May 6, 2008

The document link below addresses some of  the question that we have answers to so far but we are in need of assistance in developing additional questions. If you have additional questions please send them in writing to Local 36. Please realize that there are still unanswered questions we are waiting for the department to address.

EMS Transitional Plan Retirement Process

April 16, 2008

The 2nd Annual IAFF-MG National Rally will be held in beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, May 12-15, 2008. The IAFF-MG will meet in Fayetteville and spend three days networking and riding in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. more info

The Women's Advisory Committee fish fry was a complete success.  View the photos here.

March 28, 2008

"As reported in the media recently, CareFirst Dental has discovered that some member's personal information may have become public. CareFirst has assured us that this does not affect our members. If any member receives a notice from CareFirst please contact the Union office."

March 21, 2008

The Executive Board and the EMS Committee of Local 36 are pleased to announce that 83% of the members in attendance at the special meetings on March 20 and 21, 2008 voted in favor of “EMS Staffing Plan B.” 

As we move ahead, we look forward to Chief Rubin and his Administration’s continued support in the implementation of this EMS Staffing Plan.

This is a continuing effort by the members of Local 36 to provide the citizens, workers and visitors of the District of Columbia with the highest level of rapid and professional care, with the goal of fire-based EMS and a unified workforce in mind. 

In Unity There Is Strength!

Fraternally,

Dan Dugan

President

January 30, 2008

IRS Publishes Instructions on HELPS Benefit

The IRS has published new instructions on how retired fire fighters can take advantage of the Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety (HELPS) benefit on their 2007 tax returns.

Last year, the IAFF won an unprecedented congressional victory in the passage of the HELPS retiree health care benefit, a tax-free distribution of up to $3,000 from retirement plans to help retirees pay for health insurance or long-term care insurance premiums.

The IRS instructions for filing 2007 tax returns explains how to take advantage of this valuable benefit. The IRS will allow retired fire fighters to exclude from income distributions made from eligible retirement plans up to $3,000 annually to pay the premiums for accident or health insurance or long-term care insurance. The premiums can be for coverage for the retiree, spouse or dependents. The distribution must be made directly from the retirement plan to the insurance provider. Eligible retirement plans include qualified trusts, section 403(a) plans, section 403(b) annuities and section 457(b) plans.

The IRS requires retirees to report total distributions on Form 1040, line 16a; Form 1040A, line 12a; or Form 1040NR, line 17a. The taxable amount should be reported on Form 1040, line 16b; Form 1040A, line 12b; or Form 1040NR, line 17b. Also, retirees should write “PSO” next to the appropriate line where the taxable amount is reported.

Click here for relevant instructions.

January 29, 2008

The 2nd Annual IAFF-MG National Rally will be held in beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, May 12-15, 2008. The IAFF-MG will meet in Fayetteville and spend three days networking and riding in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Read more...

January 8, 2008

Effective today retired members have their own website, www.retired.iafflocal36.org.   Information will be added as soon as it it received from RFA President Butch Oliff.

Student Loan Forgiveness for Fire Fighters Approved

September 10, 2007 – The U.S. Congress has approved legislation creating a new student loan forgiveness program for full-time professional fire fighters and other public safety employees who have served their communities for at least 10 years. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act, HR 2669, passed the House 292-97 and the Senate 79-12.

The president is expected to sign the bill into law in the near future.

“The rising costs of higher education have made it more difficult for many individuals with student loan debt to pursue a career in public safety,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “By making the burden of student loans more affordable, this program will not only reward those who commit their lives to serve their communities and protect their neighbors, but encourage more young people to do so.”

Under the new program, fire fighters who have made 10 years of payments on eligible federal direct loans while employed in a public service job will be entitled to the cancellation of such loans’ remaining balance and principal. The benefit does not apply to privately financed student loans.

Championed by Chairman George Miller (D-CA) in the House and Chairman Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in the Senate, HR 2669 also increases student aid and reduces the national debt by $750 million.

We have added a new page today to assist our members with advertising their service or business.  This is a no cost service but you must be a member or spouse of Local 36 to have your name and number listed. If you are in need of service please help our Brothers and Sisters with their business by checking out our yellowpage. 

Local 36 has created a mailing list to inform members of upcoming events and important meetings.  If you would like to have your email added to the list please visit the sign-up page.

We are also offering anymember@iafflocal36.org email addresses.  You must be an active or retired member in good standing to receive a local 36 email address.  Please be aware that all iafflocal36.org address are automatically added to our mailing list.  Please visit the sign-up page to request you email.  Please allow 5-7 working days for your name to be verified by the Secretary of Local 36.  We will send an email to your current email with your username

The 2007 Antique Fire Apparatus Show was a complete success.  Special thanks to the Pipe and Drum Band who again put on a great show!  Pictures of the event can be found here.