The Fort Worth, Texas Chapter of the American Payroll Association

May Meeting

Who’s Speaking?

Please join us on Thursday, May 1, 2008 for the monthly professional education meeting at Woodhaven Country Club from 11:30 - 1:30. The FWAPA guest speakers will be James Jones, Senior Regional Attorney and Harry Monck Assistant Attorney General from the Child Support Division, Office of The Attorney General. Their topic is “Child Support Garnishments”.

James D. Jones is the Senior Regional Attorney for Region 4, Child Support Division of Attorney General of Texas. Mr. Jones holds a J. D. degree from the University of Texas. James began practicing law in the Army. James was also the Assistant DA for the 29th Judicial Court and then went on to develop a successful private practice. In 1998 he joined the OAG, Child Support Division, where he is now the Senior Regional Attorney.

Harry Monck developed and oversees a federally-funded project by the Child Support Division to collect past-due child support from pension and retirement plans. Monck’s other responsibilities include oversight of all legal practices in the 65 field offices of the Child Support Division; legal advisor to the Deputy Director of Child Support; and legal advisor to the Special Collections Units and Special Enforcement Operations in the Child Support Division.

Mr. Monck has significant family law experience. He has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1989, and was in private practice in Houston for 14 years. He was also general counsel and general manager of a utility construction company. Since joining the Attorney General’s Office in June 1999, Monck served as field attorney, managing attorney of an office, senior regional attorney, and regional counsel all in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Harry holds a J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law School, and

Luncheon Reservations
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Each year chapter elections bring new members to serve as Chapter Officers. Our chapter is fortunate to have a depth of intelligent payroll professionals dedicated to do their very best to promote and advance our chapter objectives. Chapter Officers for 2008-2009 are Sara Hawkins, CPP - President; Kim Markle, FPC - Vice President; Samantha Bryant - Treasurer; Velma Martin - Program Director; Donna Pedigo - Membership Director; Andrea Nabors Wilhelm - Secretary; Sara Hawkins, CPP - Education Director; Bonnie Rybacki, FPC - Government Liaison; Florence Brown, CPP, CPA – Past President: Doris Short, CPP - Newsletter Editor.

What words can be used to adequately thank our outgoing Chapter Officers. Donna Hornsby, Stacy Marquez, Margaret McMurtray, and Geri Phoenix, you are the very best. To each of you, thanks for all that you do, our chapter is better because of your service.

Chapter Cookbook News

YUM, chapter member Cheryl Cook is heading a committee to put together a chapter cook book. Proceeds from the cookbook will benefit Tarrant Area Food Bank. Send your favorite recipes to Cheryl.cook@adp.com fax to her at 214-905-3667 or bring a copy to the next luncheon and Cheryl will retype for the cookbook. If you want to share a memory include a short story about why this recipe to special to you.

Susan G. Komen – Race for the Cure

On Saturday, April 26, 2008 members of our chapter joined thousands of other runners and walkers to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Fort Worth. What a dedicated display of support for victims of breast cancer! Too many women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year --- don’t be one of them --- please get your mammograms.

Government Update

Econ Economic Stimulus Payments
Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million households. To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions of retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. Go to Irs.gov for details.

TEXAS
Unemployment: The strength of the unemployment compensation trust fund in 2007 has allowed the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to enact a one-year suspension of the 0.12% replenishment tax for 2008. The TWC is issuing revised tax rate notices to reflect the 0.12% tax rate reduction. Qualifying employers will also receive the surplus tax credit that was announced in October 2007 after their first quarter 2008 unemployment insurance tax returns are filed and taxes are paid. Qualifying employers must have had a payroll in 2007 and must have paid all taxes due [TWC Tax Department Tip of the Month, March 2008].

MISSISSIPPI MANDATES USE OF E-VERIFY
The Mississippi Employment Protection Act requires state agencies, public contractors, private employers and third party employers to use the federal E-verifying program to verify whether newly hired employees are authorized to work in the U.S. The act is effective for certain employers beginning July 1, 2008, and will be phased in for all other employers over a three-year period.

Fort Worth Chapter APA
2008 Calendar
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To contact any Chapter officer visit our website at www.fortworthapa.org

The Fort Worth Chapter Newsletter is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice. The information contained in this newsletter is obtained from reliable statutory resources.