RAC report
(Retirees Advisory Committee)
Mike Andrew
On 9/15/16 we met in Albany to review the work of the previous year and begin to develop a plan for the next term of the Retirees Advisory Council. Rod Sherman began the meeting by reviewing the positive feed back concerning the members work in identifying areas of the New York State Constitution that will be challenged if there is to be a Constitutional Convention.
There then followed a lengthy discussion regarding the confusion surrounding retirees contributions to Vote-Cope. The issue seems to be that local presidents do not realize that they still have the responsibility for contacting the retirees from their chapter.
Information was shared by Geralyn O'Reilly regarding the progress of the "Bridge to Retirement" document and making it available to the membership. It will be an online PDF document with a personalized tool element to use for planning the concept of retiring. It is recognized that some people still do not rely on the computer and a hard copy will be available, but such a hard copy cannot be updated on a regular basis.
Floyd Cameron made us aware of legislative activity addressing the SS Cola and simplifying the Medicare Part B enrollment problems for retirees. Both of these bills are of particular interest to many retirees because they retire years before they are eligible for either benefit. Our retirees need to be aware of the procedures and penalties necessary to these benefits.
Peter Kim from the NYSUT office of regional political organizers explained the process of political endorsements made by NYSUT. There is no across the board endorsement. NYSUT bases their endorsement of a candidate on their work in support of our positions not on their political party affiliation. He spoke briefly about "virtual phone banking" which allows us to make phone calls from our homes. Mr. Kim outlined the "pledge to vote" campaign intended to get out the vote.
Sonia Basko spoke to us about the social justice program that NYSUT supports in our schools and across NewYork State. There are campaigns that address the problems in society centering on civil and human rights. Sonia encourages all locals to participate in at least five of these programs during a school year. NYSUT is still very much evolved in the "Fair Trade Movement" and will supply information to all of the regional offices. She reviewed the relationship of NYSUT and the American Cancer Society.
Each Retiree Advisory Committee makes a report of their activities over the three year period that they were in session. The draft report representing the present committee was provided and the committee was tasked with making recommendations prior to November 8, 2016. This report is to be approved at our next meeting.
The next meeting of the RAC will be a conference call on November 16th, 2016.