Mike Andrew attended the June15, 2016 Retirees Advisory Committee in Albany. This was a face to face meeting that addressed many of our concerns regarding Pensions, voting and the constitutional convention.
Concerns covered addressed the illegal use of NYSUT list serves to contact retirees for selling products, the new veterans pension credit does not cover current retirees, IRS scams aimed at seniors and the use of retirees to provide historical perspective to active local associations.
Mr. Bryan Thomas updated the group regarding the "Bridge to Retirement" as a living document that will be provided in several forms to the members, primarily as a web resource.
Ms. Kate Sweet addressed the committee regarding the necessity of retirees being active voters in the upcoming fall general election. There is an alliance developing between NYSUT and AFL/CIO to activate "Road Warriors" to work on campaigns in many areas electing members of congress. She addressed a problem of contacting retirees in local 999 situations.
Mr. Glenn Jeffers tried to explain the certification process and how the TEACH system of registration. We should create the teach account and register with SED. Be aware that permanent certification is a lifetime certification, but you must be registered in order to work in a public school or sub in a public school.
The bulk of the rest of the meeting addressed the defeat of the referendum to convene a constitutional convention.