August 29, 2006 - The delegates attending the IAFF 48th Convention considered per capita resolutions in support of Executive Board and Committee recommendations, paving the way for the IAFF to improve and expand necessary programs and services for leaders and members.

A resolution to increase the per capita tax by 32 cents per active member to adjust for inflation, effective September 1, 2006, was adopted. In addition, the motion calls for the per capita tax to be adjusted for fiscal year 2007/2008 based on the Consumer Price Index — not to exceed 4.5 percent — to become effective September 1, 2007.

Delegates also approved a 10 cent increase in per capita for the Emergency Disputes Fund, effective September 1, 2006. The Emergency Disputes Fund was established by Convention action in 1970 to financially assist IAFF affiliates to pay for legal action to combat retaliation against union leaders for engaging in protected activities. The fund had not been increased in 15 years.

The Executive Board also received support for resolution 18 to increase per capita by .5 cents to educate IAFF affiliates regarding issues surrounding public pension dangers and opportunities to respond to attacks against them. The IAFF will notify and encourage members to join the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) as part of the effort to seek greater disclosure and accountability of political contributions by corporations.

An additional .5 cent increase in per capita was approved with the adoption of resolution 19 to create joint IAFF/IAFC Line-of-Duty Death Support Teams to develop a national policy on line-of-duty incidents between labor and management before any state or federal investigation.