We have invited all of the Legislators and Contenders to our luncheon on September 24th, scheduled from 11 am to 1:30 for this special event. To that end, the following message comes from our Legislative Committee: Elaine, AJ and Jim.
"The Legislators and Contenders who are attending our luncheon on Sept 24th are:
Klippert and Clough (8th reps); Haler and Reuther (8th reps) ; Delvin (8th sen); Fagan (9th rep); Walsh and Edwards (16th reps); Nealey (16th rep) and Hewitt (16th sen).
"We are emphasizing to all Legislators: 1) we do not want any new cuts to our pensions/benefits; 2) we need our COLA back; 3) our medicare subsidy be returned to $184; 4) we Support State Treasurer McIntire's proposal/constitutional amendment requiring pension to be full funding; 5) we do not want any more increases in health care costs; and 6) maintain Plan 2 Defined Benefit plan.
"As retirees, we must remind legislators that it is not the enactment of MUCH NEEDED pension benefit improvement that is the problem, it is the Legislature's failure to pay for such benefits in a timely fashion that is the problem.
"Come to the luncheon. Bring a friend. Be informed, be involved and VOTE. As our new WSSRA President says 'STAND UP AND BE HEARD'.
Legislative comm:Elaine, AJ and Jim
"ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF PENSION PAYMENTS
...Wa state has 110,795 annuitants in the Public Employees and Teachers Retirement Systems. Total monthly annuity payments equal $228,273,106.
...Every $1 paid to retirees generates $1.37 in total economic output. State annuity payments create $312,734,155 monthly economic activity.
...Reinstatement of the Plan 1 Uniform Cost of Living Adjustment would increase the state's economic activity by $82,178,318 annually.
...WA state's own stimulus program."
