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I believe AERA members read my last message and took it seriously. I urged members to be prepared to “defend their benefits” during the upcoming legislative session. Thank you to members who came out in record numbers and braved extreme weather conditions to attend the three Lobbying Network Meetings held across the state in January. AERA has a Lobbying Network Team that is prepared and ready to respond!
If you were unable to attend one of these meetings, you can still be involved. AERA needs members to volunteer for the Rapid Response Team (RRT). If called upon, RRT members will travel to Montgomery to lobby legislators on a moment’s notice, and will receive mileage and meal expenses. Please contact the state office if you would be interested in serving in this capacity.
AERA also provides immediate legislative updates during the legislative session by email. If you are interested in adding your email address to this list, please contact Keron Forte by email at kforte@aerainc.org. This is a great way to get important information quickly and efficiently.
hat can retirees expect during this session? On the COLA front, both actives and retirees will not be seeking a raise due to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) situation. Additional funds will be needed to maintain current PEEHIP benefits. Growth in taxes supporting the ETF to-date have not been strong, and there are concerns regarding funding in 2009. AERA will continue to follow ETF budget proposals and keep members informed. Also, be sure to read AEA’s Alabama School Journal, which will be published weekly during the legislative session.
The AERA staff is busy preparing for the upcoming Annual Meeting in Birmingham on March 18. Delegate information has been mailed to all local unit presidents. If you are interested in attending the 2008 Annual Meeting as a non-delegate, please contact the state office. All members are welcomed at the meeting. However, to be a voting delegate you must be a member of a local unit. For members who will serve as Annual Meeting delegates, please be sure to review the proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws found on pages ?
Also, Unit of Excellence and Community Service Awards will be presented during the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Alabama Education Retirees Foundation Board of Directors has selected scholarship recipients for 2008. These awards will be presented during the Annual Meeting Luncheon.
Another important event that will occur in 2008 is the national elections. I have heard from several local units who have already planned and conducted voter registration drives at local high schools and others who will conduct voter registration drives soon. This statewide Community Service project will be conducted between January and April 30, 2008. AERA members will definitely make a positive impact on the upcoming elections! If you need more information on this project, please contact the state office at 1-800-537-6867.
I look forward to seeing retirees from across the state at the Annual Meeting in March. See you in Birmingham!
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