MEETING MINUTES
Spring Luncheon – April 17, 2012
Carol Bibly, the current president of the Triton College Annuitants Association, announced that the luncheon was ready and the 25 annuitants present enjoyed an excellent luncheon with great entrees and delicious desserts.
Carol introduced the two guest speakers for the meeting: 1. Bonnie Henry, President of Harper College SUAA chapter and holder of several other positions with state-wide affiliations to SUAA; and 2. Steve Mansfield, President of the College of DuPage SUAA chapter and also a holder of other state-wide SUAA positions.
LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
Ms. Henry spoke first on a variety of topics regarding the current issues facing present retirees and those who will be retiring. The importance of remaining informed via email and other avenues of information regarding current potential legislation and future possible actions by various groups was stressed. She stressed the importance of knowing your legislative representative and how to contact them. Connie Allekian has a list of who your probable district representatives may be so you can contact her at mailto:connall@junco.com. Connie is also our chapter SUAAction person. It is important to support their legislative lobbying activities that SUAA itself is NOT allowed to do.
Ms. Henry repeated something that we all should know. The state of Illinois has never properly funded SURS along with other pension plans/systems. If it wouldn’t be for the great investment strategies by SURS, we would all be in deeper trouble. It is also very important to increase each SUAA chapter’s membership and knowledge. The state constitution, which regulates pensions, could be legislatively altered and redefined. That could affect all/some of our pensions. We must remain vigilant and contact our state representatives often, especially when their action is required. She stated if push comes to shove, she would not be violently against a small state tax on our pensions as opposed to other measures which could be more harmful pension wise.
Steve Mansfield discussed some issues dealing with current retirees who appear at this time to be in a safer category but no one is without danger. He stressed the importance of maintaining our COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) as it now stands. Our COLA is very important and it should be the last thing we should be willing to compromise.
Community college retirees may be facing higher health insurance premiums because of state actions. Up to two years ago, there was little or no negative legislative bills in Springfield regarding pension plans. Now there are over one hundred new pension bills being considered. The TRS pension group sent out a danger signal regarding what may have to happen with its retirees. Many professional teacher groups are now working together to ward off attacks on their pension systems.
Many bills and proposals are being floated and we must remain informed and ready to act and react. Handouts were on the tables with additional information. Other aspects were briefly discussed but there was an awful lot to digest.
Carol thanked our presenters after a few questions were asked and answered.
BUSINESS MEETING
Carol conducted a brief business meeting thanking the outgoing officers for their contributions and service. Our chapter treasury contains $1,763.00 as of April 17, 2012 with all bills and expenses paid. The slate of new officers was presented, voted on, and accepted. The new officers will work with the outgoing group to ensure a smooth transition.
Submitted by Tom Bondi, 2012-2013 TCAA Secretary