Articles about the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that may be useful to Massachusetts retirees
MARCH 2005
- First Step Toward Cost-Of-Living - When it comes to reporting on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) on
your pension, you've read or heard us referring to the Consumer Price
Index or CPI. What is the CPI and why is it important to us?
JANUARY 2005
- Once again, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was less than 3%. The CPI
for the year ending with the third quarter of 2004 increased by 2.7%
over the third quarter of 2003. This is the figure that will be used
for increases in the January Social Security and Federal retirement
checks.
JANUARY 2005
- Initial "Summit Meeting" Held - While the $12,000 COLA base will remain in effect for this coming
July's COLA, the second step toward a higher future base was taken on
October 28.
SEPTEMBER 2004
- Romney Rejected COLA Base Study - In a stunning rebuke, the Legislature has unanimously overridden
Governor Mitt Romney's veto of our Association's COLA base study.
JULY 2004 - Base Alternative On Horizon - A 3% July COLA for state and teacher retirees is now assured.
MAY 2004
- Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's testimony before the House
Budget Committee on February 25 has been getting a lot of headlines
lately.
MAY 2004
- So far, it's been smooth sailing for a state and teacher retirees' 3%
July pension COLA. Language for the COLA was included in the FY05 state
budget filed by Governor Romney in January. House Leaders are now
preparing to act on the budget, which takes effect July 1. We have been
assured that the COLA will remain intact when the budget is passed by
the House, and we are optimistic that Senate leaders will support the
COLA in that branch.
MARCH 2004
- Increase Retirees' COLA To 3% - A reconsideration vote by four retirement boards, that had earlier
voted for 1.4% July '03 consumer price index (CPI) COLAs for their
retirees, resulted in three of these boards voting for retroactive 3%
COLAs and a fourth board voting for 3% beginning in January.
MARCH 2004
- Three Other Boards Quickly Follow - Medford's Retirement Board wasted no time in voting for a July 2004
3% COLA, becoming the first board in the state to take this action.
JANUARY 2004
- Retirees Receive Three-Percent - After a June vote for a 1.4% July COLA for their retirees, the North
Attleboro Board has changed their minds and members are now receiving
3% COLAs.
Since 1968 the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association has been the leading voice for Massachusetts public retirees and their families. Join with our 52,000 members as we continue the fight.
