WISCONSIN RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 WREA NEWS HEADLINES Your voice. Your choice. WISCONSIN RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION 2564 Branch Street, Middleton, WI Phone: FAX: Volume 49, Number 4 Affiliated with the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA): AARP s Educator Community August 2009 WREA Protects Our Futures WREA President Berland Meyer and his wife Bev are recent retirees who believe in WREA. Greetings! On June 1, Clara Welch turned over the gavel and I became the new president of the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association (WREA). WREA has a rich history, and I am honored to serve this outstanding organization. When I retired in 2005 from a 36-year career in the Wausau School District, one of the first things I did was join WREA and the Marathon County REA, one of WREA s 72 local units. Why? Because a friend said I should.... because I d heard they were great organizations.... because many of my friends belonged. This Summer new retirees are joining our ranks. I encourage you to remember why YOU joined WREA and your local unit. In most cases, it was because SOMEONE asked you to join. It s your turn to pass along that invitation.... over and over and over again. I can tell you that as recent retirees, my wife Bev and I have learned a lot about what WREA does for us, and we appreciate it! We live in challenging and changing times, but one thing is certain: WREA has been representing the interests of retired educators for almost 60 years, and WREA is going to stay true to its mission of protecting our futures. We also are grateful for the information WREA provides. We can count on it to be accurate, concise and timely. This edition of the WREA News Headlines is one example. Congratulations and thanks to Jane Elmer, WREA s Executive Director, Lobbyist and newsletter editor. WREA s signature goal is to keep the pension fund strong. WREA makes retiree interests our top priority. We work to promote public education; advocate for retirees in the legislature; offer money-saving benefits; and serve in our communities. AND, lest I forget, we have fun! We are now collecting dues for the fiscal year which starts on October 1. To renew today, fill out and return the form on the back page, or call WREA at to renew using a credit card. I ll be pleased to listen to you and to include you in WREA activities throughout my presidency. We re in this together to work hard and to have fun! We are WREA! Berland s contact information is Berland Meyer, 7203 Goldenrod Court, Wausau, WI 54401; ; bmeyer@pcpros.net. Benefits p. 2, Pension p. 3-4 Announcements p. 5 Fall District p. 6-7 Elizabeth Burmaster Elizabeth Burmaster Honored at WREA Convention WREA honored State Superintendent of Schools Libby Burmaster at the annual convention held in Elkhart Lake in May. She was genuinely touched by our recognition just as we have been touched by her inspirational leadership for pubic education in Wisconsin. We congratulate her and wish her well as she begins the next stage of her career as the President of Nicolet College in Rhinelander. WREA also looks forward to working with Tony Evers who has now assumed the duties of the State Superintendent of Schools. WREA Fall District Meetings to Address Top Concerns Pensions and Health Care Retirees say their two major concerns are pension and health care security. To address these topics, WREA has invited two experts to the Fall District Meetings which will be held around the state the week of October 18. Sari King, Department of Employee Trust Funds Constituent Relations, will present information on your pension fund. Karen VanDenBusch from Informed Choice will do a session on Medicare and what may be around the corner. Even WREA s younger members have been asking for Medicare information. One new retiree expressed, I am having to navigate the Medicare Maze for my mother way before my time! Can WREA help? Indeed WREA can. See pages 6-7 for information about the Fall District Meetings. All are welcome. Come and bring a friend.

2 Membership in WREA has Benefits! Get Information and Savings! WREA s member benefit partners are experts in their fields. They offer current, accurate and valid information and advice. WREA partners are committed to an educational rather than a sales approach. They are there to help you with your decisions. Please mention WREA when making a contact. AAA Roadside Assistance membership Use Member ID COA014E to receive a 20% discount on new and existing plans. Homeowners and Auto Insurance Use Member ID COA014E to access discounts. BURIAL TRUSTS Informed Choice Burial trusts insure there will be money available to pay for funeral expenses. CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS Advanced Technologies Mention Company Code to get 15% off on qualified monthly charges for new and existing AT&T cell phone plans. Exclusive discounts on select wireless devices are also available. COMPUTER DISCOUNTS FROM DELL Mention Member ID KS to get discounts ranging from 2-12%. DENTAL PLANS Greater Insurance Service/Ameritas Select from three different plans and choose your own dentist anywhere in the country. For additional discounts you can select one of the plan providers. Greater Insurance Service IN AMERICA HEARING PLANS Identity Theft Shield & Life Events Legal Plan HEALTH INSURANCE/MEDICARE PLANS WPS WPS is an insurance company offering short term and traditional insurance for those under age 65 and Medicare Supplements and Part D Prescription Drug plans for Seniors. Some discounts apply. Informed Choice Informed Choice is a brokerage company offering health insurance plans from several different companies. You can compare plans to decide what is right for you. Health insurance choices include traditional insurance for those under 65. Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans are available for those over 65. HEARING PLAN Hear in America This plan offers free annual screening, a toll-free health care hotline, and discounts on hearing aids. Discounts are available on hearing instruments from several companies. IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION AND RESTORATION The program includes early detection through continuous credit monitoring and reporting and restoration in the event of identity theft. There is an optional life events legal plan for wills and access to attorneys. The plan is serviced by Romeo Rabbe, TheLongTermCareGuy. LIFE INSURANCE OPTIONS Greater Insurance Service/Ameritas Choose from several plans and options for your situation. Informed Choice Choose from several plans and options for your situation. United Teacher Associates Use Reference ID WREA Endorsed Life Insurance Company for affordable, guaranteed renewable coverage with cash build-up. Premiums are guaranteed for life. LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Informed Choice Informed Choice offers a choice of several long term care companies. Choose from a variety of plan and payment options, with substantial discounts. MEDICAL AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MASA/AMBA Emergency air and ground ambulance service is provided by an international company for one low annual fee. Service is good from home or available world-wide. TRAVEL PROGRAM Holiday Vacations In addition to specially priced WREA-sponsored trips, Holiday Vacations offers a 5% discount on all trips for WREA members and one traveling companion. Through Holiday, a full service tour operator, there are motorcoach, rail, air and cruise tours available to 70 destinations worldwide. Enjoy pick-up and drop-off points in Wisconsin and Minnesota. TRAVEL BARGAINS Government Employee Travel Opportunities GETO/AMBA Use Member ID #823 to access deals on off season, last minute, world wide space available resorts/condos for $329 a week (plus tax). Use ID #60712 for hotel, car rental and cruise discounts. VISION PLAN Greater Insurance Service/Ameritas This is a stand-alone vision plan for WREA members and their dependents with affordable premiums. The program allows you to choose your eye-care provider and covers exams, frames, lenses and contact lenses. There are no waiting periods and one lifetime deductible of $65 per person on fames and contact lenses only. Most of WREA's member benefit partners are Wisconsin-based; however, The Association Member Benefit Advisors out of Austin,TX provides benefits to WREA and other retired educator associations throughout the country. WREA reviews and selects only partnerships that offer substantive value. Most discounts are available on a nationwide basis, but a few are only available to Wisconsin residents.

3 Pension Fund Information The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) The Basics! by Jane Elmer, WREA Executive Director When WREA organized almost 60 years ago, its mission was to protect public pensions and to promote the long term stability of the pension fund. In light of the current economic climate, WREA s work is more important than ever. This basic information is in response to member requests. Wisconsin still has one of the best public pension funds in the country. Like all pension funds, it has experienced losses. But it is well-funded and positioned to continue paying pensions into the future. There are two funds in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS); the Core Fund and the Variable Fund. They operate totally differently. Jane Elmer Executive Director The Basics of the Core Fund: There are about 150,000 retirees in the WRS. Everyone has all or part of their pension in the Core Fund. It is invested in roughly 60% stocks, 30% bonds and 10% real estate and private equities (not open to the public). On December 31, 2008, the Investment Board finished at 26% in the Core Fund. Retirees experienced their first decrease ever in the Core Fund on May 1, 2009 ; 2.1% Core Fund Guarantee: Your Core Fund portion is guaranteed to never drop below the amount you started with when you retired. This is called Regular Core on the Annuity Payment Statement from the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). CAUTION: There is a 5-year smoothing in the Core Fund. For four more years, the negative returns from 2008 will be in the equation. We are bracing for losses the next 3-4 years. In fact, it will take a return of between +27.9% and +30.7% on December 31, 2009 to avoid a negative adjustment next May. The Basics of the Variable Fund: Some people chose to have a portion of their pension in the Variable Fund. About 34,000 of the 150,000 retirees have the Variable Fund. It is invested almost 100% in stocks. There is no smoothing and no guarantee in the Variable Fund. On December 31, 2008, the Investment Board finished at 39% in the Variable Fund. Retirees in the Variable Fund had a decrease of 42% in that part of their pension on May 1. It is possible to opt out of the Variable Fund, but the decision needs to be made carefully and thoughtfully. Contact ETF for information. (At right.) The Variable Fund may be closed to new participants in the next one to two years. HOPE: The Variable Fund pension adjustments mirror the markets. As the Variable returns go up and down, the pension adjustments do the same. Although the recent downturn is unprecedented, past history has shown after a steep downturn there has been an impressive recovery. When that happens, members in the Variable Fund will see that portion of their pension increase again. You will not experience any adjustments in your monthly pension again until May 1, (There are some special exceptions. If you are a new retiree and are still receiving your estimated amount, there will be an adjustment when your final amount is determined.) You can learn valuable information from the agencies responsible for your pension fund. Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) (ETF administers your fund.) Toll Free: State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) (SWIB invests pension fund assets.) Hotline: SWIB Returns through June 30, 2009 Core Fund: +4.4% Variable Fund: +8.1% WREA Your Pension Fund Watchdog Although we cannot control the global economy, the Wisconsin Retired Educators Association (WREA) keeps a careful watch over the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). Our goal? To protect your future and the long term stability of the pension fund. Page 4 expands on the Red Flags listed below. WREA watches for and responds to these potential red flags: Using pension fund dollars to balance the state budget Allowing employers to take a break from paying pension contributions into the fund Legislative proposals in conflict with existing pension agreements for retirees Changing the current pension system for new hires Adjusting actuarial assumptions Appointing pension board members who have personal agendas Legislative proposals that dictate SWIB investment decisions WREA Your pension watchdog since 1951! August 2009 / Page 3

4 WREA Your Pension Fund Watchdog WREA watches for and responds to these red flags. Using pension fund dollars to balance the state budget WREA monitored budget deliberations to assure there were no attempts to use your pension fund to balance the state budget. On June 29, 2009 Governor Doyle signed a $62 billion two-year spending plan. (There was a raid on your pension fund during the 1987 state budget process. WREA was the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit to have the pension fund restored. Fortunately, we achieved a unanimous Wisconsin Supreme Court decision after a 10-year court battle funded with member contributions, NOT membership dues. Your pension fund was restored.) Allowing employers to take a break from paying pension contributions into the fund State and local governments and school districts are financially strapped right now. Contribution rates effective January 1, 2010 will increase between.4% and 1.4%. WREA opposes any holidays from paying into your pension fund which would reduce its value and funding level. (Note: Benefits paid to current retirees are not affected by employer and employee contribution rate changes.) (A 2000 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision allowed employers to take a break from paying employer contributions for up to 24 months. This meant that $200 million was diverted from your pension fund. WREA opposed this, but none-the-less, the Supreme Court found it constitutional. This remains an unfortunate precedent.) Proposing legislation in conflict with existing pension agreements for retirees WREA will oppose legislation that contradicts negotiated agreements for individuals who are already retired. (Retirees have a contract that cannot be violated.) Changing the current pension system for new hires Legislation has been introduced to require Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employees to pay the first 3% of the employee contribution. WREA will monitor this. (In Wisconsin, over 99% of employers also pay the employee portion of pension contributions as a result of negotiations. WREA is aware of past proposals and current legislation to change this.) As WREA tracks national trends, we know public pension funds are under attack. There is a movement to change defined benefit plans (like the WRS) to defined contribution plans (like 401(k) plans) which do not have a lifetime guaranteed benefit. As a result, many people with 401(k) type investments run the risk of outliving their savings. (Many people in the private sector have lost their pension plans or have had them severely reduced, not only by poor market returns, but also by company changes and eliminations. Public pensioners generally have much richer retirement plans than the average taxpayer and this generates pension envy or pension tension. ) Adjusting actuarial assumptions Actuarial figures and statistics merit WREA s attention. The two agencies in charge of your pension fund, The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) which administers your pension fund and The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) which invests the assets of your pension fund, do an exemplary job. They are served by dedicated and knowledgeable staff. WREA will monitor their activities and watch actuarial projections that might be suggested by outside sources. (A pension fund can be raided if actuarial numbers are changed so that a system APPEARS to be funded better than it really is. WREA will support ETF and SWIB efforts to maintain the strong funding levels of the WRS.) Appointing pension system board members who have personal agendas Just as elections can make a big difference in the Legislature, or on any board, it is important to monitor appointments to the ETF and SWIB Boards. Page 4 / August 2009 Pension Fund Information Continued on page 5

5 Pension Fund Information Continued from page 4 (WREA wants to make sure we continue to be served with the same level of expertise and commitment to which we have become accustomed. We want to avoid appointments of individuals with an axe to grind. ) Proposing legislation that dictates SWIB investment decisions Public pension funds are generally better funded than private sector pensions, and there have always been groups with social agendas who believe they should have a say in how pension dollars are invested. (In 2007, legislation was introduced that would force social agendas on investment policies. Such legislation has passed in other states. WREA opposed these proposals in Wisconsin. We want to make sure that SWIB is not forced to follow political agendas, but is free to make the important decisions for which they have a fiduciary responsibility.) In these difficult economic times, WREA s work on your behalf is not finished. As we move forward, WREA will continue to monitor the activities of both ETF and SWIB. WREA s vigilance cannot be curtailed at this critical time. Please continue to renew or join WREA to protect your future. Additional IRS Federal Tax Table Released Several members have called WREA to ask about the additional Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax table which became effective on July 1, About 69,000 retirees experienced a change in their Federal withholding as a result of this additional tax table. Those affected received an Annuity Payment Statement from the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) reflecting the change. Retirees may want to discuss this with their financial advisor or tax preparer. To change your withholding amount, a copy of Form ET-4310 is available on the ETF website at < Calling NEW Honored Members Individuals qualify as honored members of WREA if they are 80 years of age and have been a member of WREA for 15 years OR they have been a member of WREA for 20 years regardless of age. Encourage those who are eligible to fill out and return the form below if they have not been previously recognized. Awards will be sent to the individuals by mail. Honored members continue to pay dues to WREA. WREA Honored Member Recognition PLEASE RETURN TO WREA BY OCTOBER 1, Branch Street, Middleton, WI (Do not complete this form if you have previously received your Honored Member pin.) Name Unit Name Address City, State, Zip Phone FDIC Protections Continue Through 2013 On May 19, 2009, Congress extended the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit through December 31, For detailed information about FDIC insurance coverage limits, check the web at or call the FDIC toll-free number WREA Foundation To Issue Grants This Fall Do you know of any elementary school programs that could use some funds? The Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association (WREA) Foundation will be offering five $2,000 grants in Wisconsin in October of Awards will be granted to public elementary schools (grades pre-k through 5) for an innovative project that is less than two years old. The deadline is October 1. The application process is SIMPLE! Encourage elementary principals or teachers you know to call WREA at or access information and an online application at Click on Challenge Award Program. August 2009 / Page 5

6 2009 Racing Circuit Come to the track closest to you. Race Day Notes! The schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the schedules of the guest drivers (presenters) Fall District Meeting Locations District III Monday, October 19 La Crosse Area REA--Best Western, La Crosse District I Tuesday, October 20 Hayward Area REA Turtleback, Rice Lake District II Wednesday, October 21 Brown County REA Comfort Suites, Green Bay District IV Thursday, October 22 Waukesha County REA Olympia, Oconomowoc District V Friday, October 23 Madison Area REA Holiday Inn West, Madison Race Schedule 8:30-9:00 a.m. Warm Up Lap Coffee, Registration, Raffle, Exhibits and Tip Table 9:00-9:15 a.m. Let the Race Begin! Welcome and Overview of the Race Elections in Districts I, III and V Crew Chief Berland Meyer, WREA President 9:15-10:00 a.m. Making the Circuit Your Pension Update Sari King, Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF), Constituent Relations 10:00-10:15 a.m. Turbulence on the Superspeedway WREA Legislative Update Jane Elmer, WREA Executive Director and Lobbyist 10:15-10:30 a.m. Gas and Go Coffee Break 10:30-11:00 a.m. Bearing Down on the Track WREA Update What is WREA Doing for You? WREA Officers Berland Meyer, President; Clara Welch, Past President and Carol Lamp, President Elect 11:00-11:40 a.m. Fans in the Stands Let s Hear from You! Facilitated by District Directors and Team Members 11:40-12:00 p.m. Wave the Checkered Flag for Our Challenge Award Winner Presented by Carol Lamp, WREA President Elect 12:00-1:00 p.m. Pit Stop Lunch 1:00-1:30 p.m. Headed for Victory Lane! WREA Services and Assistance 1:30 2:15 p.m. Down the Backstretch With Medicare What it Means for Your Parents AND You! Information on all Medicare Programs from Karen VanDenBusch, RHU, Informed Choice one of WREA s Race Day Sponsors 2:15-2:45 p.m. Winner s Circle Final Comments, Winnings, Doorprizes, and Evaluations Claim A Prize! Recognize your unit s decorated Foundation box from the 2009 Convention in Elkhart Lake? Contact Annaliece at WREA at or arynes@wrea.net to claim a prize for your unit. One prize per unit! First caller wins. And, never underrate those Foundation boxes! They brought in $4,735 for the Foundation. Thanks! Registration Information Register Early Save $5! District I District Directors: Vic Bekkum and Jim Perala Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 Place: Turtleback Country Club, West Allen Road, Rice Lake, WI Host Unit: Hayward Area Retired Educators Association (HAREA), Marie Slack Wotruba, President Hayward Area Retired Educators Association (HAREA) Mail To: Delores Marquardt, W. 4th Street, Hayward, WI 54843, Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 District II District Directors: Carol Hauser, Yvonne Krueger and Dick Lowery Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Place: Comfort Suites Rock Garden, 1951 Bond Street, Green Bay, WI , Host Unit: Brown County Retired Educators Association (BCREA) Frank Czarnecki and Kate Sabel, Co-Presidents BCREA Mail To: Pat Shimek, 1228 S. Jackson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Page 6 / August 2009

7 WREA Racing At Its Best! All are welcome. District III District Director: Annette Owen Date: Monday, October 19, 2009 Place: The Best Western Midway, 1835 Rose Street, La Crosse, WI 54603, Host Unit: La Crosse Area Retired Educators Association (LAREA), Mary Ann Ekern, President LAREA Mail To: Florence Overgard, 3215 George Street, Bay Condo 2, La Crosse, WI 54603, Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12, 2009 District IV District Directors: Melvin and Shirley Walters Date: Thursday, October 22, 2009 Place: Olympia Resort, 1350 Royale Mile Road, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, Host Unit: Waukesha County Retired Educators' Association (WCREA), Cindy Kempfer and Ellen Rendall, Co-Presidents WCREA Mail To: Karen Pakulski, 205 Shore Drive, Mukwonago, WI Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2009 District V District Director: Fern Streich and Janet Degenhardt Date: Friday, October 23, 2009 Place: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, 1109 Fourier Drive, Madison WI Host Unit: Madison Area Retired Educators Association (MAREA), Paul Buckalew, President MAREA Mail To: Paul Buckalew, 28 Heritage Circle #2, Madison, WI Registration Deadline: Friday, October 16, Fall District Registration Form Register Early and SAVE! $25 for Early Bird Registrations postmarked on or before October 2 $30 for Registrations postmarked after October 2 Remember: All WREA members are encouraged to attend. This form can be photocopied or additional names can be attached. Please make checks payable to the host group (see Reservations) and Mail To the appropriate person in the Registration Information section. Unit Name: Please spell out unit name as we have many units with the same acronym. Name $25.00 Early Bird or $30.00 Name $25.00 Early Bird or $30.00 Name $25.00 Early Bird or $30.00 Name $25.00 Early Bird or $30.00 Total Amount Enclosed $ Early Bird?or? If you need driving directions, please check here and fill out this information. Directions should be mailed to: Name Address City, State, Zip The registration fee includes all snacks, your meal, tax and tip and materials. No registration confirmation will be sent but directions will be mailed upon request. All materials will be given to you upon arrival at the Fall District Meeting. Refunds will be made for cancellations received in writing or by phone at least three (3) days before the meeting. There will, however, be a $5.00 processing fee. Substitutes attending in place of those who have preregistered are welcome at no additional charge. Sari King (right) Karen VanDenBusch (below) Berland Meyer and Jane Elmer (right) Friends and Neighbors (below) Join Us to Meet Sari King, Karen VanDenBusch, WREA Leaders and Your Friends and Neighbors! August 2009 / Page 7

8 Your voice. Your choice. Wisconsin Retired Educators Association 2564 Branch Street Middleton, WI Telephone (608) FAX: (608) NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI PERMIT NO Address Service Requested Be sure to invite others to join with us to protect our future. The more members we have, the more clout we have. Save the Dates! 2010 WREA Convention The Holiday Inn Stevens Point, WI May 4-5, 2010 Watch for More Information! SAMPLE Wisconsin Retired Educators Association Membership Form Circle one: Miss Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. Renewal New Member Membership Number Name Address City State Zip Date of Birth Telephone Educational system or school district from which you retired Membership Dues Structure See your address label above. Use this example to interpret your information H-2009 [40.00] Your membership status line is above your name in YOUR label. Write your number here: membership number dues amount unit identification dues are due October 1 of the specified year Join or Renew Today! Please check the amount Are Your Dues Past Due? WREA s dues year runs from October 1 September 30. A 2009 in your membership status line above your name in your address means your dues are due by October 1. Please renew today. Regular Retired teachers, administrators and school personnel... $ yr $ yrs Associate Spouses of regular members, other annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System, current teachers and friends of education... $ yr $ yrs Life One payment of $ Payment Plan My first $50 is enclosed. (Please contact me to set up a monthly or quarterly payment schedule to be completed within 12 months.) No reallocations or refunds if payment schedule is not followed. Payment type Check to WREA enclosed VISA/Mastercard AMOUNT Charged/Enclosed $ Card # Exp Date Signature Local units are the heart of our grassroots efforts. If you would like information about the WREA unit nearest you, please check here. Over 90% of WREA s total expenses are allocated to serve our members. Dues to membership organizations like WREA are not tax-deductible. Wisconsin Retired Educators Association, 2564 Branch Street, Middleton, WI