Retirees still
losing ground financially
As retirees, we must
unite and support our retiree issues with dedication and
energy in 2003.
The poor economy and the rate of rising taxes far exceed
our 1.5 percent pension cost-of-living adjustment (COLA),
which is based on just the first $18,000 of our pensions.
We must be persistent in urging the state Legislature to
raise that $18,000 base to $25,000 and to increase the
COLA to equal the inflation rate as measured by the full
Consumer Price Index (CPI), instead of just half of it.
The premium for family health insurance coverage has gone
from $128 per month to $140.54.
Section 167 of the state Civil Service Law ties retirees
to the same benefits and costs as active members.
However, retirees in the state Health Insurance Plan pay
slightly higher premiums than active employees — 1
cent more per day or $3.65 per year.
On December 10 at the American Federation of Teachers
Retirees’ Executive Committee meeting in Washington,
we prepared the retirees’ national legislative
agenda for presentation to the AFT Executive Board. All
of our crucial national issues, such as Medicare, Social
Security and prescription drugs, were well covered.
On December 9, I spoke at our PEF Retirees Region 1
Chapter meeting in Buffalo. And I joined our Region 2
Chapter meeting in Elmira on January 8. Both meetings
were well attended.
Don’t miss your PEF Retirees chapter meetings which
will be held February 26 on Long Island and on March 3 in
Albany. Call your regional PEF office or PEF Retirees at
1-800-342-4306, ext. 289 for details.
 Click Here to go to Retirees
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COMMUNICATOR HOMEPAGE
Inside This Issue:
Features
Ad blitz aims to save jobs,
services
Pataki eyes budget cuts
ERI savings slim pickings
for state
Bill outlaws discrimination
is now law
Leaders open PS&T
contract talks
PEF honors its Ground Zero
heroes
Departments
President's Message: Budget
balancing act
You Said It: Member's
letters this month
Health & Safety:
Smallpox vaccine concerns
Member
Mobilization:Organization is key
Nurses' Station: Lobby Day
plans for May
Health Notes: Empire Plan
number reaches all
Retirees In Action: Losing
ground financially
PEF Membership Benefits
Program & Travel Corp
Union Matters
Worker's Rights
Reg. 8 brings holiday cheer
State promises Rx for
docs’ pension-credit snafu
They got the 'write stuff':
• Furlani • Wilcox
AED training provides
statewide life support
PEF, Black Caucus plan
receptions
Apply May 1 for Jean DeBow
scholarship
PEF magazine, TV ad win big
2003 Election Rules Dates,
Rules, Requirements
Other Links
Professional Directory
Members' Classified
Member Communicator Feedback
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