From WSSRA's state convention in Vancouver, Walla Walla's Legislative Committee Chair, Jim Davison, sent this to Elaine. It would behoove all members to read this and take action as they see fit.
"A Need for Concern"
"A Need for Concern"
Several of us just returned from the Washington State School
Retiree Association annual convention, this year held in Vancouver , Washington
Because of that shortfall it is expected that legislators are
likely to seriously look at cutting/eliminating retirees’ health insurance
benefit (subsidy) which has already been reduced from $183 to $150 per month.
(ALL current retirees get this whether they realize it or not.) This would
result in an immediate cash flow increase for the legislature, and reduction
for retirees of $1,800 per year!
For those still actively employed the push will be to create
a defined contribution retirement system, getting the State out of the business
since each retiree would be responsible for their own investments. Though some
individuals may be very capable, even the professionals—who do it for a
fee—have generally not done as well as those in charge of the State
investments. In addition, those employees in a defined contribution system
would NOT be eligible to participate in the State-sponsored health insurance!
A by-product of
switching to a defined-contribution system would be no more money going into
existing retirement systems from employees. Currently investment earnings on
those plans are responsible for $.84 of every $1.00 paid. With no new funds
coming into those plans investments earnings will continue to decline,
increasing the amount which the State must provide. That would continue until
members of existing plans must no longer be paid (die).
This is information to think about and digest. Another email
will be coming shortly with suggestions of what to say when you have a chance
to meet with legislators or candidates.
"Suggestions for How You Can Help"
As
mentioned previously, members of WSSRA have two main concerns in the 2015
legislative session. For retirees it is the $150 benefit (subsidy) which each
gets to help defray the cost of health insurance. For those still actively
employed or who will be hired in the future it is the likely push for creation
of a defined-contribution retirement system.
When
retirees meet a legislator or candidate introduce yourself while making eye
contact. Below are suggestions picked up at the WSSRA convention to use after
introducing yourself:
a) I am a retired school (state your position—aid, teacher, nurse, cook, secretary, principal, etc.)
b) I started (teaching, working in schools) in 19__. I chose that career because I believe that our future is in our children. Though the pay was never as much as private enterprise I was assured that in retirement I would be treated fairly.
a) I am a retired school (state your position—aid, teacher, nurse, cook, secretary, principal, etc.)
b) I started (teaching, working in schools) in 19__. I chose that career because I believe that our future is in our children. Though the pay was never as much as private enterprise I was assured that in retirement I would be treated fairly.
c) I want you to know how important it is to
me that you help me by funding and managing the retirement I was assured of
when first starting work in a school district.
d) The way food and utility costs are rising due to inflation, I’m concerned whether my state pension (tell them what it is if you feel comfortable doing so) will continue to be adequate. (The reason for telling them the amount of your pension is to let them know we are NOT rich and NOT receiving the huge amounts which make the news.)
e) I want to give you my support but need to know you will support me.
Keep in mind these are only suggestions and may be modified or eliminated. The main thing is they need to know who you are and your story. If you are satisfied with your choice of candidate volunteer to help by:
d) The way food and utility costs are rising due to inflation, I’m concerned whether my state pension (tell them what it is if you feel comfortable doing so) will continue to be adequate. (The reason for telling them the amount of your pension is to let them know we are NOT rich and NOT receiving the huge amounts which make the news.)
e) I want to give you my support but need to know you will support me.
Keep in mind these are only suggestions and may be modified or eliminated. The main thing is they need to know who you are and your story. If you are satisfied with your choice of candidate volunteer to help by:
a) Putting a yard sign in your yard.
b) Or in your friends/neighbor’s yards.
c) Offer to help by introducing candidate to your neighbors (doorbelling or block party, distributing pamphlets).
d) Make a small contribution (a check for a few dollars but definitely less than $20).
The more of us that legislators/candidates know the more they will think of us when issues comes up which affect us—and they will think of you when contacted during the legislative session concerning legislation important to you."
c) Offer to help by introducing candidate to your neighbors (doorbelling or block party, distributing pamphlets).
d) Make a small contribution (a check for a few dollars but definitely less than $20).
The more of us that legislators/candidates know the more they will think of us when issues comes up which affect us—and they will think of you when contacted during the legislative session concerning legislation important to you."
WWCSRA
*(small edit by Jim Bumgarner)
