Region 8 Retirees

PEF Region 8 Retirees Committee Meeting

Minutes

Thursday, April 7,2008

Vice President Roy Bailey began the meeting at 12 noon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mary Bologna

Roy read a message of welcome from absent President Marje DeVoe. He then announced that this year’s June Picnic would take place on the second Monday in June, which is June 9. He then explained to the members who wish to have their spouse accompany them to meetings and the annual Christmas Party and June Picnic, the advantage of enrolling the spouse as a PEF Retirees member, (which most do), with the cost of the party and picnic then being only $5 per event, each, for member and spouse, and no charge for meeting meal, as opposed to spouse non-membership, with the cost of party and picnic at $25 for the spouse, and $5 per meeting meal. He announced that picnic reservations would be taken after this meeting, and the May meeting, and asked for volunteers to help with picnic activities. There were no volunteers at this time.

The March Meeting Minutes were approved and seconded.

Gary Wensley, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s Report, copies of which were available to members at the sign-in table, and informed us that our next payment from PEF would be received later in the month.

Region 8 Coordinator Report:

Tom Comanzo informed members that PEF has a good relationship with Governor Patterson. He informed members that there would be an April 19 bus trip to Scranton , PA , in support of Hillary Clinton, with 2 buses going. PEF is counting on it’s retirees to participate, and to call 785-1900, extension 206 to reserve a seat. He informed, also, of a Yankee Trails trip (three buses) to the NY Yankees/Padres game on June 19th. The cost is $38. Coordinator is Kevin Jones - 457-9826 - and tickets will be sold on a first-come first served basis. Voice mail messages and e-mails do not count. Tom also suggested that members access the PEF website to find out and be aware of all the benefits available to them.

Legislative Report:

The legislative report was presented by Dennis Anderson, who gave an overview of all the bills currently before the legislature that are of particular interest to the retirees, none of which have been reported out of committee at this time. (Note: Members may access information on all PEF approved and opposed Bills before the State Legislature by accessing the PEF website at www.pef.org and at left sidebar, clicking on Political Action, and scrolling down to and clicking on "Bills PEF Supports/Opposes for 2007-2008 Legislative Session").

Dennis and Ron Mikat reported on Senior Citizen Action Day, which took place on March 26th. It was a statewide meeting which took place at the Emmanual Baptist Church on State St. Both felt it was a worthwhile endeavor, and gave the Legislators on the Health and Aging Committee good input.

Roy then turned the meeting over to our guest speakers, Mike Keenen, President of Troy Area Labor Relations Council, and Pairie Wells from CDALF who gave an audio-visual presentation on Universal Health care and HR 627, which was well received and elicited many questions and comments from our members.

The meeting was concluded at 1:45 PM

Respectfully submitted,Barbara Kearney, Secretary