The Foreign Service Journal, April 2015

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2015 77 AFSA NEWS AFSA Hosts Virginia Congressman for Town Hall Meeting On Feb. 9, AFSA hosted a town hall-style meeting with Representative Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Rep. Connolly, whose Northern Virginia district has one of the highest concentra- tions of Foreign Service fami- lies in the United States, has extensive connections to the Foreign Service. He even par- ticipated in the drafting of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 when he was a congressional staffer. He takes a particular interest in the future of inter- national development and transparency and account- ability in foreign aid. The event was held in a question-answer format, with AFSA Communications Director Kristen Fernekes moderating the conversation. AFSAmembers were invited to submit questions by email if they were unable to attend the event in person. Several asked questions about benefits. Rep. Connolly noted that he supports parity in benefits between the mili- tary and the Foreign Service and has voted this way in the past. He also said he favors the full implementation of Overseas Comparability Pay. Responding to a ques- tion about the decline in the amount of travel members of Congress are doing and the decade-long pullback in the number of congressional delegations, Rep. Connolly said he believed members of Congress should take every possible opportunity to bet- ter understand the foreign countries about which they are making policy. Along the same lines, he urged Foreign Service mem- bers to take full advantage of codels and use them as an opportunity to make a positive impression on delegation members who may not have had previous interaction with the Foreign Service. Responding to a ques- tion about how the Foreign Service can engage with the general public on its role, Rep. Connolly suggested getting involved in civic organiza- tions, such as Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce and schools. They can be key ven- ues for public education. Rep. Connolly agreed with a member of the audience who pointed out that interest in trade promotion is lack- ing in Congress. He stated that delaying deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership is dangerous. If TPP fails, other countries will fill the void and set international trade policy for the future, diminishing U.S. global influence. To see a recording of the event, go to www.afsa.org/ video. n —Debra Blome, Associate Editor AFSA/DEBRABLOME Representative Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) at AFSA. The following clarifies the tax guide entry for the federal extension. Extension for Tax- payers Abroad Taxpayers whose tax home is outside the U.S. on April 15 are entitled to an automatic extension until June 15 to file their returns. When filing the return, these tax- payers should write “Taxpayer Abroad” at the top of the first page and attach a statement of explanation. There are no late filing or late payment penalties for returns filed and taxes paid by June 15, but the IRS does charge interest on any amount owed from April 15 until the date it receivespayment. This extension applies to federal returns. Please check with your home state for the regulations on extensions for state tax filings. n 2014 AFSATax Guide: Clarification 2014 AFSA TAX GUIDE ISTOCK.COM/RETROROCKET