Coming off a tough 2003-2004 session, where public retirees faced constant attack from the Romney Administration, Association lobbyists are excited about the prospects for the new session. A healthier economy, combined with a non-election year, may increase the likelihood of success.

"There is no question that the last session was difficult. Not only did we have the lingering recession to work around, but also had a hostile governor to contend with. As a result, we ended up spending a lot of time defeating unwarranted attacks against the pension systems and insurance plans," explained Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel. "Now that the economy has improved, we are in a better position to move on a number of bills.

"For as long as he is in office, Governor Romney is going to be a problem for public retirees. His administration has been unwilling to work with us and offers little common ground to build upon. Regardless, we will continue working with the Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature to secure enough votes to bypass Romney if needed."

In developing this year's legislative agenda, Association leaders not only reviewed past proposals, but also carefully considered ideas that had been submitted by members. The legislative package contains twenty-four separate bills, which is a record number for the Association.

However, the Association has maintained its long-standing policy of not filing special bills on behalf of individual members. With more than 60,000 members, it is not possible to take on individual issues.

"From time to time, we hear from individual members who want us to file a special bill to correct their own personal situation. While we can't file those types of bills, what we'll do is work with that member and their local legislator to get something filed," said Association Legislative Chairman Bill Hill.

"We try to focus our energy on a select number of issues that offer something to the broadest range of members. I think that we have addressed every aspect of public retirement within the package we have filed. A lot of work went into it and I want to thank those members who have helped us in that process."

Of the twenty-four bills that have been filed, sixteen are refiled proposals that did not pass during the previous session. Some of the refiled bills have been revised and rewritten to improve upon the proposal.

The remaining eight bills are new proposals being filed by the Association for the first time. Most of the concepts have come by way of members, who contact the Association seeking assistance. Other proposals are developed through the annual legislative process, whereby a variety of issues are discussed and debated.

"Our new package of bills is the most comprehensive we have ever filed. Nearly every issue, from increasing pension benefits to protecting the right to quality health insurance, have been covered," continued Duhamel. "One thing you will not find with this Association is a frivolous bill. Every proposal has a realistic chance at passing.

"That is not to say that we are not in for another tough battle. The state has still not fully recovered from the recession and we still have a hostile governor. All we can do is present a valid set of proposals and do our best to advocate for our members' rights."

In addition to advocating for a higher COLA base which is currently under actuarial study (see page 3), the Association is attempting to raise the pensions of both retirees and survivors through several legislative proposals.

Raising the minimum pension for state and teacher retirees (who must have at least 25 years of creditable service) to $12,000, as well as creating a minimum pension at the local level are two such ideas. Additionally, bills have been filed to raise the minimum pensions of various survivors.

In the area of health care and insurance, the Association's primary focus will once again be to regain the Medicare Part B reimbursement for state/teacher retirees insured through the GIC. A separate bill has also been filed which would require municipalities to also reimburse the Part B premium, if they vote to transfer eligible retirees and survivors into Medicare.

The Association has also filed bills seeking to raise the basic life insurance benefit, improve medical privacy, and provide retirees with better representation on the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC).

Members, who are also veterans, know that the Association has been working on a number of veteran's proposals over the years. Being refiled are both the veterans bonus (vetoed by Romney in 2004) for disability retirees and the state income tax exemption for veterans who are currently receiving a non-contributory pension.

Disability retirees will be happy to know that the Association has once again filed legislation that will stop needless reexaminations after having been retired for ten or more years. Also being refiled are bills that allow for the conversion of disability pensions and streamline the indemnification process for disability related medical bills to be paid.

Members should note that the 2005-2006 legislative session has just begun. None of the bills filed in our legislative package have been acted on at this early stage of the process.

Legislative leaders will begin the public hearing process in early February, which will then run through June.The March Voice will contain all bill numbers, as well the legislative sponsors for each separate bill.