Region 8 Retirees

PEF Region 8 Retirees Committee Meeting

Minutes

Thursday, March 4,2008

The meeting opened at 12:20 with the Pledge Of Allegiance, led by Jackie Stellone, a Veteran of the US Navy.

President Marje Devoe then informed the members That they should undertake a postcard mailing to their State Legislator regarding a COLA for State retirees while budget negotiations are going on. There is a question, however as to where the money for the COLA would come from this legislative year. The current State Retirement finances are in good shape.

The Retiree Health Insurance Protection bill is stalled, and going nowhere at the present time.

There will be a Statewide Sr. Citizen Action day on March 26th. The Albany effort will take Place at the Emmanuel Baptist Church on State St , beginning at 10 AM. Legislators who are on the Health and Aging Committee will attend. The Chapter will cover the cost of registration for any of our members who would like to attend.

The Federal IRS rebate check will not be sent to any person who does not file a 2007 Income Tax. You must file a 2007 tax, even if not ordinarily required to, in order to receive this rebate.

The New York State Retiree Executive Board meeting will be held in both New York City and on Long Island on April 30th.

Dennis Anderson is organizing State employees in support of the Colorado WIN Campaign, through July, 2008. Many State agencies will be involved, with the exception of State Troopers and University Professors. There are many different volunteer activities taking place, such as phone banks, assisting with mailings, and such. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Margaret Messer at PEF.

Marge then turned the floor over to Tom Comanzo, who reminded members that we are in the midst of a heavy campaign season. He asked that our members call relatives in all states in support of Hillary Clinton. Tom also reminded us that our State legislators in the Senate and Assembly are all up for reelection, as is Congresswoman Kirsten Guillebrand . Tom asks that we support her once again.

Tom said it looks like there will be many potential successors to Congressman Mike McNulty.

There will be 3 probable PEF sponsored baseball trips this season. Tom is waiting to hear from the Yankee organization. The price will increase to $40, and we will have better seats.

As to the Region 8 bus trip to NYC to see "the Jersey Boys" which was a rapid sell-out, Tom promised that future information regarding such trips will be on the PEF website, and accessible to all.

Tom invited any interested members to attend a talk by Art Matthews tonight at PEF Headquarters. Art’s subject will be "Beyond Your Activist Role" .

A postcard supporting "Domestic Workers Bill of Rights" was passed out. Members were asked to fill them out and they will be sent to Governor Spitzer’s office.

Tom stated that the new PEF Contract is the best in years.

Bob Harms then explained the changes/increases in the Health Insurance Plane regarding increases in co-pays, Emergency Room, Out-Patient services in July 2009, and 2010, as well as prior notification for MRIs, Cat Scans and other diagnostic procedures. All this information is available in detail on the PEF Web Site.

Due to the unexpected illness and absence of our guest speaker, Secretary Barb Kearney gave members an overview of the UMBRELLA of the Capital District Program, which is a service providing home repairs to it’s members for a yearly fee, and a modest charge paid to the worker at the time of the service rendered. She also gave the phone number, which is 346-5249, and the web site, which is www.theumbrella.com . Our speaker has promised to join us at a later date.

Marje then thanked June Price, for her generosity in once again sponsoring a table at the Labor-Religion Coalition Dinner.

Marje reminded members that information about the annual June picnic will be forthcoming at the April meeting, and members can pay their $5 fee at that time, as well as $5. for any member spouses attending, or $25 for non member spouses.

The meeting was closed at 1:30

Respectfully submitted,Barbara Kearney, Secretary