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Show NEWS tatf OdBddgOs by Debbie Christiansen Hilltop Times staff writer Under a new law that took effect Jan. 1, federal government employees can no longer accept pay for freelance writing or freelance speaking done as independent contractors, according to Col. John R. Brancato, Hill AFB Staff Judge Advocate. The Office of Government Ethics has now basically settled most of the issues concerning the reach and impact of the law. Based on guidance received from the office, Colonel Brancato. outlined several important points for base workers: The law applies to all federal civilian employees and to commis-.sioneofficers, but not to enlisted members and warrant officers. For Hill workers, the only things effectively prohibited by the law are freelance writing and freelance speaking as an independent contractor for m se. It is only the act of being paid to do these things by someone other than the U.S. government that is prohibitedand even then there is no prohibition if the pay is received as a continuing employee of another person or firm. D There is no prohibition whatsoever on teaching a class or course for a college or other institution, as long as the individual teaches at more than one session. However, if there is only one session, there is no prohibition as long as the person is an employee of the college or institution, and not an d non-Departme- nt with giving a speech at a luncheon or dinner. D The prohibition on writing extends only to "articles." This does not include poetry, fiction, lyrics, scripts books of any kind. It also or does not include computer software. However, the prohibition does include essays, notes, pamphlets, instructional discussions and articles on any subject, including subjects totally unrelated to the WTiter's government job. The prohibition on speaking does not include providing entertainment involving artistic skills, such as singing or acting. It is OK to take pay after Jan. 1 for an article that was accepted for publication before Jan. 1, even though the article is not published until after full-lengt- independent contractor. D There is no prohibition whatsoever on tutoring. There is no prohibition on entering a writing or speaking contest, even if the winners receive monetary awards for their literary, artistic or oratorical achievement. And if a person is good enough to win, he or she may accept and keep the money. There is no prohibition on acceptpay. of Writing for publication and out- ing a meal from a side speaking are not prohibited per Defense contractor in conjunction Jan. h 1. From the above, Colonel Brancato said, a couple of points are apparent. "The first is that the Office of Government Ethics is going out of its way to minimize the impact of the law on career employees. The big impact is on members of the House of Representatives and political appointees, as Congress intended. "At Hill, the biggest, if not only, impact will be on those employees who time for write articles in their technical and in publication scholarly journals and magazines, and who accept a monetary fee (honorarium) for this from the journal or magazine," he off-dut- "There are several base workers out there who are in this categoryespecially in the computer field. These people should not, under any circumstances, accept money. They must not even try to donate or designate it to a charity. There is a $10,000 fine for this. "There is scrutiny to declare the new law unconstitutional, as far as it affects people other than members of the House and political appointees," Colonel Brancato said. "However, although I have no crystal ball, my own opinion is that the relief, if any, will probably not come from that source, but from Congress itself. I believe they may repeal that part of it as soon as they put their attention to it." nf ra L rj Li UUS r LOT I y said. MAKE A DIFFERENCE LAS 5 H.::tep Times Jan. 18, 1991 American Red Cross "I need a car insurance company that goes where I go. At ease ooo Includes Airfare from Salt Lake City 3 DAYS - Accommodations Ground Transfer Inflight Cocktails 2 NIGHTS Prices starting as low as $ 7 .00 per person, double occupancy. Call now for your reservation! 1 1 Travel Uesttgatfo 2649 North Main, Sunset 776-092- 0 WAS $100 Closing Costs. 8 Locations. From $48,995 to $129,000 Payments from $399mo. Layton 825-560- 0 Kaysville 451-706- 9 Roy Centerville 773-110- Clearfield 4 !- 0 292-166- 7 773-110- 0 IVORY HOME Utah's Xnmfxr One Home BuiLleil UJ .! )-,s - n wit io n r n ZT " ENDORSED The Military Insurance Experts Offices near most military' bases Young drivers welcome Low 440,000 militaryfederal employees insured Overseas insurance available Easy payment plans countrywide claim service Money-savin- down-payme- nt deductibles Free rate quote 24-ho- ur Call: 1981 hi i !, 773-059- g 5 North Main Street Layton (Corner of Antelope Dr. and North Main St.) Government Employees Insurance Co. GKICO General Insurance Co. GE1CO Indemnity Co. t |