Don’t shift deficit to federal workers

Bruce Bacon, Las Vegas

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 | 2 a.m.

The congressional “super committee” in charge of finding ways to reduce our national debt has an important deadline approaching that will affect all Nevadans.

One of the most influential aspects of the super committee’s decision will involve the federal workforce. Among the options for cutting the deficit, federal workers could be forced to contribute even more to their retirement. On behalf of the 21,681 annuitants and 15,526 active federal employees in Nevada, I hope they support us so we can continue to fully do our part to protect and move forward our nation, rather than placing the burden solely on federal employees.

Every day, the federal workforce provides dependable services to America’s seniors, delivers vital mail to every household across the country, brings criminals to justice, develops missile systems that keep us safe at home, and invents ways for scientists to explore the farthest reaches of outer space.

I have no doubt that members of the super committee value our service but when their sole focus is budgets and costs, it can become too easy for them to lose sight of how priceless our nation’s workers really are.

Nevada’s congressional delegation should tell the super committee that protecting federal employees is vital to the strength of Nevada and our nation.

The author is the vice president of the Lake Mead District of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.