Don't settle for pennies

So let's phone our legislators and tell them to support state Comptroller H. Carl McCall's COLA 2000 proposal for a meaningful boost to state pensions.

The state's employer contributions to the basic Employees Retirement System pension fund has dropped to 0 percent this year.

The COLA 2000 campaign kicked off September 22 in New York City, where about 800 Retirees packed an auditorium to hear McCall explain his proposal.

We must not let the next state legislative session go by without enacting a permanent and automatic system for annual adjustments to our pensions.

This year, the Legislature passed the Health Protection Act, which would prevent employers from reducing the health benefits of retirees.

That was 103 days ago! Nothing has happened because the Legislature has not sent the legislation to the governor for action at this writing in mid-October.

How about free medical care?

More than 150,000 patients with Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, heart disease, or other conditions - many of whom are older Americans - receive free medical care each year.

Because medical researchers get millions of dollars each year to study conditions, you may qualify to be part of clinical trials and receive the latest treatment advances free.

Tell your doctor to call the National Institute of Health Clinical Center at 301-496-4891. Perhaps you or your friends or relatives could use the services.

REAP services end

On September 3, the Retired Employee Assistance Program (REAP) closed its doors. REAP opened for business on June 10, 1987 with a volunteer staff of seven retired state workers.

For more than 12 years, these dedicated volunteers have given their time and energy to provide quality referral services to thousands of retired state employees.

REAP worked in a collaborative effort with New York State EAP to provide additional support to individuals seeking assistance.

Benjamin Rutter was the founder and first chair of the REAP committee.
PEF has sponsored and funded the program from the beginning.
Several years ago, after Rutter's death, the chairmanship was taken up by Bernard Block, who has been assisted by his wife, Ruth, and the other REAP volunteers.

"New York State EAP thanks all of the current and past REAP committee members for their commitment to their fellow retirees," said Gloria Scott, EAP Region 1l Representative. "We salute REAP and would like to give special mention to those who were still on board when the doors opened for the last time:
· Tommie McBride-Smith;
· Constance John;
· Bernard Block, chair;
· Ruth Block, secretary;
· Louise Wigglesworth;
· Hyacinth Edwards;
· Wesley Parrott;
· Matthew Jones;
· Verdell Whitehead.
"I have enjoyed a special camaraderie with these special individuals and will miss them and the REAP program," Scott said.

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