Communication

Communication Retirement Celebration - Cathy Leveille

2012-01-16T19:07:59Z

Retirement Celebration for Cathy Leveille

After many years of service in the COD Culinary program, Cathy Leveille will be retiring at the end of January. As many of you have worked with Cathy over the years, we would like to invite you to attend her retirement celebration on Thursday, January 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the new culinary center. Refreshments will be served.

We hope to see you there!

George Macht

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Communication Message

2011-11-09T09:59:15Z

CDAA Members,

I hope you have read the alert sent to you from SUAA. An amended version of SB 512 has moved out of committee and may be called for a vote, anytime during today or tomorrow. Please take a minute to telephone your representatives Springfield office and express your opposition (sample message below.) SB 512 not only fails to address the pension funding crisis, but according to research conducted by the Teachers Retirement System, it will add to the problem.

Clearly, the Civic Committee, Illinois is Broke, Illinois Policy Institute, and other SB 512 supporters are only interested in eliminating college employee defined benefit options--not reconciling the pension funding problems. (e.g. a spokeperson for the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) was interviewed on WGN radio yesterday and allowed to quote, not only misleading information, but incorrect information--while at the same time urging listeners to contact their reps and ask them to support for SB 512. When questioned by a listener, the only honest statement the IPI spokesperson made was that SB 512 will NOT completely solve the problem. The radio host clearly was supporting the IPI position by his lack of thoroughly vetting the spokeperson and limiting listener response/questions to only one person.)

If you are a retiree and are comfortable in believing you are sucure and trusting of groups and persons such as the IPI, Civic Committee, Ty Fahner, and others, please let me know what I am missing. These groups/persons have been successful in drastically reducing the retirement benefits for any college employee hired after 1-1-2010. SB 512 will effectively force most current employees out of the current pension system. It seems logical to believe that those receiving "gold plated", "over generous" benefits may be next.

A reasonalbe discussion and thorough vetting of SB 512 and similar legislation isn't too much to ask.

Please read the following and call your legislator, today. Steve Mansfield, President (CDAA/SUAA)

(discussion from yesterday's SB 512 committee hearing)

“Rep. Daniel Biss, D-Chicago, asked an actuary from the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, a group of the city’s top business leaders pushing the legislation, whether she had calculated how much it would cost the state if no Tier 1 members migrated to another tier of benefits. She had not, leading Biss to wonder why the legislation had to be acted upon this week.” (The State Journal-Register, 11-8-11)

This excerpt from yesterday’s SJR summarizes much of what is wrong with SB 512 and the reasons why you should speak to your legislators and express your opposition to SB 512 and its amendments.

•       SB 512 has been drafted and promoted by the Civic Committee—with NO stakeholder, pension system (i.e. SURS, TRS), or state leader   (e.g. University Presidents) input.
•       Legislators have been led to believe this bill will ameliorate the pension funding crisis—it won’t.  (TRS research shows it will ADD to the pension funding problem)
•       The Civic Committee/Civic Committee actuary has not even vetted this legislation.
•       What is the rush?  The unfunded pensions have taken decades to accrue, why act in the last two days of the Veto Session?

College of DuPage Area Legislators (go to codretirees.org “Find Your Government Official…” if you don’t know your representative’s name(s))

Senate  REP. District   Senator                 Representative (House)
21      41      Ron Sandack-    21      41      Chris Nybo
21      42                                          42  Sandra Pihos
23      45      Carole Pankau   23      45      Franco Coladipietro
23      46                                          46  Dennis Reboletti
24      47      Kirk Dillard    24      47      Patricia Bellock
24      48                                          48  Michael Connelly
28      55      John Millner    28      55      Randy Ramey
28      56                                          56  Michelle Mussman
48      95      Thomas Johnson  48      95      Mike Fortner
48      96                                          96  Darlene Senger

                        LOCAL                               Springfield
        Sandack senatorsandack@gmailcom
                                                        630-792-0040            217-782-8107
        Nybo    chris.nybo@gmail.com
                                                        630-519-3652            217-782-6578
        Pihos   community@sandrapihos.com
                                                         630-858-8855           217-782-8037
        Pankau  carole@pankau.org
                                                         630-582-0390           217-782-9463
        Coladipietro coladipietro@il45.com
                                                          630-582-0045          217-782-8158
        Reboletti       info@reboletti.com
                                                           630-530-2730         217-782-4014
        Dillard senator@kdillard.com
                                                           630-969-0990         217-782-8148
        Bellock representative@pbellock.com
                                                            630-852-8633                217-782-1448
        Connelly        repconnelly48@gmail.com
                                                             630-579-4848               217-782-8028
        Millner johnjmillner@aol.com
                                                             630-762-6255               217-782-8192
        Ramey   staterepramey55@aol.com
                                                            630-876-0703                217-558-1037
        Johnson senatortomjohnson@gmail.com
                                                            630-682-8100                217-782-8022
        Fortner mike.fortner@sbcglobal.net
                                                            630-293-9344                217-782-1653
        Senger  sengerstaterep@gmail.com
                                                            630-219-3090                217-782-6507
        Mussman staterepmussman@gmail.com
                                                            847-923-9104                217-782-3725

(sample message)

Not only does SB 512 fail to ameliorate the financial problems created by the underfunding of the pension systems, but it will exacerbate the fiscal crisis by increasing the costs to taxpayers by $34 billion over the next 15 years. Before you vote on SB 512, please consider whether you really wish to raise taxes by $34 billion.

By offering a stable retirement, Illinois can continue to attract the best and brightest into the field of education.

The $85 billion dollar pension short fall was accumulated over several decades. Possible solutions to the funding problem should include a thorough examination of alternatives and input from all stakeholders. Thank you for your time and I look forward to speaking to you in your office .

Bob Harvey

2011-11-08T11:48:55Z

We received word from COD H/R department that Bob Harvey passed away last Thursday. Details regarding funeral arrangements are pending.

Bob was one of the founding members of the College of Dupage Annuitants Association.

CDAA Updates and Information--October 30, 2011

2011-10-31T08:12:28Z

SUAA/CDAA Updates--October 30

•       November 2—2 PM, COD, K-162—“Educating Your Legislators” and updates regarding Senate Bill 512 (Veto Session resumes 
                                        November 8) 
•       codretirees.org—access our website for recent additions and updated information, including:
                                            o           SUAA Fall Meeting Reports—Joe Barillari and I have posted our notes/comments from the meeting
                                            o            Links—two timely links are included
                                                          Dr. John Peters, President, NIU—please take a minute to read his “State Pension and Budget Update.”   
                                                                     Dr. Peters has not only synthesized the concerns and reservations shared by SUAA/SUAA members    
                                                                     regarding SB 512, but he has demonstrated the courage to step up and disseminate his fervor publicly.  Few, 
                                                                      if any, other college/community college leaders have expressed a similar concerns for the adverse effects of  
                                                                      SB 512 on current and future retirees and  the possible long-term consequences of our schools losing the 
                                                                       best of the best employees. 
                                                             Dick Ingram, Executive Director, TRS—provides insights into the lack of any real savings that will     
                                                                  be realized by the passage of SB 512
•       friendsforeducation502.org—The Friends for Education, District 502 has shared with us an announcement regarding a fundraising event 
                                                                       they are hosting, Saturday, November 5.  Many of you have supported the “Friends” and we wanted to share    
                                                                       this information with you.  Please go to the website for details regarding the event.
•       Most Legislators will be in their district offices this week.

(formatted copy of this announcement is attached)

CDAA Educating Your Legislator--November 2, 2 PM, COD-K-Bldg. 162

2011-10-27T12:21:57Z

CDAA

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE
ANNUITANTS ASSOCIATION

Educating Your Legislators
November 2—2 PM--COD—K-Bldg.—Room 162

Plan to Attend

Currently, most legislators are being lobbied by organizations such as the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois is Broke, and others who are unjustifiably blaming you for creating the Illinois fiscal crisis. These organizations as well as the popular press (e.g. Chicago Tribune) continue to portray pension benefits as “gold plated” and “over generous.”

I know there are legislators who are unaware that the average monthly SURS pension benefit is $2800 per month (FY 2010); community college retirees must pay for their health insurance; and some college retirees are ineligible for Medicare.

It is our responsibility to educate all 177 Illinois Legislators.

We need team leaders who will coordinate and organize communications with area legislators. We need team members who will meet and/or telephone and/or send letters to their legislators.

We need your help.

Plan to attend the meeting.

If you can’t attend, please volunteer to help (cdaamem@gmail.com.)

Be sure you know the names and contact information for your Illinois legislators.

(If you don’t know your legislators:

Go to our website (codretirees.org) and click on the link (lower right of screen) “Find Your Government Officials…..” then enter your address or use the “Zip Code + 4” option to identify your legislators and your legislative districts
Legislator contact information (telephone numbers (local and Springfield), mailing addresses, and email) may be accessed by clicking on “Illinois General Assembly website….” In the lower right of our website home page. Once you are at the Illinois General Assembly website, click on House Members/Senate Members to retrieve the contact information.
If you are unable to access this information via computer, call the Illinois Board of Elections (217-782-4141 OR 312-814-6440) and they will assist you.)

Hope to see you on the 2nd.

Steve Mansfield/CDAA Board

CDAA Updates/Information October, 2011

2011-10-26T07:23:34Z

CDAA
COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

Annuitants Association

Important information and Updates Regarding your Current and Future Retirement Benefits

Important Dates:

•       October 25—Illinois Legislative Veto Session begins (scheduled to conclude November 10)
•       November 2—CDAA Session, “Educating Your Legislator”, 2 PM, COD-K Bldg. room 162
•       March 20, 2012—Primary Election

Updates

As you have probably noticed over the last couple of weeks, many articles, editorials, television interviews, etc. have been directed at pension reform. (note, pension reform is a euphemism for pension benefit reduction) Most of the newspaper articles (Chicago Tribune, Rockford Register, Kane County Chronicle, Bloomington Pantagraph, and certainly many others) relate to the current pension benefit recipient outliers that only represent a very, very small percentage of those who do or will receive SURS benefits.

The articles, editorials, and interviews are timed to coincide with the upcoming Illinois Legislative Veto Session. The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, the Illinois Policy Institute and others are instrumental in advocating the passage of Senate Bill 512 during the Veto Session. Per two downstate legislators, the three major initiatives to be discussed /considered during the Veto Session will be Illinois jobs, the Illinois budget, and Illinois pension reform (a.k.a., SB 512.)

You may recall that it took hundreds of face-to-face meetings, thousands of telephone calls, and tens of thousands of emails to our legislators to prevent SB 512 from being called for a vote during the Spring 2011 Legislative session. A summary of SB 512 will be posted at codretirees.org. To date, no details as to the projected financial savings have been provided to support the passage of SB 512.

During the past summer, several “Pension Reform—Working Group” meetings were held to address, “Benefit/Contribution,” “Funding,” “Structure,” and “General.”

SURS Executive Director Bill Mabe and TRS Executive Director Dick Ingram provided testimony at each of the meetings. Both shared their concerns that based on research provided their staffs it is difficult to determine if there is any long-term fiscal savings if SB 512 is approved. In fact, both are concerned that SB 512 could indeed be more costly than the current defined benefit plan.

The role of the executive directors in serving as fiduciaries of our pension funds is to perform due diligence when reviewing legislative proposals that effect benefits and funding. Their recalcitrant testimony is based on their findings, not their opinions.

What does this tell us? SB 512 is at best a “knee jerk” reaction by the Civic Committee and select politicians to mollify those who want to eliminate and/or reduce retirement benefits for current and future educator retirees. If SB 512 or similar legislation is passed and it is then determined that no substantial savings have been realized, the legislature will not rescind the legislation. Indeed, other measures (band aides) that may include reducing benefits for current retirees will be considered.

What should we do?

•       Call your legislators (senator, house representative) today and leave a message reflecting your concerns over SB 512.  (see sample script below)
•       Watch for updates (from SUAA) regarding pending pension reform legislation during the current Veto Session
•       Be prepared to contact your legislator and share your opposition to any proposed legislation that will impair retiree benefits
•       Know your legislators name, address, telephone number, email etc.  (to locate your representatives information, go to codretirees.org and click on “Find Your Government Officials” or call 217-782-4141)
•       Plan to attend the “Educating Your Legislator” workshop at COD on November 2

REMEMBER!!

The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago is lobbying your senator and representative to support SB 512 or similar legislation that will not alleviate Illinois’ fiscal crisis, but will reduce the retirement benefits of future retirees and threaten the benefits of current retirees. Shouldn’t you be talking to your senator and representative??

Sample Script: (during the Veto Session, you will most likely speak to an aide in your representatives’ offices)

Representative/Senator xxxxxx, I am xxxxx, a member of the College of DuPage chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association and a resident of your district. I will be brief. I want to express my concern over the discussion and possible adoption of Senate Bill 512 (Public Employee Benefits.) I have not read of nor do I believe this bill will result in any long-term savings for Illinois. The 85 billion dollar pension short fall was accumulated over several decades. Possible solutions to the funding problem should include a thorough examination of alternatives and input from all stakeholders. Thank you for your time and I look forward to speaking to you in your office in the near future.

Steve Mansfield

Reminder of Friday Breakfast

2011-10-19T20:59:46Z

We are planning a CDAA breakfast on Friday, Oct. 21 at 9 am at 7 Dwarfs Restaurant in Wheaton. No need to make a reservation, just come on down! There will be information regarding
updates from the SUAA Fall meeting & pending Veto Session Legislative innitiatives. Please plan to attend.
Thanks,
Kim Pack

CDAA breakfast on Friday, Oct. 21 at 9 am at 7 Dwarfs Restaurant in Wheaton

2011-10-08T06:33:43Z

We are planning a CDAA breakfast on Friday, Oct. 21 at 9 am at 7 Dwarfs Restaurant in Wheaton. No need to make a reservation, just come on down! There will be information regarding updates from the SUAA Fall meeting & pending Veto Session Legislative innitiatives. Please plan to attend.

Communication for CDAA annuitants with a COD.EDU mail address

2011-08-03T12:49:03Z

CDAA annuitants,
Most, but not all, of you were unsubscribed from the Communication email list. This malicious damage came from a site in Japan. We are not sure how or why it happened, but we are resubscribing you to the CDAA communciation list. If you have any helpful information please let us know. We are sorry for the inconvience.
Peter Klassen
Webmaster@codretirees.org

CDAA Picnic and Tour of new BIC Building

2011-08-02T10:50:38Z

Attached is the reminder for the CDAA picnic in the K Commons at COD on Thursday, August 11th at 11:30 am. The deadline for reservations is August 5th. Please send to Kim Pack.

Also, at 9:30 on the 11th there will be a tour of the newly renovated IC Building (BIC). If you are interested, please meet in front of the SRC cafeteria at 9:30 am.

CDAA Members Tour of Remodeled BIC

2011-07-29T09:01:44Z

We have a special opportunity to tour the remodeled BIC prior to the beginning of Fall Semester classes. Steve Lane, BIC Facility Manager and supervisor for the remodeling project, will be our tour leader.

You will certainly be surprised and impressed by the "new" BIC.

The tour is scheduled for August 11, at 9:30 AM--prior to the CDAA Annual Picnic/Meeting.

Please gather in hallway in front of entrance to SRC (Ernie Gibson) Cafeteria.

If you plan to attend the tour, please relpy, via email (cdaamem@gmail.com) or telephone (630-365-6645), by August 9. (we need to know the number of attendees in order to coordinate the tour)

See you the 11th.

Steve Mansfield