David Spinner, left, president of ASSCME Sub-Chapter 87, welcomes meeting speaker, Dominic Watson, AFSCME Legislative Affairs Specialist.
Submitted Photo
TAYLORVILLE — On Monday, October 14 the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees held their monthly meeting at the Taylorville United Methodist Church. There were 16 members present which included one new member.
David Spinner, President of Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Spinner introduced guest speaker Dominic Watson, AFSCME Legislative Affairs Specialist who works for the retirees. He said that the International Union had endorsed Kamala Harris for President. The International is doing everything. They feel that Illinois is “Safe” for the election.
Watson stated that the universities need money. He said the hot button issues are; how are Universities funded and how do you fund an increase rate? He mentioned that last year there was a 7% increase to universities but this year it was lowered to 2% and there still isn’t enough money. They are a million dollars away! He asked what services could be taxed to get the dollars for the State Universities?
The Tier 2 pension law in Illinois was established in 2010 and involves the bulk of new retirees; such as social workers, Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) people and high stress jobs. Now the retirement age is 68–69 years old.
Spinner brought up about a Rally Day scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the State Capitol in Springfield. He stated that State Representative, Wayne Rosenthal, is a Tier 2 retiree and will help with some of the major issues for Tier 2 pensions for retirees and end the unfair divide in pension benefits.
A question was brought up by a member regarding the State of Illinois Group Insurance Program (State) Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (Trail). Also, the Medicare Advantage Prescription (MAPD) Open Enrollment Guide. The member suggested that you attend one of the Aetna Workshops. The next workshop is Wednesday, October 23 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. To get an Aetna representative to attend a meeting you must have 25 people in attendance.
Spinner passed around a flyer of an outing in Mt. Olive for Mother Jones. There
was a luncheon, a lady was dressed up to resemble Mother Jones and she spoke. Spinner suggested that next year we should get a group together and attend this event.
The next in-person Taylorville meeting for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees is scheduled for Monday, November 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Taylorville United Methodist Church located at 200 S. Walnut and East Market. Special Guest Speaker is Bryan McDonald, Director of Governmental Affairs with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).
The next in-person Hillsboro meeting for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees will be Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Hillsboro Farm Bureau. There will be a luncheon starting at noon and the meeting to follow at 1:00 p.m. Guest speaker is Veteran Billy Gibbs.
Please remember to update your information with SERS, IMRF or SURS if you move or have informational changes.
You may contact the AFSCME Council 31, David Spinner, Subchapter #87 president at 217-324-2018 or email him Bspinner@consolidated.net to register and participate in the AFSCME Retiree Sub-chapter Zoom meeting.
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October 23, 2024 at 06:28AM
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