Entry bubble The Do Not Call Registry

By: Jake | February 25, 2008 | Category: Money

You can now make those mid-dinner telemarketing calls a thing of the past.

The Do Not Call Registry allows citizens to submit their phone numbers to a list that telemarketers are not allowed to call. When the registry was set up in 2003 the program required people to re-register every five years in order to keep the numbers up to date.

Now users will not have to re-register since earlier this month President Bush signed the Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007 which prohibits the removal of numbers from the registry.

You can verify your registration or register your phone number online. Keep in mind that it takes 31 days for the updated list to be submitted to telemarketers and even then you may still receive calls from political organizations, charities, telephone surveyors or companies with which you have an existing business relationship. If you do receive a call from someone you are not supposed to you can file a complaint with the registry online or with the Federal Communications Commission.

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Entry bubble Political Activity for Federal Employees (The Hatch Act)

By: Sommer | February 01, 2008 | Category: General

The 2008 presidential election is a really big deal for our country. It’s nice to see so many people turning out for the primaries.

Under the Hatch Act, though, federal, state, and local employees need to use some caution during the campaigning and election process, since they are only allowed to participate in limited activities. Under new laws, most federal employees can volunteer and contribute to the election process, but some restrictions still remain.

Remember that employees of certain federal agencies may not participate in any partisan political activities.

All federal employees may:

  • Register and vote as they choose
  • Assist in voter registration drives
  • Express opinions about candidates and issues
  • Contribute money to political organizations
  • Attend political rallies and meetings
  • Sign nominating petitions
  • Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, municipal ordinances
  • Join political clubs or parties

Federal employees may never:

  • Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election
  • Solicit or discourage political activity of anyone with business before the agency
  • Solicit, accept, or receive political contributions
  • Engage in political activity while on duty, in a government office, while wearing an official uniform, or while using a government vehicle (This includes sending political emails from your government computer and email account.)
  • Become a candidate in a partisan election

If you violate the Hatch Act you could lose your job.  Make sure you fully understand your rights under this legislation before taking up a political cause. 

Happy Groundhog Day tomorrow! Pray that Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow – I’m ready for spring!!

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