Cameo Cafe At 11:35 AM Linda Bannon called the meeting to order and led us in the flag salute. Attending: Margaret Snitzler, Loretta Babbitt, Mina Milligan, Despo Varkadas, Jane Madden, Sherry Boose, Linda Bannon, Donna Quesnell, Marty Erickson, Annette Erickson, Frances Person TREASURES REPORT: (Marty Erickson) Savings Account Revenues $14,836.55 Checking $259.91 12 Month Certificate $3,133.45 Scholarship Account $3,036.08 Net worth to date $21, 265.09 Treasury Comments: Marty Erickson put together a list of members that may be interested in becoming involved members. He discovered that most of them are from Battleground. Donna Quesnell volunteered to write a letter inviting them to our December luncheon on the 8th at The Spaghetti Factory. Mina volunteered for them to RSVP what they would like to her phone, 360-694-6741. The deadline for RSVP is December 1st. Marty will pay for our luncheon. See attached for a rough copy of the letter that will be sent … [Read more...]
Communication Paves the Way
2019 WSSRA Annual Convention The 72nd WSSRA Convention was held at the Yakima Convention Center June 3 -5, 2019. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from those who have created exceptional programs in their local communities. The convention began on Monday afternoon with breakout sessions focusing on community service, website development, communications/social media, and programs designed to attract and maintain the memberships of plan 2 and 3 retirees. Attendees could choose two of the four sessions to attend. On Tuesday, the convention began with the Delegate Assembly. This was the time that members reviewed WSSRA operations and policies and made major governance changes. National Teacher of the Year Mandy Manning, from Spokane, spoke to the audience about current K-12 topics and concerns. Mandy has traveled extensively since September sharing her message and her experiences with audiences from across the nation. It was fascinating to hear what she learned. … [Read more...]
Retired teachers in WA are getting a raw deal from state lawmakers
By Dr Alan Burke At the conclusion of the Washington Legislature’s recent session, leaders in both houses claimed victory. State Rep. Timm Ormsby and Sen. Christine Rolfes, Democratic chairs of their chambers' respective fiscal committees, proudly stated that the budget “puts people first and reflects the values of Washingtonians.”That is a great sound bite or Twitter hashtag, but, sadly, the reality is that the budget puts some people and values first at the continued expense of other groups, notably retired state and school personnel. Retirees apparently don’t matter much to the legislative leadership.I believe the average Washingtonian would be surprised and disheartened to know that many of those people who taught them or their children, who drove them to school, fed them and helped them in classrooms are living day to day, struggling to maintain a dignified retirement.Legislators apparently believe the notion that the Plan 1 Teacher and Public Employee retirement systems are … [Read more...]
Unit 30 End of Legislative Session Report
Hawkbells Article – May 3, 2019 It was a mixed session for school retirees. Some important victories were achieved, but there were disappointments as well. The Medicare Eligible Healthcare Benefit was restored to its pre-recession peak of $183 per month. Additionally, Plan 2 and Plan 3 retirees who retire before the age of 65 have the ability to work part time in schools without jeopardizing their pension check. WSSRA also joined in an effort with AARP Washington and King County Assessor John Wilson to help freeze your property taxes. But frustration was a common theme throughout the session too. For retirees, the major irritation came from the exclusion of the SCPP approved Plan 1 COLA from the final budget proposal. Legislators finished this session in the nick of time with several last-minute deals. The State constitution required legislators to finish the Regular Session at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 28th. They finished at 11:58 p.m. For the state budget written by Senator … [Read more...]
SWWSRA-Unit 30’s Giving Nature
2018-2019 was an energizing year for Unit 30. We provided scholarships/Funds to Ridgefield Schools Box, Vancouver Foundation, Battle Ground Foundation, Evergreen Foundation, Stevenson/Carlson Superintendent fund, Clark College Continuing Scholarship, Clark College Doris Troxel Supplement Scholarship, and WSSRA Scholarship. In addition, our new web site provided us with a charming logo and valuable information about SWWSRA. We had the privilege of meeting some of our legislative candidates. Our Retirement Seminar gave those who attended appreciated information. Luncheon entertainment was enjoyed by all. … [Read more...]