Page 16 - FOP March 2017 Newsletter

‘Day on the Hill’
On Feb. 21, I attended the annual FOP “Day on the Hill” in Washington, D.C., with fellow FOP members from across the country. This was a very exciting day for the FOP because the newly elected Trump administration, while still taking shape, had reached out to the FOP, promising a leading role in providing
have been under attack; as such, discussing this critical safety issue was at the top of our priority list. Another important topic of discussion outlined strategies to support the Social Security Fairness Act and repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The WEP decrees that Chicago Po- lice Officers (and other Police Officers across the coun-
THOMAS MTcHDOMNAGSH
MCDONAGH our perspectives on the state of policing
in this country. There was an air of excitement in
the halls of the U.S. Capitol because the 115th Congress had been sworn in and seated. The goal
of our meetings with members of Congress was
to push hard on law enforcement and officer safety issues. The other main effort was to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine the rights we have fought for in the past, and not to give anything back.
One main topic of discussion was the expansion of federal hate-crimes laws as they relate to issues of offi- cer safety. Across this country, law enforcement agencies
try) receive reduced social security benefits because we are eligible fot or entitled to a pension. Our goal while in D.C. was to ensure that the money we accumulated during our career prior to be- coming pension-entitled was not diminished. We should be entitled to the money earned fair and square, and should not be subject to penaliza- tion because of it. The GPO reduces spousal social secu- rity benefits because of the pension eligibility. With the Republican-controlled Congress, our D.C. lobbyists are
very optimistic that movement will occur.
During the Day on the Hill sessions, I also had the op-
portunity to meet with both Illinois senators and several other members of Congress. The overarching message I received from these elected officials – after sharing with them that I was a Detective from the Chicago Police De- partment – was concern about the violence in our fair city. The concern did not lead to any major conversation on how to combat the violence, but as they told me over and over again, they were concerned! One congressman from central Illinois offered the only tangible idea about how Washington, D.C., could help make Chicago a safer city. This congressman suggested delaying grant money earmarked for Chicago until we obtained a new street stop procedure that allowed Police Officers to do their jobs. Too bad this gentleman doesn’t live in Chicago! Health Fair
On March 1, the FOP held a Health Fair at the Hall with 103 members attending. I would like to thank all of the people from Knapp Medical Center, LTD, for making this benefit possible for our members. I would especially like to thank Dr. Keith Knapp and Practice Manager Maureen Kosmala for accommodating the FOP with their skills in this field. I participated in the Health Fair and, two days later, was contacted by Dr. Knapp who personally went over my results and needs (more salads and exercise), then forwarded them to my primary doctor. Knapp Medical Center, LTD, offers an outstanding product and I urge every member to take advantage of this benefit.
To all my fellow Irish-American Police Officers, enjoy the high holy days in the month of March. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! d
Field Representative
REPORT
16 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MARCH 2017