CDAA representatives to the SUAA Fall meeting were Joe Rorke, Joe Barillari, and Steve Mansfield. The meeting was hosted by the Illinois State University Annuitants Association. Action items included the SUAA 2011-2012 Legislative Platform and the 2012 SUAA Annual Budget. The Legislative Platform was approved with amendments (will soon be posted on SUAA website) and the budget was approved with an approximate $23k deficit. Reports included SUAA involvement with coalitions (other like minded associations and unions), better visibility of SUAA in Springfield in part due to moving office across the street from the capitol, and possible outcomes/strategies during upcoming legislative veto session (October 25.) Presenters included SURS Executive Director, Bill Mabe, Illinois legislators, Dan Brady and Jason Barickman, and SUAA Lobbyist Dick Lockhart. Bill Mabe shared with us updated SURS financial and member information and his comments relative to the “Pension Reform—Working Groups” that met during the summer. Mr. Mabe reported that investments have done well over the past fiscal year (June, 2010—June, 2011,) the State did appropriate full funding of SURS for fiscal Year 2012 (however, to date, the State has failed to make full payment in all but one month,) benefit payments are increasing (more retirees), revenue from current employee contributions are decreasing (fewer persons contributing and salaries have not been increasing), and that SURS has maintained very low operating expenses (some of the lowest for public employee pension funds.) Mabe ‘s testimony at the four pension reform working group meetings stressed that there is no refutable financial data that suggests the gradual elimination of the defined benefit plan is going to result in any savings for the state. In fact, he is certain the plan will actually be a costlier measure. He did report that during his and Dick Ingram’s (TRS Executive Director) testimony, there appeared to be several “enlightening” moments for some of the legislators in attendance. The two legislators, Dick Lockhart (SUAA lobbyist), Linda Brookhart (SUAA Executive Director), and Bill Made were all in agreement—“no one knows if Senate Bill 512 (summary posted) will be re-introduced during the Veto Session (begins October 25.)" One of the legislators, Dan Brady did say he was not going to support SB 512 or similar legislation during the Veto Session as he believes the pension reform measures should be discussed as part of a special legislative session (only issue to be discussed during session.) Let’s hope Mr. Brady will find others who concur with his opinion. Dick Lockhart shared with us his belief (based on his 50+ years experience as a lobbyist) that adverse pension/health care legislation will continue to an issue for state legislators for many more years. Dick recommended we be prepared to continue our “fight” to maintain our benefits by being actively engaged with all 177 legislators. He also recommends that we take advantage of the Illinois redistricting to meet with all candidates and incumbents prior to the primary election in March of 2012. All candidates will be receptive to hearing our concerns. Dick’s philosophy is that regardless of the candidate/office holder and the person’s position, we should always work on “bridge building—don’t burn, don’t impair, keep open.” We again learned why it is important to “educate our legislators” as instances were cited of representatives who aren’t aware that most SURS retires receive no or at best reduced social security benefits and that we have many retirees who are not eligible for Medicare. These important facts must be conveyed by constituents to all legislators. Steve Mansfield |
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SUAA Fall Meeting—
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