NATCA Bookshelf

Patricia C. Gilbert Executive Vice President Steve Weidner National Legislative Committee Chairman Paul M. Rinaldi President Paul M. Rinaldi Patricia C. Gilbert Steve Weidner Paul M. Rinaldi WELCOME Dear Brothers and Sisters, Welcome to beautiful Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C.! To us, springtime in Washington means the spirited and crucially important gathering of more than 400 dedicated NATCAvists. We love that you have shown such a strong interest in and enthusiasm for NATCA's legislative activism. Whether you've been to many NATCA in Washington events or this is your first one, we welcome you to our nation's capital! We have a great program planned for you this year. To all of you, we extend a profound thank you for being here on your own time. Our advice to you this week is to absorb as much information as you can, ask as many questions as you have, and remember that you are representing not just yourselves, but all NATCA members. It is a source of great pride to have you here this week, thoroughly engaged in the most important issues for this Union, and ready to go to work for your fellow brothers and sisters. We hope you will spread the word about everything you learn this week and that you will learn new strategies to continue your important legislative work after you return home. Nobody knows our professions like you. When you meet with members of Congress and their staffs, remember that you are the subject matter experts. You work on the front lines of aviation safety. You will have the unique opportunity to report what your job is like, describe how the National Airspace System runs, and explain the necessary steps to ensure the future safety and efficiency of the system directly to Congress. Although the legislative environment has changed drastically since we gathered here last year, we still face the reality of an unstable, unpredictable funding stream that is regularly threatened by government shutdowns, sequestration, and budget cuts. We are an integral part of the robust dialogue about the challenges that we face and the potential solutions. Of course, there are many opinions on what the most critical challenges are, and there are also many opinions on potential solutions. Nevertheless, we have remained resolute that neither the status quo nor a profit-driven reform model would satisfy our concerns or resolve the fundamental issues we face. Now more than ever, it is essential that we remain an integral part of the conversation as policy makers decide what they will ultimately pursue. Many issues that are crucial to your facilities — such as hiring, staffing, official time, technology, and modernization — are directly tied to lawmakers' work on both short- and long-term planning and funding for the Agency. On behalf of your National Executive Board and your National Legislative Committee, welcome and thank you! We hope you will take full advantage of this unique event intended to educate, inspire, and prepare you to channel your dedication and passion for aviation safety and your Union into a year of legislative activism. Enjoy your week! 3

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