"At one time, North Carolina did not tax pensions from the Commonwealth and had reciprocity with it," reports Peckham. "But then, they changed the law to allow for only a $4,000 exemption for all public pensions.

"While retirees, from North Carolina and federal government, were successful in restoring a total tax exemption for themselves, pensioners from other states, like myself, have not been as fortunate."

According to Association Legislative Chairman Bill Hill, "Six years ago, we reported on Charlie's initial attempt to obtain a total exemption for our members and public retirees from other states who were living in North Carolina. Since then, his efforts have included lobbying North Carolina legislators and officials, organizing Association members in that state and creating a coalition which brought together public retirees from Mass, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and other states."

Over the course of those years, Peckham and the others have encountered setbacks, but they have not forsaken their ultimate goal. "We won't give up and have our sights set on the legislative session, beginning this January ('06) and a new bill - HB1267 introduced by Rep. Alice Underhill of New Bern (NC) - which would extend the total tax exemption to us," continued Peckham.

"All the Association members in the state (over 200) have been alerted and are gearing up for the upcoming session. Naturally we have the support of the groups representing retirees from other states, and, with the bill's endorsement by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, we'll push hard, as ever, for passage."

"As we've done since the effort began, we'll continue to help Charlie and our members there as best we can," states Hill. "Hopefully, all their work will eventually bring success, and we wish them good luck next year."