Conducted largely in the grips of a massive economic recession, the Session proved to be a tough stretch for Association lobbyists. During this time, retirees were not only forced to weather multi-billion dollar deficits, but also had to fight off constant attacks from the Romney Administration.

"This has been a very tough couple of years. We have been hit from all sides, but are still standing strong," said Association Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "If the governor had his way he would have rolled back our benefits. Our defense held, and our members were successful in protecting their rights."

Members, who have been tracking the progress of individual bills sponsored by the Association, are undoubtedly disappointed if the legislation, of particular interest to them, did not pass. With the Legislature meeting informally through the end of the year, progress can still be made on a handful of noncontroversial items.

However, bills such as the Medicare Part B reimbursement, that carry a high price tag ($32 million) are unlikely to be brought forward until the next budget cycle. Association lobbyists had attempted to amend the FY05 budget to reinstate the refund, but with the economy just beginning to recover those efforts were unsuccessful. Other Association sponsored bills, ranging from survivor benefits to disability protections, are now being reviewed by the Joint Committee on Public Service. Any bill, that has not been passed by the completion of the session, will be refiled for the 2005-2006 Legislative Session.

"With the economy down, we did not expect to gain any new benefits during this formal session. Now that things are improving and tax receipts are coming in strong, we can hope to see some action on a number of bills, especially future progress on the COLA base, in the near future," continued Hill.