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Election Implications for MOAA Members

This Week's Implications for MOAA's Agenda:
The changes in leadership in both chambers of Congress and the Department of Defense could have some significant implications for members of the military and veterans' community.

2008 Military Pay Raise:
Bureau of Labor Statistics data released in October will provide the basis for the 2008 military pay raise.

Veteran's Day:
MOAA leadership will help honor veterans at various Washington functions on Veterans Day.

This Week's Implications for MOAA's Agenda
MOAA's e-mail inboxes and phone lines are burning up with inquiries about how the election results and/or Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation may change the outlook for success of MOAA's legislative goals.The answers are far from certain, but there are several considerations are worth noting.

On the congressional side, we've worked hard to gain support for our issues from members of both parties, recognizing that our democratic process periodically leads to leadership changes like the ones generated by this week's election. Because of those bipartisan efforts, leaders such as Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) have become vocal proponents for some of our top agenda items, including concurrent receipt and elimination of the deduction of VA survivor benefits from Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.

We have no reason to believe that enthusiasm will diminish once they assume leadership of the House and Senate, respectively, next year. On the other hand, some on the Republican side who also support many of our initiatives have at times felt constrained by loyalty to an Administration that strongly opposed these initiatives.

To the extent such political obligations may be eased with a change in congressional leadership, we hope this improves the potential for bipartisan action. As President Bush has noted since the election, both parties want America to succeed and both want our military to succeed. We take at face value recent statements on both sides that they intend to work together to achieve bipartisan progress.

As for Secretary Rumsfeld's resignation, it's no secret that MOAA has had significant differences with the Secretary on military service end strengths, health fees, and other issues. But we also recognize him as a dedicated patriot who has served his country in many capacities-including service as Secretary of Defense under two U.S. presidents. Leadership changes are part of the democratic process.

They offer important opportunities for fresh sets of eyes to examine the problems and consider alternative options. But the national defense policy-setting process is bigger than any one person, and we expect the new secretary will be focused first and foremost on the present and future conduct of the war.

MOAA works on behalf of a strong national defense with whomever is in the position of Secretary of Defense, and, if confirmed by the Senate, we look forward to working with Mr. Gates.

2008 Military Pay Raise Projection: 3.0%
The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the quarterly Employment Cost Index (ECI) changes on October 31, 2006. The ECI measures employee pay growth in the private sector and, by law, is the standard for military pay raises. The newly released ECI data indicates the 2008 (yes, 2008) pay raise for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members will be 3.0% -- unless the Administration or Congress decide to propose a different raise.

Why does the 2008 pay raise have to be projected this far ahead of time? Unlike retired pay cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), military pay raises aren't automatic or mandatory. They have to be budgeted for, and the funds have to be appropriated. The Pentagon is preparing the FY2008 budget right now, so October 2006 is the latest they can wait for ECI data to set the 2008 raise. BLS calculates the 3% growth by comparing the ECI for the third quarter of 2006 with the ECI for the third quarter 2005.

Veteran's Day
On Saturday, November 11th, MOAA President VADM Norb Ryan, Jr. (USN-Ret) will represent MOAA at the Veterans Day National Ceremony and Presidential Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery and Tomb of the Unknowns.

Please take a moment to reflect on the continuing heroism and sacrifices of our men and women serving overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as their families and the families of those killed in these conflicts, and of veterans and their families throughout our nation's history.

Also, the Marine Corps' 231st birthday is Friday, November 10. If you haven't taken the opportunity yet, wish a Marine a happy birthday. Birthday cakes always taste better when cut by a sword.

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Military Officers Association of America
201 N. Washington St., Alexandria, Va. 22314
(800) 234-6622 (MOAA)
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Contributed,
YNCS Don Harribine, USN(ret)