Brothers & Sisters,
Brother Fuller, is holding a golf tournament to benefit local student athletes. Please read his mission statement and flyer. Lets help Chester help these kids! The work he's doing with these kids is outstanding, and whether you play golf or not, he needs our help.
IAFF Mayoral Candidate Tim Keller is scheduled for a membership forum at the Union Hall on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 10:00am. All members are encouraged to attend.
Nominations for the 2017 General Election officially open at the General Membership Meeting on September 14, 2017 and will close at the General Membership Meeting on November 9, 2017.
In accordance with the Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters IAFF Local 244 Bylaws: Article X, Officer Elections, Section 4. Elected Officer Terms all ‘Odd Year’ positions will be up for election in 2017. There will also be one ‘Even Year’ position up for election for a one year term due to a previous vacancy. See detailed listing below.
Please refer to the Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters IAFF Local 244 Bylaws:Article X, Officer Elections, Sections 1-13 for additional information including Eligibility Requirements.
The IAFF Local 244 Executive Board is accepting letters of interest for the position of City Chapter Fifth Steward for the next 14 calendar days. The Executive Board will appoint a member to serve in this position at the Executive Board meeting on August 17, 2017 until the next General Election; in accordance with the IAFF Local 244 Constitution & Bylaws, Article VI, Section 5. All letters of interest can be turned in to the Union Hall or emailed to iafflocal244@qwestoffice.net on or before August 15, 2017.
The promise to finally repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) hit a serious road block in the Senate, and with it a repeal of the Cadillac Tax on employer-provided healthcare. The IAFF and other pro-repeal groups worked with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Dean Heller (R-NM) to introduce a full repeal amendment. But even with historically broad support for axing the Cadillac Tax, the highly politicized nature surrounding repeal of the ACA would not guarantee a victory. Both Democrats and Republicans were acting overly cautious in fear of giving the opposition a path to victory. In the end, however, the amendment passed 52-48, illustrating the deeply entrenched support for full repeal of this ill-conceived tax.
On July 25, Republicans successfully voted to begin debate on an eventual final plan to roll back and replace many parts of the ACA. What followed was a series of amendments on varying proposals ranging from full repeal to a vote on the recently passed House bill. This process was intended to allow Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) the opportunity to slowly try and piece together a working majority he would need to pass a final bill.
With the Senate moving quickly on finalizing its legislative language, an opportunity was seized to offer the amendment to repeal the Cadillac Tax. But after numerous attempts by Leader McConnell to find common ground on a healthcare bill he could rally his conference around, he decided to place the fate of his efforts in a “skinny” repeal plan. This watered-down bill would have eliminated a handful of taxes and loosened regulations around health savings accounts while keeping the majority of regulations in the ACA. However, even this plan did not go far enough for moderate Republicans, whose support was based on lower premiums and broader coverage. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) sided with 48 Democrats to end – for now – any effort by the Senate to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Under current law, the Cadillac Tax is delayed until January 2, 2020. Despite the failure so far to repeal the ACA in Congress, efforts to fully repeal the Cadillac tax continue. As always, the IAFF is continuing its work with allies in Congress to ensure a full repeal.
IAFF Local 244 will be hosting the New Mexico Fire Muster and 5k on August 26, 2017 at Balloon Fiesta Park. This is the first annual event with the hopes of continuing it every year to get the fire community and public together for a great cause. The NM Fire Muster & 5K event was created to support and raise money for the IAFF Local 244 Survivor’s Fund and Membership Assistance Program. Unfortunately, the number of firefighters being diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses has risen and gratefully, the Survivor’s fund has been there to help. Now we need your help to continue to support and raise money to take care of these unfortunate circumstances!
There will be a 5K race along with a 1-mile family fun run in the morning, which are open to the public. Firefighters will be able to compete in a modified combat challenge with either a team of 3 or individually. This event will also feature live bands, food trucks, car/bike show, and a beer garden supplied by Desert Valley Brewery. Desert Valley Brewery will be revealing their new “244 Red”, which was custom created to raise money for the Survivor’s fund. This event is open to the public, and has no admission charge! We just ask that you make a donation at the event or on the website below.
For event registration, information or to make a donation please select the link:
AFD defeats APD (8-1) in the 1st Annual First Responders Cup soccer game before the ABQ Sol game on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Thank you for representing brothers!
Be advised, deductions for Benevolent and TV Fund will be deducted this month (July 2017) in accordance with Article IV, Section 6 and Section 10 of the IAFF Local 244 Constitution & Bylaws.
City Chapter Members:
Please be advised that deductions for Benevolent Fund and TV Fund are scheduled to come out during the first pay period in July 2017. These deductions will occur on Pay Period Ending (PPE) 7/07/17 with a pay date of 7/14/17.
County Chapter Members:
Please be advised that the deduction for Benevolent Fund will be taken out the first full pay period in July 2017. These deductions will occur on Pay Period Ending (PPE) 7/21/17 with a pay date of 7/28/17.
A Special Meeting is scheduled at the Union Hall on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 in accordance with Article V, Section 6 of the IAFF Local 244 Constitution & By-Laws. The purpose of this meeting is to approve the Political Action Committee endorsement recommendation for Mayor of Albuquerque. The meeting will start promptly at 6:00pm.
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