summer 2007

Message from the Chair

Important Actions by the NYSUT RA

by Tom Pappas, RTC Chapter Leader

It was not only a great pleasure to attend the NYSUT Representative Assembly in Washington, D.C., this year — to renew old, old friendships and to network with brothers and sisters from all over the state — but it was also gratifying because several important resolutions affecting retirees were adopted by the body.

Chief among these was the resolution calling for an increase in the COLA.

As you know, trying to get by these days on a fixed income is tough. Even with inflation somewhat under control — thankfully we are a far cry from those disastrous days of double-digit inflation — but even a relatively modest inflation rate of 2 or 3 percent adds up to a double-digit one within a few years. So that was a key resolution and it’s good to know that the full effort of our very powerful and influential state union will push very hard to get a larger COLA into law.

Here is a summary of that resolution as well as the others related to pensions and retirees adopted by the RA on April 26, 27 and 28:

COLA — The resolution calls for NYSUT to press for improvements to pension Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment legislation. It is a far-reaching resolution, setting out our goals. The chances are we will not achieve these ultimate goals right away but that is what we will continue to work toward. And besides, if you don’t ask for what you want and need you will never get there.

This is the full wording of the main COLA resolution adopted by the RA:

IMPROVEMENT IN THE COLA LEGISLATION
Whereas, NYSUT has successfully achieved the enactment of a permanent COLA legislation; and
Whereas, this is a significant first step in rectifying the long-term loss of purchasing power for our retirees; and
Whereas, despite these long sought after improvements having been achieved, more needs to be done to protect the financial security of retired public employees; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that NYSUT continue to seek legislation to expand the current law so that the COLA will be ultimately based upon 100 percent of one’s pension; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT continue to seek legislation to expand the current law so that the COLA will be based upon the full consumer price index; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT seek legislation to eliminate the waiting period to receive the COLA; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT capitalize on the new opportunity presented by a new governor and a new Legislature and that NYSUT redouble its efforts to seek legislation and to expand the current law so that the COLA will provide enhanced inflation protection for older retirees.