On Tuesday, October 14 the Association’s Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel joined Rich Fitzsimmons of the lobbying firm LGV&A and spent a day meeting with Congressional staffers on Capital Hill. As we reported in the November edition of the Voice, the Association has retained the firm of Lussier, Gregor, Vienna & Associates (LGV&A) in order to maintain a constant presence in Washington.

Duhamel and Fitzsimmons spent a full day on Capital Hill meeting with the staffs of Congressmen Neil, Frank, Capuano, Lynch, Meehan, and Delahunt, as well as key staff members for Senators Kennedy and Kerry. The meetings proved to be both informative and encouraging as to the progress being made on the two issues.

Each staff member indicated that their respective boss has been deluged with calls, emails and letter from concerned retirees. Both Meahan and Neil had recently met with groups of local retirees in their districts to discuss the problem.

The highlight of the day was a meeting in the office of Representative E. Clay Shaw (D-FL). As members know, Shaw is the House chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security. The Ft. Lauderdale native plays a central role in whether or not the GPO or WEP will be addressed during this Congressional Session.

Duhamel and Fitzsimmons met with Chief of Staff Kim Hildred and other staffers from Shaw’s Committee. They talked in depth about the various proposals being reviewed and were left with the impression that the chairman is seeking a solution.

“We had a very productive meeting with Kim Hildred, who is the lead Congressional staffer on Social Security. She acknowledged that Mr. Shaw has received a number of inquiries from retirees in his district. We certainly have captured his attention,” said Duhamel.

Association lobbyists will continue to maintain in close contact with our Massachusetts delegation, as well as with the staff of the Subcommittee on Social Security. Members are encouraged to continue their individual efforts on the GPO and WEP.

“Our members play a key role in whether or not these laws are going to be addressed. Keeping the pressure on and relating your personal experiences to your members of Congress are very important.”