassroots level, it channels member efforts so as to support National NARFE policies. TRAINS local NARFE chapter officers, committee chairs and area coordinators in order to provide top quality leadership skills for the furtherance of common goals. COMMUNICATES with members and the public-at-large about issues of concern to federal retirees/employees. SUPPORTS contributions for NARFE's political fund to support political candidates. MOBILIZES volunteer resources existing in chapters in ongoing support of causes vital to NARFE members, such as Alzheimer’s research and increasing Maryland's income exclusion for calculating state income taxes. ADVISES chapters on effective ways of carrying out various functions such as membership, services, and public relations benefiting federal retiree/employees. SERVES as a vehicle for the exchange of ideas among members about programs/actions of benefit to federal retirees/employees through its bi-annual convention and the MFC newsletter. Try our links to Officers, Chapters, and Committees. The Internet will be NARFE's most powerful communication tool ever. It will allow NARFE's 55 Federations, made up of 1422 Chapters and representing over 309,000 members not only to communicate more effectively, but will truly shrink us to a global village. Updated: 5 November 2011