Southwest Washington School Retirees' Association

Serving all school retirees and employees since 1946

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Southwest Washington School Retirees’ Association General meeting and Luncheon at Cascadia Tech Academy

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May 23, 2019 Jeanie Anderson called the meeting to order at 11:35 AM, followed by the flag salute. Everyone sang America the Beautiful led by the Frasiers. There were 36 members present. Don Rifenbery let us know that his telephone number is 360-721-4992 and to disregard the one in the new Directory. Margaret Snitzler reminded members to call Lacy if your telephone or address has changed. WSSRA, 4726 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503, Phone: (360) 413-5496 Treasurer’s Report: by Marty Erickson Savings Account Revenues$7,767.28Checking$223.3612 Month Certificate $3,050.16Scholarship Account $2,982.02 Net worth to date $14,022.82 April 2019 general luncheon minutes were reviewed and approved as written. Jeanie Anderson recognized some members who we haven’t seen for a while. Linda Averill, WSSRA State President, was introduced. Ron and Donna Frasier were acknowledged. Presentation of Recognition: Gerri Jarvis was recognized for turning 90 years old. She received … [Read more...]

Retired teachers in WA are getting a raw deal from state lawmakers

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By Dr Alan Burke At the conclusion of the Washington Legislature’s recent session, leaders in both houses claimed victory. State Rep. Timm Ormsby and Sen. Christine Rolfes, Democratic chairs of their chambers' respective fiscal committees, proudly stated that the budget “puts people first and reflects the values of Washingtonians.”That is a great sound bite or Twitter hashtag, but, sadly, the reality is that the budget puts some people and values first at the continued expense of other groups, notably retired state and school personnel. Retirees apparently don’t matter much to the legislative leadership.I believe the average Washingtonian would be surprised and disheartened to know that many of those people who taught them or their children, who drove them to school, fed them and helped them in classrooms are living day to day, struggling to maintain a dignified retirement.Legislators apparently believe the notion that the Plan 1 Teacher and Public Employee retirement systems are … [Read more...]

Unit 30 End of Legislative Session Report

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Hawkbells Article – May 3, 2019 It was a mixed session for school retirees. Some important victories were achieved, but there were disappointments as well. The Medicare Eligible Healthcare Benefit was restored to its pre-recession peak of $183 per month. Additionally, Plan 2 and Plan 3 retirees who retire before the age of 65 have the ability to work part time in schools without jeopardizing their pension check. WSSRA also joined in an effort with AARP Washington and King County Assessor John Wilson to help freeze your property taxes. But frustration was a common theme throughout the session too. For retirees, the major irritation came from the exclusion of the SCPP approved Plan 1 COLA from the final budget proposal. Legislators finished this session in the nick of time with several last-minute deals. The State constitution required legislators to finish the Regular Session at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 28th. They finished at 11:58 p.m. For the state budget written by Senator … [Read more...]

SWWSRA-Unit 30’s Giving Nature

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2018-2019 was an energizing year for Unit 30. We provided scholarships/Funds to Ridgefield Schools Box, Vancouver Foundation, Battle Ground Foundation, Evergreen Foundation, Stevenson/Carlson Superintendent fund, Clark College Continuing Scholarship, Clark College Doris Troxel Supplement Scholarship, and WSSRA Scholarship. In addition, our new web site provided us with a charming logo and valuable information about SWWSRA. We had the privilege of meeting some of our legislative candidates. Our Retirement Seminar gave those who attended appreciated information. Luncheon entertainment was enjoyed by all. … [Read more...]