11 BEACON STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108-3024 January 2021 GIC COSTS OVER PAST DECADE costs, while shifting more onto retir- Insurance Commission (GIC). In our “Retirees Are ees and employees. As we see it, opinion, such an accurate account- this isn’t true reform! ing is especially warranted now with Paying Their “To successfully defend against so much uncertainty over future Fair Share.” such future attempts at cost shifts, state and local budgets. PRESIDENT FRANK VALERI we need facts and data to back Valeri continues, “What our us up,” according to Association review showed us is that over the ith the new year, Mass President Frank Valeri. “This is noth- past 5 years GIC premium increases Retirees is preparing ing new for us. Since our beginning, somewhat leveled off, which may Wfor a new set of chal- Mass Retirees has always moni- lead some to propose that retir- lenges to maintaining quality and tored health insurance benefits and ees can maybe afford to pay a bit affordable health care programs costs for public retirees. Today it has more. But premiums are just one at both the state and local levels. become one of our most important factor, with out-of-pockets (OOPs) There is little doubt that anticipated functions.“ being the other major component of revenue shortfalls resulting from In preparation for FY21, we have retiree costs. the pandemic will bring increasing chosen to review the finances over “When one factors in OOPs, then pressure to consider “reforms” that the past decade (2009-2019) of the essentially would reduce employer state’s largest insurer, the Group CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 u FY21 WAYS & MEANS CHAIRMEN STATE BUDGET ENACTED State & Teacher Retroactive COLA Included

he Legislature finished the final FY21 budget was completed in last couple of months of an November. The revised budget will

unusual extended session fund the Commonwealth’s opera- REP. AARON MICHLEWITZ SEN. MICHAEL RODRIGUES T D-BOSTON D-WESTPORT with a flurry of activity. Traditionally, tions for the remainder of the fiscal formal sessions would have finished year. up on July 31st, wrapping up major Operations for the first five INSIDE THIS ISSUE pieces of legislation and complet- months of the fiscal year had been ing Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget. funded through several interim However, like many things since the budget orders. Then in October, JOE CONNARTON New Mass Retirees Treasurer start of the pandemic 9 months ago, Governor Baker filed a revised bud- Page 3 the Legislature changed how they get with the Legislature. Both the operate and extended their session House and Senate approved their to complete work on several con- own versions that were initially ference committee reports and the crafted by each Ways & Means WEP MESSAGE FY21 budget. Committee, respectively chaired by FROM TEXASPage 9 After being delayed several Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of Boston and Page 16 months due to the pandemic, a CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 u 2021 MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS SEE PAGES 5 & 10 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee GEARING UP FOR 2021-2022 LEGISLATIVE SESSION he Legislature completed would be part of our legislative pack- you. Please reach out to our office their extended session in age for the session. with your ideas. It should be noted TDecember, finishing con- The deadline to file legislation however, that we cannot file legisla- ference committee reports on broad for the new session is the third tion that is specific to an individual’s scope issues and finalizing the FY21 Friday of January. Looking ahead particular case. We will connect you budget. The additional legislation to the 2021 session, Mass Retirees with your local legislator to assist that was taken up during the last few is submitting a number of pieces of you with that process. weeks of session remained largely legislation as part of an overall legis- While we will be filing legislation focused on efforts to address the lative package. We continue to pur- to increase the life insurance benefit ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. sue the Enhanced COLA benefit, the to $10,000 as part of the legislative Each January following a state increase in the Veteran’s Bonus, and package, we wanted to provide an legislative election, a new two-year the permanent increase to the post update from the Group Insurance session begins for the Massachusetts retirement work hours from 960 to Commission. As we previously House of Representatives and the 1,200. reported the GIC will be announcing Senate. As part of the process, in the A new session is also an oppor- the finalists for the long-term dis- beginning of January, legislation is tunity to explore new retirement filed in both the House and Senate related topics that members are ability and life insurance vendors at to be heard over the next two years. experiencing. If you have an idea for the December meeting at which time Mass Retirees has spent the last two legislation that is related to retire- we shall receive information on pro- months leading up to the filing dead- ment security or retiree health insur- posals to increase the life insurance line determining what legislation ance, we would love to hear from benefit for retirees.

Administration remained commit- and Representative Mark Cusack of COLA ted to the current pension funding Braintree to file amendments in the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 u schedule, fully funding this year’s Senate and House budgets. Working Sen. Michael Rodrigues of Westport. pension obligation. with Legislative leadership in both Both versions of the budget con- branches, Senator Crighton and tained several critical pieces, the SPECIAL WAIVER LAW EXTENDED Representative Cusack, as well as most notable was passage of the Another important development Senator Paul Feeney of Foxborough, FY21 State and Teacher Retiree COLA that impacts retirees is the exten- Senator Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, for eligible state and teacher retirees sion of the special waiver that allows Representative Tom Golden of that was retroactive to July 1, 2020. retirees to return to work post retire- Lowell and Representative Bill Galvin All three versions contained the ment during the pandemic without of Canton, secured language that authorization lan- being impacted would extend the waiver into cal- guage as part by the hour and endar year 2021 until the Governor of the original earnings restric- lifts the state of emergency that was drafts, reaffirm- tions. The waiver, declared on March 10, 2020. ing the com- originally passed The extension of the waiver will mitment of the in April as part allow both employers and retirees to Administration of a larger piece plan for what is likely going to be an and Legislature related to the ongoing need to fill critical services. to public retirees. REP. MARK CUSACK SEN. BRENDAN CRIGHTON COVID-19 pan- Legislative Liaison Nancy This marks the 23rd (D-Braintree) (D-Lynn) demic, was set to McGovern summed up as follows. consecutive year that the COLA will expire on December 31st. Retirees “While much of the news coming be paid since the law was enacted. have returned to work during out of this budget process is posi- The budget also included two the pandemic filling gaps in crit- tive, we are preparing for the FY22 other critical pieces for retirees. The ical positions with the state and process that will begin in early 2021. Group Insurance Commission was municipalities. We will be closely monitoring the fully funded, ensuring benefits will Mass Retirees worked with the ongoing financial impact of the pan- remain intact through the end of Mass Police Association to engage demic and the outlook for the FY22 FY21. In addition, the Legislature and Senator Brendan Crighton of Lynn budget.”

22 January 2021 JOE CONNARTON NAMED ASSOCIATION TREASURER early 18 years to the going forward. These are attributes day of being named Follows Retirement of that fit Joe Connarton to a T. I know NAssociation Treasurer, firsthand working under him for Gerald “Jerry” Coughlin has opted Jerry Coughlin many years at the state pension to retire. His “retirement” from oversight agency. Not only was Mass Retirees marks the 2nd time Joe a respected high-level agency Coughlin has retired, the first being head for more than two decades, in 1996 when he stepped down but he has significant knowledge from his long career as Executive in the area of public retirement pol- Director of the Mass. Turnpike icy here in Massachusetts, as well Authority Retirement Board. as on the national level. Joe is an Per Association bylaws, immediate asset to our members.” President Frank Valeri has appointed “In addition to working with Joseph Connarton to fill the remain- JOE CONNARTON JERRY COUGHLIN Jerry as our Treasurer, I also had der of Coughlin’s unexpired term, ASSOCIATION TREASURER RET. ASSOCIATION TREASURER the pleasure of serving with him which runs until September 2021. performing accounting services and as a fellow member of the Town of A state retiree, Connarton retired tax filings, he’s more than earned Plymouth Retirement Board. I have in December 2019 after serving his retirement,” Valeri stated. learned a lot from him over the years 21 years as Executive Director of “Thankfully, Jerry notified me and and cannot thank him enough for the Public Employee Retirement our CEO Shawn Duhamel of his his service,” commented Duhamel. Administration Commission. He plans last winter. This allowed us to “Thankfully, we have very strong previously served as City Clerk in plan accordingly, such as to bring his native Cambridge, where he also on an expert outside accountant accounting and financial control chaired the City’s retirement board and have time to find someone to systems in place going forward. In for many years and served as past fill the role of Treasurer. addition to financial oversight, Joe’s President of the Mass. Association “Since the role of Treasurer has role will be to share his managerial of Contributory Retirement Systems evolved over the years, it became expertise and insight. We have a (MACRS). clear to us that having someone great group of talented people here “We are sad to see Jerry step with significant executive manage- at Mass Retirees and the addition down. After 18 years of service to ment experience and budgeting of Joe Connarton only strengthens our Association, which included expertise would be highly beneficial our team.” UPCOMING TELE-TOWN HALL MEETINGS Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and public health protocols, Mass Retirees will continue to hold virtual-only meetings through the first few months of 2021.

JANUARY 6, 2021 (Wednesday) AT 1:00PM SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Special Guest: Boston Mayor MARTY WALSH

HOW TO PARTICIPATE FEBRUARY 5, 2021 MARCH 26, 2021 AUTO-CONNECT: At the time of the event Mass (Friday) AT 1:00PM (FRIDAY) AT 1:00PM Retirees members will receive a call from 2021 LEGISLATIVE STATE GROUP INSURANCE 833-491-0336. Simply answer the call and PROPOSALS COMMISSION remain on the line to join the meeting. FEATURING UNICARE MARCH 5, 2021 GENERAL MANAGER DAVID MORALES DIALING IN: Mass Retirees members can also (Friday) AT 1:00PM directly dial into the tele-town hall meetings, FEDERAL & MARTY WALSH at the time of the event, by calling 833-491-0336. CONGRESSIONAL OUTLOOK CONTINUEDBOSTON ONMAYOR PAGE 18 u

3 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

Throughout the many years of for the prospect of success. work advocating for relief from the As we go to press in late Social Security Windfall Elimination November, the focus of our WEP Provision (WEP), Mass Retirees offi- Association and our national allies cials have been mindful in point- is to see progress on WEP reform ing out that WEP is NOT a partisan legislation before the end of the UPDATE issue. Across the country, support year. A limited number of options for reform or repeal of the federal exist to move a bill forward in law varies state-by-state, not party the closing days of 2020, with the affiliation. most likely being either a General Divided Federal As we end 2020 and Appropriations bill or what is known Government Calls begin 2021 with a divided as a Continuing Resolution or CR. government, the White A CR was passed by Congress For Compromise. House and US House of earlier this year that funds the oper- Representatives under ation of the government through Texas Retired Democrat control and December 11, 2020. If a General potentially the US Senate Appropriations bill is not agreed to, Teachers Call For under Republican control – the fact then a CR will be needed to keep the Action. (See page 16) that WEP is not viewed as a partisan issue in Washington, D.C. bodes well CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 u PAC DRIVE GENERATES $12,000 TOWARD COVID-19 RELIEF y all accounts, the toll that members chose to participate, rais- the COVID-19 pandemic has Donations ing close to $12,000 for COVID-19 Btaken on Massachusetts relief here in Mass.” has been devastating. Through Made To Local “I can’t thank our members mid-November, more than 185,000 enough for their generosity in help- Massachusetts residents were con- Charities ing those in need. Not only is COVID- firmed to have contracted COVID-19, devastating to thousands, if not mil- 19 a serious threat to public health, with nearly 14,000 requiring hospi- lions of people in our state alone,” but it’s also proven to be devast- talization. Sadly, more than 10,000 recalled Mass Retirees CEO Shawn ing to our economy. Shutdowns have died as a result. Duhamel. “Frank Valeri asked that and government forced restric- The virus has also severely we seek ways for our Association to tions aside, the threat of catching a harmed the state’s economy. Since help. Shortly thereafter, Lauren Baker deadly virus has forced most of us to March, nearly 1.6 million resi- (wife of Governor Charlie Baker) change our routines and either stop dents have filed for unemploy- announced the creation of a charity or limit activities that put us at risk,” ment. The unemployment rate to provide relief for those impacted said Valeri. “We have divided the through September stands at 9.1%. by COVID-19. Boston Mayor Marty $12,000 contribution from our mem- Economists anticipate those num- Walsh created a similar organization bers into equal donations of $2,000 bers rising over the winter months, in Boston that has helped raise tens to six regional charities focused on prior to the potential of a vaccine of millions for small businesses, helping those most in need as a becoming widely available by late non-profits and individuals impacted result of the pandemic. This includes spring 2021. by the pandemic. organizations such as the Greater “When the pandemic hit in “The decision was made to Boston Foodbank, Worcester’s Guild March, we knew that the situation utilize our annual Political Action of St. Agnes, to the Community was bad but could not fully grasp Committee fundraising drive to help Foundation of Western Mass. Being just how long it would last and how raise money to go toward COVID-19 able to help those in need, especially deep the impact would be. The more Charity relief. For each donation of during the holiday season, is a won- we learned the clearer it became $25 or more, $2 would go toward a derful thing.” that the damage done would be charitable contribution. Nearly 6,000

4 January 2021 2021 MEDICARE PART B PREMIUMS Congress Caps Increases embers, enrolled in not be factored into this estimate. $50 monthly increase to their Part Medicare, avoided a “Well, Congress was definitely B premium without congressional Mmajor increase in their concerned – as were we – that the intervention. I worked with Speaker 2021 Part B premiums. While pre- forecast was too low. All signs Pelosi and Energy and Commerce miums will be going up (see chart, pointed to our Medicare members Committee Chairman Pallone to page 16), the increase is substan- being hit with a huge increase. ensure the continuing resolution tially less – in fact, 75% less – than it Something needed to be done to included a provision that protects would have been otherwise without mitigate this potentially disastrous beneficiaries from the expected pre- needed help from the Congress. outcome. And fortunately, Congress mium hike. On top of all the other According to CEO Shawn did come to the rescue.” hardships they’re experiencing Duhamel, “When reporting on the At the end of September, the during the ongoing COVID economic 1.3% increase in 2021 Social Security Congress enacted a continuing bud- and public health crises, Americans benefits on our website, Facebook get resolution, which among its pro- should not also face increased and hotline, we emphasized that we visions, established a 25% cap on the Medicare costs.” were still awaiting the announce- 2021 increase in the Part B premium. “We’re extremely fortunate to ment by CMS (Centers for Medicare Back then, we reached out to our have great federal representation,” & Medicaid Services) on the 2021 good friend, Congressman Richie responds Association President Medicare Part B premiums. While Neal of Springfield, who chairs the Frank Valeri. “They are not only there were forecasts that the stan- House Ways & Means Committee. responsive to our members’ con- dard premium would be $153.30, we Here’s what Chairman Neal had to cerns but like Chairman Neal, have a cautioned that the COVID-19 impact say on this. great deal of clout as witnessed here on Medicare costs was not com- “Medicare beneficiaries could to get things done.” pletely known and therefore could have experienced a substantial CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 u CLARK ELECTED ASST. SPEAKER Plays Lead Role in Mass Retirees Lore From 2011

hen news broke in leadership behind Speaker Nancy in mid-November Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Wthat Massachusetts and Majority Whip James Clyburn. Congresswoman Katherine Clark Clark’s Republican counter- (D-Melrose) had been elected to the part within the House leadership 4th most powerful position in the is Wyoming Congresswoman Liz US House of Representatives, many Cheney, daughter of former Vice national observers expressed sur- President Dick Cheney. prise at the speed in which Clark has As members will recall, before advanced up the leadership ladder. being elected to Congress Clark Having been first elected to served as both a State Representative Congress in 2013, Clark is still a rela- and a State Senator. During her tive newcomer by Washington, D.C. time in the Senate, Clark served as standards. In most cases it can take Chairwoman of the Joint Committee decades before a member of the on Public Service – the key legislative House or US Senate reaches the pin- committee in which all public retire- nacle of power on Capitol Hill. It has ment related legislation originates. taken Clark just seven short years It was in her role as Public Service CONGRESSWOMAN KATHERINE CLARK to rise to the position of Assistant (MA FIFTH DISTRICT) Speaker of the House – just fourth CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 u

5 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

expenditures relating to the GIC. By way of explanation, the “Total Revenue” data along with the GIC “Net Commission Spending” makes up the actual “State Total.” Of far greater importance to us is the data entitled “Employee Share,” which includes the pre- miums paid by all retirees and employees. The overall increase in the graph shows State spending increased 56% over this period with an increase of 60% in over- PREPARED BY MASS RETIREES all revenue, including a 52% increase in premiums paid. This represents an average annual increase of approximately 3.5% during the time period. overall out of pocket costs incurred By comparison during the same by subscribers. GIC Costs period, the net GIC cost increased CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 u This shifting of costs onto sub- only 10%, less than 1% annually. scribers has allowed the GIC to While the Net State costs look like we achieve a more accurate picture continue to provide quality health a complete bargain, it does not of the total costs for GIC retirees. insurance plans at very reasonable include the significant state agency And we can reasonably conclude premium costs. However this cost chargeback amount that is included that they are paying their fair share shifting became extremely burden- in the Total Revenue increases. In now. some, in particular, on non-Medi- any event, it seems to put the GIC care retirees, an unacceptable COST SHIFTING plan administration, covering some policy development in the eyes of 462,000 members, at a level that One significant factor in lower- Valeri who stated further, “After could be looked to as a national ing costs for the State was a shift to several years, the increase to a model. greater out-of-pocket (OOP) costs to $300 deductible represented about Concurrently, health care costs at employees and non-Medicare retir- an 18% increase which was diffi- the national level were held to min- ees over the past decade. cult but a reasonable adjustment. imal or modest increases resulting In February 2010, the GIC made However going to the $500 deduct- in fairly level premium growth since unprecedented mid-year copay ible one year later, a 100% increase that time. With a concerted effort by and deductible changes. Enrollees over a two year period, was totally the health care and insurance indus- faced an increase in the $150 annual unacceptable.” try along with technology and inno- deductible to a $250 annual deduct- vative health incentives by insurers ible, as well as increases to all copays costs, saw an overall decline during across all plans. In addition to the FOCUS ON FY09 – FY19 COSTS the last five years. mid-year OOP increases, an increase Over the years, a key function “Any way you look at it, retir- in premium splits was implemented. performed by Mass Retirees has ees are paying their fair share Retirees who retired on or after been to closely monitor the costs when it comes to the state GIC. February 1, 2010 received a 5% related to the GIC and the impact on Overall growth in expenditures has increase to their share from 15% to the lives of enrollees. For the sake remained very stable in recent years, 20%. This impacted both Medicare of our analysis here, we started with largely due to the dramatic rise in and non-Medicare retirees. the GIC’s overall costs and fund- OOP back in FY16-17,” concludes The non-Medicare annual ing sources for FY2009 through the Valeri. “These are important facts deductible was again increased in most recent GIC Annual Statement to remember, especially given the FY16 to $300, followed by the cur- of FY 2019. financial strain that will inevitably rent $500 annual deductible imposed The graph on this page shows be placed on the state and local bud- in FY17. During that period there various financial factors reported in gets due to the pandemic.” were also a number of increases the GIC’s Annual Reports for the past in copay amounts, increasing the decade, showing the total costs and

6 Januray 2021 RETIREMENT BOARDS ELECTIONS & APPOINTMENTS

Andover – Fire Lieutenant, Ovitt*, Town of Richmond Treasurer re-elected. It will be William’s sev- Jim Cuticchia* was unopposed Paul Lisi, retired Lanesboro Police enth term and Michael’s second in his re-election to his ninth term Chief Mark Bashara and Stockbridge term on the Board. The other mem- on the Andover Treasurer Karen Williams. The exec- bers on the Board are Eric Demas, Retirement Board. utive director is Sheila LaBarbera. Keith Slattery, and Peter Cocciardi. Also serving on the Brookline – Both incumbents The Board’s director is Bob Shaw. Board are, Hayley were declared elected by the Framingham – The Framingham Green*, the town’s Brookline Retirement Board. Police Retirement Board members ex-officio member, Sergeant John Canney and retired declared Firefighter Joseph Fonseca fifth member Gary Deputy Fire Chief Robert Ward re-elected without opposition, it will Coon, Thomas were the only qualified candidates be Joe’s second term. Other mem- JIM CUTICCHIA ANDOVER Hartwell and for the elections. Board mem- bers on the Board include retired Fire Elena Kothman, bers, declaring the election, were Lieutenant Peter Rovinelli, Richard who also serves as the Andover recently reappointed second mem- Howarth, Jr.*, Mary Ellen Kelley and Retirement Board executive director ber, Jeana Franconi, along with John White. The Board’s executive of Retirement Services. Michael DiPietro and Gary Altman*. director is Laurie Lizak. Arlington - The Arlington Brookline’s retirement director is Gloucester – With both elected Retirement Board declared both Frank Zecha. seats up for re-election the two top incumbent elected members Clinton – After the resignation vote candidates out of a field of four reelected as both were unopposed in of the elected Clinton Retirement were incumbent retired Firefighter the election. Retired Board member, Firefighter Michael Douglas MacArthur* with 357 and Police Lieutenant Cislak the Board held and elec- Firefighter James Hannon with 211. Kenneth Hughes* tion and with only one qualified Also retired Police Chief John J. was elected to candidate Police Officer James McCarthy was 3rd with 169 votes his fifth term and McNamara was declared the elected and Brian Hamilton received 77 Retired Fire Chief member. The other members declar- votes. The other Board members Robert Jefferson ing the election were retired Police include Kenny Costa, Donna Leete was reelected after Lieutenant Joseph Casasanto, David and Somerville Retirement Board KENNETH HUGHES replacing long- Baird, Diane Magliozzi and Paul Deputy Director Juanita Escobar. ARLINGTON time member John Cherubini*. The Clinton retirement The Gloucester Retirement Board Bilafer who passed away last year. board’s administrator is Patty Hazel. executive director is Patricia Ivas. Other members on the Board include Everett – The Everett Retirement Greater Lawrence Sanatary Ida Cody, Richard Keshian, Esq. and Board held concurrent elections for District – The Greater Lawrence Ken Steele. Rich Greco is the Board the two elected Sanitary District Board held an elec- administrator. members. The only tion where a retired Plant Operator Berkshire County – The Berkshire qualified nomina- and former Board Member Michael Retirement Board appointed Beth tions were by the Gagnon defeated incumbent Karen Matson, who also serves as the North incumbents William Driggers, a Chief Lab Technician in Adams Retirement Board admin- Pierce*, a fire- a very close election 26 votes for istrator replacing former Pittsfield fighter, and retired Gagnon to 25 votes for Driggers. The Mayor Gerald Doyle who passed City Clerk Michael other members of the Board include away earlier this year. She will join, MIKE MATARAZZO Matarazzo and EVERETT as the fifth member, with Michael they were declared CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 u

7 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee LOOK CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU LEAP! How Other States Tax Mass. Pensions ost members don’t leave a survey on how other Massachusetts when states taxed, or didn’t Mthey retire. While they tax, Mass. pensions,“ prefer to continue living here, some recalls General Counsel may consider that a move outside Bill Rehrey. “Recently, the state might be best for a variety Frank Zecha, who is of reasons. And they may take the Brookline Retirement proverbial leap to new environs, but Board’s Executive please look very carefully before you Director, asked if we had do! ever considered taking a Like any decision of this import, fresh look at the issue. one must weigh its financial impact, “He told us that he including potentially negative tax referred to our survey implications. We say negative when he got a question because as we all know, your contrib- from a retiree or employee NO TAX PARTIALLY EXEMPT utory pension is not subject to this about other states but was FULLY EXEMPT SUBJECT TO TAX state’s income tax as long as you’re concerned that it may need a resident. However, that exclusion updating. We agree and doesn’t automatically apply once you thanks Frank for bringing of Mass. and other public pensions. move beyond the state borders. it to our attention.” It is not intended to be an exhaus- If thinking seriously about To better assist our membership, tive review of each state’s personal another state as your new home, you we offer the following updated sur- income tax laws but a guidepost in should take a close look at whether vey that briefly outlines what can be your deliberations. that state has an income tax and if so, the income tax implications on your We strongly recommend that if do they tax Mass. pensions. Whether pension in the other 49 states as well seriously considering a move, you you could be moving into a more as the nation’s capital. It must be contact that state’s tax officials. You costly situation depends upon the noted that this is a compilation from should also discuss the matter with answers to these basic questions. multiple sources that have examined your tax advisor, before making a “Some years ago, we released each state’s income tax treatment final decision.

NATIONAL SURVEY: HERE’S WHAT WE FOUND

NO STATE INCOME TAX STATE INCOME TAX: for the pension exclusion. The max-

PARTIALLY EXEMPTS/EXCLUDES imum exclusion for taxpayers age 1. Alaska 6. Tennessee MASS. PENSIONS 65 or older is $65,000. The exclusion 2. Florida 7. Texas for taxpayers who are age 62 to 64, 3. Nevada 8. Washington Arkansas: Mass. pensions qual- or less than 62 and permanently dis- ify for the $6,000 pension exemption. abled, remains at $35,000. 4. New Hampshire 9. Wyoming Colorado: Mass. pensions qual- Iowa: Mass. pensions qualify for 5. South Dakota ify for the pension exemption. Age the pension exemption for those age 55 to 64 qualify for a $20,000 exemp- 55 or older, or disabled. The exemp- STATE INCOME TAX: tion, and Age 65 or older qualify for tion for single and head of house- FULLY EXEMPTS MASS. PENSIONS a $24,000 exemption. hold filers is $6,000 (and $12,000 for Delaware: Mass. pensions qual- married filing joint filers) but can’t 1. Alabama 5. Mississippi ify for the pension exemption: Under exceed the amount included in fed- 2. Hawaii 6. Pennsylvania age 60 receive a $2,000 exemption, eral adjusted gross income. and Age 60 or older receive a $12,500 Kentucky: Mass. pensions 3. Illinois (age 59½ or older) exemption. 4. Kansas Georgia: Mass. pensions qualify CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 u

8 January 2021

by a standard deduction against all for a couple). MA Pensions income of $20,000 for single filers South Carolina: Mass. pensions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 u ($40,000 for joint filers). qualify for the public employee Missouri: Mass. pensions qual- pension exemption. Under age 65, qualify for the pension exemption ify for the public employee pension a Mass. retiree may deduct up to with a $41,110 maximum exemption. exemption. You can qualify for a $3,000, and those, age 65 or older, Those who retired: Before January 1, partial exemption, which is limited may deduct up to $10,000. 1998, receive a full exemption of your to either $6,000 or 100% of one’s Virginia: Mass. pensions qual- public pensions; and After January public pension (not to exceed your ify for the Virginia Age Deduction. 1, 1998, receive an exemption based maximum Social Security benefits), Those, born on or before January 1, on service time before January 1, if you’re a: Married couple with state 1939, the age deduction is $12,000 1998, compared to total service time. adjusted gross income greater than per filer, while for those born on Louisiana: Mass. pensions qual- $100,000; or a Single individual with January 2, 1939 or later, the $12,000 ify for the pension exemption. Age Missouri adjusted gross income deduction is reduced by $1 for every 65 or older qualifies for an exemp- greater than $85,000. $1 that their federal adjusted gross tion of $6,000; and those who are Montana: Mass. pensions qualify income (AGI) exceeds $50,000 (or married filing jointly and are both for the partial pension exemption, as $75,000 for married filers). age 65 or older may each exclude long as certain income (federal AGI) West Virginia: Mass. pensions up to $6,000. If only one spouse has limits are not exceeded based upon qualify for the income exemption. retirement income, the exclusion is filing status (for example $34,820 if limited to $6,000. single filing status). The retirement STATE INCOME TAX: Maine: Mass. pensions qualify exemption is limited to the smaller NO SPECIFIC EXEMPTION FOR for the $10,000 pension exemption. of: Taxable retirement income, or MASS. PENSIONS This exemption is reduced by any $4,180, When federal AGI exceeds Social Security and railroad retire- the income limit, the retirement Based upon our sources, the ment benefits received (except mil- exemption is reduced $2 for every states listed below had no specific itary pension benefits), taxable or $1 over the income limit. exemptions or exclusions for Mass. not. New Jersey: Mass. retirees may pensions. However, they may have Maryland: If 65 or older or totally qualify for a Retirement Income other exemptions, deductions or disabled (or spouse is totally dis- Exclusion, commonly referred to credits that their taxpayers, includ- abled), a Mass. retiree may qualify as a pension exclusion, if they sat- ing Mass. pensioners, may be enti- for the maximum pension exclusion isfy certain age and income condi- tled to. of $30,600 if they can satisfy the con- tions. For example, a couple (one of ditions set out in the instructions in whom is 62 or over) can exclude up 1. Arizona the state’s resident tax booklet. to $100,000 as long as they do not Michigan: Those who reach the exceed $100,000 in income. 2. California age of 67 during the taxable year New Mexico: Mass. pensions 3. Connecticut may deduct $20,000 for single or qualify for the $8,000 income 4. Washington, D.C. married, filing separately, or $40,000 exemption. You may exempt up 5. Idaho for joint filers against all income. If to $8,000 from any income source you qualify for that deduction, you’re if you’re age 65 or older and your 6. Indiana not eligible to deduct pension and income is: Single filers - $28,500 7. Minnesota (Some may qualify retirement benefits. The retirement/ or less; Married, filing separate - for limited deduction.) pension deduction is computed as $25,500 or less; and Married, filing 8. Nebraska follows: if born before 1946, sub- joint - $51,000 or less. tract all qualifying pension and New York: Mass. pensions, 9. North Carolina retirement benefits you received; if received by retirees who are age 10. North Dakota born between 1946 and 1952, you 59 and a half or older, qualify for a 11. Ohio (Some may qualify for may deduct your qualifying and $20,000 pension exemption. senior citizen credit.) Oklahoma: retirement benefits up to: $20,000 if Mass. pensions qual- 12. Oregon (Some may qualify for single or married filing separate and ify for the pension exemption of retirement income credit.) $40,000 for joint filers if married fil- $10,000, and are no longer subject ing a joint return; and if born after to the modified Oklahoma adjusted 13. Utah (Some may qualify for 1952, you’re not entitled to pension gross income limit. retirement tax credit.) subtractions. All pension and retire- Rhode Island: Assuming that a 14. Vermont ment benefits are taxable. At 67 Mass. retiree satisfies the state’s eli- 15. Wisconsin years old, the deduction for pen- gibility rules, they are eligible for an sion/retirement benefits is replaced exemption up to $15,000 ($30,000

9 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

FOR TEXT 2021The 2021 premiumsPART for Medicare B Part BPREMIUMS are shown in the following chart: SEE PAGE 5

Beneficiaries who file Beneficiaries who file Income-related monthly Total monthly premium individual tax returns with income: joint tax returns with income: adjustment amount amount

Less than or equal to $88,000 Less than or equal to $176,000 $0.00 $148.50

Greater than $88,000 and less Greater than $176,000 and less $207.90 than or equal to $111,000 than or equal to $222,000 $59.40

Greater than $111,000 and less Greater than $222,000 and less $148.50 $297.00 than or equal to $138,000 than or equal to $276,000

Greater than $276,000 and less Greater than $138,000 and less $237.60 $386.10 than or equal to $165,000 than or equal to $330,000

Greater than $165,000 and less Greater than $330,000 and less $326.70 $475.20 than $500,000 than $750,000

Greater than or equal to $500,000 Greater than or equal to $750,000 $356.40 $504.90

additional $1.40 ($3.90 - $2.50) is are Direct Pays because they receive Medicare waived. Unfortunately, you receive no or very little Social Security – CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 u no increase in your Social Security an extremely unfair problem in and it remains as it was for 2020. and of itself. (Please note that even Final Social Security 2021 ben- though they receive little or no WHAT THE CAP MEANS FOR MEMBERS efit amounts (including the new Social Security, they must enroll in “There’s no question that Part B premium) will be communi- Medicare by state law.) Congress’ action offers relief from cated to beneficiaries in December Members may recall that some what could have been a harmful sit- through the mail. Most will be able six years ago (2015), it was all hands- uation financially for our members,” to view their COLA notice online on-deck to save these members from continues Valeri. “For example, through their personal My Social having huge increases imposed on without the cap, the 2021 standard Security account. Members may them in their 2016 Part B premiums, premium would have been a whop- create a My Social Security account because the Hold Harmless provi- ping $160.20. That’s $15.60 more online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ sion didn’t protect them. each month or a 10.8% increase! myaccount. According to Duhamel, “Back With the cap, the standard premium then, we worked with the Mass. is $148.50 monthly – an increase of Congressional delegation and our $3.90 a month or a 2.7% increase. MORE GOOD NEWS FOR DIRECT PAYS Senator Warren to prevent a finan- And we haven’t forgotten Social There’s even more good news. cial crisis for these members by Security’s Hold Harmless provision In this case, we’re referring to our freezing the 2016 Part B premiums at that protects Medicare beneficiaries members who are known as Direct 2015 rates. And now – some 6 years whose 2021 Part B increase exceeds Pays. According to Congressional later, another serious problem for their 2021 Social Security COLA sources, the 25% cap applies to all them was averted. increase. Essentially, Hold Harmless Medicare beneficiaries, including “During our contacts with prevents your Social Security ben- Direct Pays. Chairman Neal and his staff, we efits from going down less than When it comes to our members, were assured that they had not for- the 1.3% COLA increase that you Direct Pays are typically Medicare gotten 2015 and had no intention receive. For example, say your 2021 beneficiaries whose Part B premium of allowing it to happen again. And COLA is $2.50, which is less than can’t be deducted from a Social so thankfully, Direct Pays are being $3.90 monthly or the 2021 increase Security check so that they are treated the same as members whose in the standard Part B premium. With billed and pay directly for it. Many Part B is deducted from their Social Hold Harmless, you pay an addi- of our members, who are seriously Security check. They’ll pay no more tional $2.50, or your COLA, toward impacted by Social Security’s GPO that 25% of the increase.” your 2021 Part B premium and the (Government Pension Offset) Law

10 January 2021 MEDICARE BUY-IN EXPANDING MORE COMMUNITIES JOINING NEXT YEAR ur prediction, in earlier Trust Project Manager Monica Nancy Delaney. “We highlighted the issues of The Voice, has in Smigliani. “Both our organizations Agreement’s call for enrolling the Ofact proven accurate. Yes, have had to overcome tremendous town’s non-Medicare retiree, age 65 a number of communities will be challenges in order to get the job and over, into Medicare. And now implementing the Medicare Buy-In done this year.” they’re doing just that.” Program next year. “As always, our primary focus Back last As we go to press, seven com- has been to do our best to ensure year, a longstand- munities will be joining the growing that the retirees affected – about 120 ing Association list – a 35% increase over this year. in number – receive the utmost care friend, and even- They are: and will be all-in by next July 1.” tually member, Amherst Lunenberg To accomplish that goal, MIIA notified us of developed and implemented an Dracut’s new Cohasset Mansfield extensive outreach and education deal. It was Dracut Walpole program. First, they sent a mailing Andrew Powell, Lee to each retiree, introducing them a retired town ANDREW POWELL By committing to Medicare to the program and inviting them Dracut PEC firefighter who Buy-In, the retirees from these com- to a specific Tele-Town Hall meet- is also a field representative for the munities, who are age 65 or over ing that were being conducted from Mass. AFT (American Federation of and not Medicare eligible, will be November 10 to December 3. (Yes, Teachers). enrolled in the federal health insur- that’s the same Tele-Town Hall that “When the retiree seat on the ance program on July 1, 2021. There we use for our member meetings.) Dracut PEC became vacant, there are about 120 “newly enrolled” Smigliani continued, “MIIA also was no hesitation that we would ask retirees who set up a phone line, dedicated to the Andy to assume the role,” recalls will be joining program and managed by myself Duhamel. “And from all indications, Medicare under and our Program coordinator Matt he has been an excellent choice the program. Johnson. We fully expect to be mak- to represent Dracut retirees and All seven ing outreach calls to further enhance survivors.” communities our contact remotely with the retir- Powell had the following com- provide health ees and their families. ments about the program. “Dracut’s insurance to “In addition, we’ve been work- implementation of a Medicare Buy-In their retirees ing behind-the-scenes with Social Program is another example of the

MONICA SMIGLIANI and employees Security to coordinate the best pro- collaboration and cooperative rela- MIIA’S HEALTH TRUST through MIIA cess for having the retirees sign up tionship between the Town and the (Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance with them. Usually there would be PEC. We’ve been operating under a Association), the state’s largest in-person visits, but that approach Section 19 agreement since 2007! health insurance pool for local gov- wasn’t possible and an alternative “Both sides engaged in meaning- ernments. According to CEO Shawn had to be created.” ful discussions during negotiations Duhamel, “Earlier this year (May “Before going to press, we were on the successor agreement that the Voice) we reported on how we fully updated that the outreach is moving Association reported on last year. supported MIIA’s efforts to imple- along smoothly. And our members As for the bigger picture, Section ment the program in as many com- know that if they want to contact 19, or better known as the Coalition munities as feasible. us with a question, they can,” adds Bargaining Law, can be seen as a “And we applaud their continu- Duhamel. way of mitigating increases in retiree ing work and success, as well as that health care costs while maintaining of Blue Cross, on this. We believe SPOTLIGHT: DRACUT quality health insurance benefits.” that in many cases, Medicare Buy-In “So well put Andy,” sums up can be a win-win for everyone - retir- “Over a year ago (November Duhamel. “Having highlighted ees and local governments alike.” 2019), we reported on the Town Boston’s continuing success with “Thank you Shawn for Mass of Dracut and its new PEC (Public Coalition Bargaining back in July, Retirees words of appreciation and Employee Committee) Agreement,” it’s great to have another excellent support,” comments MIIA’s Health according to The Voice Publisher example of that law at work.”

11 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

Board Accountant William Flynn The Pittsfield Retirement Board’s execu- tive director is Karen Lancto. ELECTIONS & APPOINTMENTS Stoneham – The Stoneham Retirement Board declared retired Firefighter John Scullin and Fire CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 u Captain Francis Gould re-elected as they were the only ones filing nom- Laurie Elliott*, the District and Board are Carolyn Olsen, Steven ination papers for their election. Retirement Board Treasurer, Joseph Ellis, retired Firefighter David Dion It will be John Scullin’s 3rd term Quartarone and Ronald Pollone. The and Marianne Fiske, who also and Francis Gould’s 1st full term. retirement administrator is Vincent serves as the Greenfield Retirement The other board members include Malgeri, Esq. Administrator. The Board adminis- David Castellarin, Kathleen Sullivan Lexington – The Lexington trator is Debra Underhill. and Janice Houghton*. The Board Retirement Board declared Bob Northampton – The Northampton administer is Karen DeAngelis. Cunha* the winner, as he was the Retirement Board reappointed Watertown – The Watertown only candidate who filed nomina- Emergency Management Specialist Retirement Board determined there tion papers and was Tom Sullivan as their fifth member. was only one qualified nominated re-elected to his The Board members making the candidate for the elected member twelfth term. Board reappointment were and declared Thomas Thibaut Jr. members making Joyce Karpinski*, re-elected to such position. This the declaration for Susan Wright, will be Mr. Thibaut’s* 9th term on the election results Michael Lyons and the Board. The other Board mem- included Carolyn Melissa Roberts- bers on the Board include Thomas Tracy, John Loughran, Domenic BOB CUNHA Kosnoff, Fredrick Cote. The Board LEXINGTON Weiss, Joseph Foley administrator is “Duke” Arone and Norfolk County and Alan Fields. The TOM SULLIVAN David Shipka. Retirement Board Executive Director NORTHAMPTON Board administrator is Marguerite Norwood – and President of MACRS, Kathleen Oliva. Retired Police Officer Thomas Kiely-Becchetti. The Board director Middlesex County – The O’Toole was re-elected to his 6th is Barbara Sheehan. Middlesex County Retirement Board term on the Norwood Retirement Woburn – The Woburn declared retired Wilmington Fire Board as he was unopposed in the Retirement Board declared Marilou Lieutenant John Brown re-elected election. The other Board mem- Lundin, retired Executive Director of and Tom Gibson, bers include Thomas McQuaid, the Woburn system elected as she Esq.* was reap- Ted Mulvehill* Eileen Hickey and was the only candi- pointed as the First Thomas Rorrie, The executive direc- date nominated for member. John tor for the Norwood Board is Debra the position. This also serves as the Wilkes. will be Marilou’s Vice President of Pittsfield – Mayor Linda Tyer ninth term on the MACRS. Other appointed Bonnie Galant to fill the Board. In addition. the Board reap- JOHN BROWN members on the vacant seat open due the passing of MIDDLESEX Board include Brian Board member and former Pittsfield MARILOU LUNDIN pointed Michael Curtin, Tewksbury Mayor Gerald Doyle earlier this WOBURN Gorman to his Fire Captain Joseph Kearns and year. Galant is the retired manager fourth term as fifth Robert Healy. The Retirement for the Community Development member. The other members serv- Board’s chief administrative officer and Housing Department in the ing are retired Fire Captain and Mass is Lisa Maloney, Esq. City of Pittsfield. The other Board Retirees Association’s Middlesex Montague – The Montague members include the Mass Retirees District VP Denis Devine*, Charles Retirement Board declared Cheryl Association’s Berkshire District Vice Doherty, and Gerald Surette. The Clark* from the Treasurer/Collector’s President and retired Fire Lieutenant Board’s executive director is Anne Office re-elected to her fifth term Tim Hannigan, Matthew Kerwood*, Speicher. as she was unopposed in the elec- retired Firefighter Timothy Bartini tion. Other members serving on the and Berkshire County Retirement *Denotes Chair

12 January 2021 SPOTLIGHT ON FALL RIVER SUCCESS WITH CanaRx

be verified and authenticated. We also an elected member on the city’s must point out that the prescribed retirement board. “For many years, medication must be among the over we’ve been offering this program, 300 brand-names listed by CanaRx. and Fall River has saved millions. Otherwise, the prescription can’t be “That’s because brand-names filled through the program. internationally can cost anywhere The licensed pharmacy will then from 33% to 85% less than what it rescription drugs remain deliver, at no charge, the medication would cost through the city’s reg- a driving force behind the directly to the retiree in the manufac- ular prescription drug plan. Those Pincreases that we’ve seen turer’s packaging. One month before savings are reflected in lower premi- in health care costs. Over the years, the prescription runs ums. And let’s not forgot, Mass Retirees has examined a num- out, CanaRx contacts the no copays.” ber of initiatives aimed at address- retiree about a refill. ing this issue. Readers may have “While I use my regular Here we’re taking a look at a noticed that we didn’t insurance for generics, voluntary international prescription refer to the retiree hav- for my brand-name I use drug program in which Mass. cities, ing to make a copayment FallRiverMeds without towns and local governmental enti- when ordering a prescrip- any copay. I’ve had no ties are currently participating, at no tion. And that’s because BOB CAMARA problems, and I’m not cost to a retiree. It’s called CanaRx. there is none. PEC DESIGNEE & ELECTED aware of any.” RETIREMENT BOARD MEMBER Before explaining more about “That’s a key feature this program, it’s important to note of this program – zero “Thanks Bob for your insights that CaraRx does not replace the copay,” according to Insurance on the program there in Fall River,” prescription drug benefits that are Coordinator Cheryl Stillman. “Not adds Association President Frank provided under local health insur- only is there no cost to the retiree Valeri. “We’ve also reached out to ance plans. It’s essentially an add-on but because the brand-name is our members in other parts of the that a retiree may choose to use for cheaper in the international market- state to assess the experience there a particular brand-name while still place, the local insurance program with CanaRx.” purchasing other medications under also realizes a saving for its share of Another area is the Cape where their regular coverage. the drug’s cost.” the Cape Cod Municipal Health As its name indicates, CanaRx is Groups (CCMHG) offers CanaRx to a Canadian company whose head- the retirees and employees from the FALL RIVER ENJOYS MILLIONS quarters are in Windsor, Ontario. But 53 towns, districts and authorities IN SAVINGS it’s not a pharmacy. that belong to CCMHG. It can best be described as a ser- Launched in 2003, CanaRx is con- “We contacted our PEC des- vice that connects the retiree with sidered the first International Service ignees to see if there were any a Canadian, British or Australian Provider (ISP). Since its first public problems,” continues Valeri. “And pharmacy that dispenses the brand- sector program in Schenectady, NY, that included any issues with drug name medication prescribed by the CanaRx now provides its services safety.” retiree’s physician. And here’s how to cities, towns, school districts and Our inquiry was prompted by the it’s done. other governmental units through- Federal Drug Administration (FDA) First, the retiree has fills out an out the country and Commonwealth. that raised concerns with CanaRx enrollment form with CanaRx that One of those communities is Fall over the safety of the drugs being appoints the company as the retir- River. For several years, the city’s dispensed under the program. ee’s agent authorized to shop for the retirees have been able to purchase According to published reports, prescribed medication. brand-names with CanaRx. questions were raised over why the Every order must be accom- “We don’t call it CanaRx here but FDA took more than a decade to panied by a written prescription instead FallRiverMeds,” points out issued by the retiree’s physician Association member and retired Fire for a three-month supply that will District Chief Bob Camara who is CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 u

1313 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee NOW AVAILABLE TO TM MEDICARE MEMBERS IN SIX STATES

PROGRAM e are pleased to members with chronic health con- announce that Ibis, our ditions or vulnerable to contracting Wchoice for Tele-Health COVID-19. For more information you MASS Benefits, has expanded its services can call Ibis: (888) 626-9995 or visit RETIREES to Medicare members in six states, them at: www.IbisProgram.com. including five New England states. But please remember you must CHOICE FOR They are: Massachusetts, New reside in one of the six states listed TELE-HEALTH Hampshire and Maine, plus now here to be eligible. As you can see BENEFITS Vermont, Rhode Island and Idaho. the program is expanding and hope- We’ve reported extensively on fully your state will soon be included IbisProgram.com Ibis since we first introduced the pro- in the list. So stay tuned. gram in the July Voice for Medicare

CanaRX FALLRIVERMEDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 u COST SAVINGS raise its concerns. Enrolled Members 639 More importantly, the FDA acknowledged that it had no reports of anyone being harmed by drugs CURRENT SINCE INCEPTION accessed through CanaRx. This November 01, 2004 lack of consumer problems, in turn, Issued Prescriptions 1053 89403 raised questions over the role the pharmaceutical industry might have Average U.S. Plan Cost $959,525.16 $43,242,989.84 played initiating FDA’s action. “It goes without saying that CanaRx BILLING $207,938.70 $15,966,295.10 drug safety should never be com- promised to achieve any savings,” NET PROGRAM SAVINGS $751,586.46 $27,276,694.74 emphasizes Valeri. “And from what we’ve seen here, particularly with SAVINGS 78.33% 63.08 Fall River, that’s not been the case. “Again, if the program is offered as an option by your local health CURRENT SAVINGS insurance program, remember it’s voluntary. If you prefer, you can RETIREE/ EMPLOYEE always purchase your brand-name SAVINGS $61,840.00 8.24% with your regular prescription drug plan.” GROUP SAVINGS $689,746.46 91.76% Please note that the charts shown SAVINGS $751,586.46 100.00% here are based upon the following:

SOURCE: CanaRX SUMMARY PROJECTED ANNUAL SAVINGS $3,014,605.03 SAVINGS REPORT (1/1/ - 3-31/20)

14 January 2021 TECHNOLOGY HELPS KEEP RETIREES CONNECTED VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS & WEEKLY VIDEO REPORTS ENGAGE MEMBERS

critical service provided pension benefits are secure, despite by Mass Retirees to retir- the ups and downs caused by the A ees has long-been keep- pandemic. Goldberg’s appearance ing our members well informed took place just days after she testi- with up-to-date news and infor- fied on the Commonwealth’s finan- mation regarding your retirement. cial condition before a special state Traditionally, this was done through revenue hearing. At the hearing the our bi-monthly newsletter, area Treasurer called on state officials meetings and the weekly-updated to fully fund the scheduled pension Toll-Free hotline. In the early 2000s appropriation for FY21, as well as with members. The format allows our website MassRetirees.com to approve a 3% State and Teacher us to provide regular updates on was launched, followed by emails retiree COLA retroactive to July 1. the news of the week and upcoming and, more recently Facebook and Appearing in November, on the events in a simple format. If you are YouTube. same day the House unveiled its ver- not receiving an email from me each When MassRetirees.com first sion of the FY21 budget, Rep. Decker Friday, then make sure we have your launched in 1998, it was among the brought news that House leaders did email address or that the message first websites of its kind. At that time in fact support the COLA, fully fund is not going to your spam folder by few retirees were active online, so the state’s GIC and make the sched- mistake. We also post the videos on the site served as more of a research uled pension appropriation with the Mass Retirees YouTube page, as resource and advocacy tool geared the budget. A staunch ally of Mass well as at MassRetirees.com” toward public officials and the leg- Retirees, Decker is a member of the islature. Twenty-three years later, House leadership team serving as RECENT TOWN HALL GUESTS a new generation of internet-savvy Chairwoman of the Joint Committee retirees are not only heavy users of Since March, the Association on Mental Health, Substance Abuse the website, but also avid users of has hosted more than a dozen mem- and Recovery. social media and email as ways of bers-only Tele-Town Hall events, “There is no question that we staying informed. which have proven to be hugely miss our area meetings and can’t “Our bi-monthly newsletter, popular. Turnout for the events wait to see members face-to-face The Voice, has long been our most typically exceeds 2,000 again. However, we important tool in keeping members participants. are very fortunate that informed. That remains true today In addition to hearing in 2020 the technology and I don’t see it changing. However, reports from Association exists to be able to keep we are fortunate to have modern officials, members everyone informed and tools at our disposal that allow for attending the town halls stay in close contact vir- regular ongoing contact with mem- receive important news tually,” said Association bers,” explains Association CEO directly from elected offi- President Frank Valeri. Shawn Duhamel. “Since the COVID- cials and others respon- “Another big benefit is 19 pandemic hit in March, we’ve sible for the oversight that we have been able had to eliminate all of our in-person of retirement benefits. to expand participation meetings for the foreseeable future. This fall, State Treasurer in these meetings to The ongoing situation has also Deb Goldberg and State members who would REP. MARJORIE DECKER increased the need to get important Representative Marjorie (D-CAMBRIDGE) not have been able to information to our members on a Decker were each our make it in person. Even regular basis in-between newsletter guest speaker at our October and when things return to “normal,” we editions.” November events. will continue to hold virtual meet- “The weekly video news mes- Appearing in October, Treasurer ings in order to reach all members.” sages and emails that we send out Goldberg spent time reassuring each Friday have become a big hit members that their hard-earned

15 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

differing proposals on how to reform and arrive at a compromise, so that the WEP. We support legislation we can finally deliver relief for our WEP Update filed by Congressman Richard Neal members. Retirees need for this to CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 u (H.R.4540) that would restore up to be done. $150 a month in Social Security ben- “Should we need to refile the bill federal government open beyond efits lost due to the WEP. Mr. Neal’s in 2021, that is what we will do. All December 11th. bill also holds harmless those with of the key players on this issue, from “The good news here is that substantial earnings under Social both parties, have been re-elected. we have a general agreement from Security by maintaining the so-called President-Elect Biden included the Democrats and Republicans that the “30-year rule” in perpetuity. WEP as part of his Social Security WEP law is unfair and needs reform. “Republican proposals create a platform during the campaign. We $100 a month rebate and sunset the Thanks to the work of our partners are at a point now where there is no in Texas, that sentiment now exists hold harmless clause after 40 years, reason why a deal on WEP reform within the Republican leadership in essentially changing the future cannot get done and we are doing the US Senate,” said Mass Retirees Social Security benefit structure for all we can to help make it happen.” CEO Shawn Duhamel. “As we have those not yet in the workforce. We explained in the past, there are need the two sides to come together A Message from TRTA (Texas Retired Teachers Association) Executive Director Tim Lee The Fight Worth Fighting, the Ground We Will Not Surrender

e are all anxious to see reform process for a number of rea- Legislature. In fact, more than half the end of the Windfall sons; however, the WEP is fixable. of all Texas education public retirees WElimination Provision WEP reform is winnable, and a have NEVER had a pension increase. (WEP), the grossly unfair federal law true solution is near. But HOW can Some have been retired 15 years or that prevents public service retirees we overcome the indifference that more; yet as the costs of goods and from receiving the Social Security has left so many of our hard-fought services increases, their pensions benefits they have earned. This efforts on the table while public ser- remain stagnant. federal rule is a perfect example of vant retirees have struggled to make Most TRS retirees are surprised, public policy run amok. It is founded ends meet? What can we do to ignite if not devastated, upon learning that on misguided principles, propped a fire of action in Congress? their Social Security benefits will up by political rhetoric, and used There is no easy answer to this be so drastically reduced due to the as a weapon to engender rage and question, yet three qualities emerge WEP. Many paid out-of-pocket for unrest. when fighting against the most dif- school supplies for their students Retirees have been waiting for ficult issues in the legislative pro- and to stock their classrooms. They decades—since the provision went cess—partnerships, persistence, and believed they were doing the right into effect in 1983—to get back the pressure. thing for decades—working as full- money they faithfully contributed to The Texas Retired Teachers time educators and supplementing Social Security. But for all the blus- Association (TRTA) has been a strong their humble incomes with addi- ter and all the years of congressional leader in fighting the WEP since tional work to pay their bills. indecision and indifference to be rid its inception, and for good reason. Education retirees and other of this unfair statute, the solution is TRTA is inspired by the lifelong ded- public servant retirees are not enter- finally at hand! ication our public-school employees ing their professions with expec- Why then are the public servants provide to Texas children. tations of glamor and riches. They who have dedicated their lives to Ninety-five percent of Texas pub- do, however, expect to receive the serving our communities, schools, lic-school employees do not pay into retirement income they have earned and nation made to wait on Congress Social Security through their work and are owed. to seize that solution and implement with Texas schools. Most people do TRTA has been fighting against fair and just reform on the WEP? not know that Texas now leads the the WEP since the 1980s, and we The answer is that as unfair as nation in the number of full-time are not alone! Our friend and our the WEP is itself, there is a lack of educators who also have two or strongest ally, the Mass Retirees political will infecting the reform more other part-time jobs! Association, is on the frontline of process. When Texas educators retire, this battle for fairness. Mass Retirees Political will—that indefinable many continue working because and TRTA stand united year after sense of collective purpose that their Texas pensions are very mod- year, helping to craft legislation and gathers momentum to accomplish a est and there are NO cost-of-living common purpose—eludes the WEP increases unless authorized by our CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 u

16

January 2021

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 u putting the pressure on congres- sional leaders to move forward. Your organization and lead- ers have persisted through multi- WEP’S ple Congresses, never letting the issue die when new leaders and committee chairs emerge and WEP reform bills are rewritten IMPACT and revised again and again. With true sincerity, I tell you CONTINUES TO RISE that Shawn Duhamel and his team are national leaders recog- nized for their tenacity, grit, and CRS’S Report Confirms Increase unwavering determination to s was evident from the CRS has determined that 1.913 mil- WIN for you! While some may June Tele-Town Hall with lion retirees nationwide have their scoff at the idea that Texas and ACongressman Richard Social Security benefits reduced by Massachusetts organizational Neal, member interest in Social WEP. This is an increase of 50,000 leaders have that much in com- Security’s WEP (Windfall Elimination over the 2018 total of 1.863 Million. mon, Shawn, Frank Valeri, and Provision) has not waned but has While the rate of increase for many other Mass Retirees mem- in fact grown. It shouldn’t be a sur- 2019 was slightly less than the rate bers are peers with no equals. prise to anyone because the num- in the previous four years (see chart), The sheer depth of their resolve ber of public retirees, whose Social the number of WEP impacted retir- to win much needed and unde- Security benefits are reduced by ees has grown by some 13% over niable WEP reform is rivaled WEP, has not gone down but contin- the past five years (2015-2019). Here only by their dedication to their ues to go up. are the totals for that period. members. This Massachusetts and That unfortunate fact is sub- 2015: 1.698 Million Texas Partnership is strong. Our stantiated in the most recent 2016: 1.747 Million Persistence to pass WEP will report issued by the Congressional NOT yield the ground we have Research Service (CRS). For more 2017: 1.804 Million about CRS, see below. won in this long, arduous fight. 2018: 1.863 Million We will pressure this Congress, “We’ve come to rely upon the and every Congress from now data provided by the CRS in its annual 2019: 1.913 Million until the work is accomplished, to WEP reports in order to gauge WEP’s pass WEP reform so desperately impact,” according to Legislative In Massachusetts, the number needed for our members. Chairman Tom Bonarrigo. “As long of WEP impacted retirees stands at That is why we have joined as the law remains unchanged, 77,043 for 2019, while 2,494 spouses with you in creating the Public we’re not surprised to see that the and children are affected. This Retirees Alliance. Our alliance number of retirees from this state, equates to an 8.6% increase in one wants to help the more than 1.9 as well as nationally, has gone up.” year, over the 2018 total of 73,549 million retired public workers – According to its report for 2019, retirees and 2,495 spouses/children. including teachers, fire fighters and police officers – who have Here are the numbers for the other six states whose public retirees, seen their hard-earned Social like those here, are similarly impacted by WEP. In all of the other states, Security benefits reduced by the the total of retirees, as expected, has also gone up. WEP. The number of retirees vic- timized by WEP growing by the STATE RETIREES SPOUSES/CHILDREN day, and the time to pass federal California 251,501 13,563 reform legislation is now! Colorado 62,439 2,439 Please, do not lose hope. Do Illinois 94,682 3,609 not give in to those who choose Louisiana 43,835 2,074 rhetoric over action. Let us Massachusetts 77,043 2,494 remain the strongest of partners, Ohio 142,071 5,256 with the persistence and pres- Texas 179,306 8,549 sure needed to win WEP reform!

17 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee TREASURER GOLDBERGUPDATES ANNOUNCES STATE & TEACHERS’ 2021 MAILING DATES ailing dates for the State and Teachers’ pension checks for calendar year State And Teacher Retirement Checks And M2021 have been announced by State Dates That Direct Deposit Accounts Will Be Credited Treasurer Deb Goldberg. Direct Deposit mailing Month 2021 Mailing Date Accounts Credited dates have also been included for members who uti- lize that method of payment through the Treasurer’s January Wednesday 1/27/21 Friday 1/29/21 New England Automate Clearing House. February Wednesday 2/24/21 Friday 2/26/21 While Treasurer Goldberg is responsible for issu- ing pension checks and direct deposits for both the March Monday 3/29/21 Wednesday 3/31/21 state and teachers’ retirement systems, their respec- April Wednesday 4/28/21 Friday 4/30/21 tive retirement boards must provide her office each May Wednesday 5/26/21 Friday 5/28/21 month with the records needed to accurately make the payments. Therefore, please remember that you June Monday 6/28/21 Wednesday 6/30/21 must notify your respective board of any address or July Wednesday 7/28/21 Friday 7/30/21 deposit change by the 15th of a month in which you wish to have the change made. Otherwise, you may August Friday 8/27/21 Tuesday 8/31/21 have to wait another month. September Tuesday 9/28/21 Thursday 9/30/21 A vast majority receive their pension by direct October Wednesday 10/27/21 Friday 10/29/21 deposit, but some still prefer a check. Members should know that retirement boards can require November Friday 11/26/21 Tuesday 11/30/21 direct deposit. That said, we hope that they would December Wednesday 12/29/21 Friday 12/31/21 respect the wishes of those who ask to be paid with a check. President Frank Valeri, who is an elected member performance under extremely difficult conditions. on the State Board, made the following observations. “But since the future remains uncertain, we would “Over the past seven months, it appears that mailings simply suggest that our members, who get a check, may and direct deposits have been made on schedule despite want to consider direct deposit. That’s how my wife the pandemic. And we thank the Treasurer, as well as the state and teachers’ boards for their very reliable Karen and I get our pensions.”

was tasked with working with Mass at all surprised. Katherine is very Clark Retirees, labor, House and Patrick gifted, with a knack for bringing peo- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 u Administration officials to find mid- ple together and finding a way to get dle ground. things done. Given what our coun- Chair where Katherine Clark secured Working closely with then-State try now faces, those are important her place in Mass Retirees history Rep. and now Boston Mayor Marty skills to have,” said Association CEO during the intense fight over munici- Walsh, Clark got the job done over Shawn Duhamel, who was Mass pal health insurance reform in 2011. the course of several weeks. The Retirees’ point person on Health Working at the behest of then-Sen- end result was a reform of municipal Care reform in 2011. “I’ll never for- ate President Therese Murray, Clark health insurance that gained control get the call I received from Katherine took command of negotiations sur- over costs, while maintaining the Clark while I sat in traffic on the rounding a proposal by Governor rights of local retirees and ensuring Southeast Expressway at 7:30 AM, Deval Patrick aimed at significantly they would have a voice at the bar- the morning after the House passed altering retiree and employee health gaining table when it came to health the reform bill. She called to assure insurance benefits at the local level. insurance. me that retirees would be protected In April of that year, the House “You can’t help but be impressed and made the commitment to work passed the highly controversial mea- by what Katherine Clark has achieved with us to get a deal done. Katherine sure on a closely split Roll Call vote in just a short time in Washington. kept her word and our members are as part of the FY12 State Budget. As However, having worked closely better off as a result.” Senate Chair of Public Service, Clark with her on Beacon Hill, I am not

18 January 2021 DECEASED MEMBERS The following members of our Association have recently passed away. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families.

ABBRUZZESE, ROBERT L. – Whitinsville, MA CLARK, MARGUERITA T. – Margate, FL HEALY, JOHN M. – Manomet, MA (State, Dept. of Employment Training) (Belchertown State School) (Plymouth Fire Department) ADAMS, HENRY C. JR. – Plymouth, MA CLARKE, GEORGE F. – South Berwick, ME HERRICK, JOSEPH E. – Woodstock, VT (Plymouth Fire Department) (Lynn Police Department) (Wenham Police Department) AKIKIE, AYOUB S. – Hyde Park, MA COCCA, BARBARA T. –Newton Highlands, MA HILKER, ALICE F. – Bedford, MA (Boston City Hall) (Newton Health Department) (Bedford Teacher) ALLISON, DANA B. – Auburndale, FL COSTELLO, PATRICIA M. – Roslindale, MA HINES, LORRAINE J. – Four Oaks, NC (Teacher, Pentucket Regional School Dist.) (Boston School Department) (Ludlow School Department) ALMEIDA, ENIS – Plymouth, MA CATALFANO, ANTHONY G. – Leominster, MA HIXON, DAWN M. – Atkinson, NH (Plymouth School Department) (Mass. Army National Guard) (Andover School Department) ALVARES, EDWIN – Westport, MA CRANSHAW, FLORENCE F. – Holliston, MA HIXON, WILBUR G. – Atkinson, NH (Bristol County Aggie School) (Dover-Sherborn High School) (Andover Teacher) ANDREWS, MARY ANN – Methuen, MA CRAW, RAYMOND – Uxbridge, MA HODSKINS, EVELYN M. – Brimfield, MA (Lawrence School Department) (Worcester State College) (Monson Assessor’s Office) ARGENTO, JOSEPH P. – Cumming, GA CROTEAU, JEFFREY J. – Bridgewater, MA HOWLAND, MARGARET E. – Heath, MA (Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department) (Bridgewater State College) (Greenfield Community College) ARTHUR, HOLLY L. – Hyde Park, MA DACEY, PAUL F. – Nashua, NH KEANEY, PATRICIA A. – Hampton, NH (Watertown Teacher) (Chelmsford Teacher) (Millis Teacher) AUCELLA, ANNA J. – Agawam, MA DENISON, PETER – Somerset, MA KEENAN, JAMES W. – North Andover, MA (State Department of Public Welfare) (Dighton-Rehoboth Teacher) (Boston School Department) BABCOCK, FREDERICK R. –Westwood, MA DESCHENE, MARTHA A. – Whitinsville, MA KENNEDY, ELEANORE A. – Harwichport, MA (Brookline Fire Department) (Wrentham State School) (East Longmeadow School System) BERGQUIST, STEPHANIE – Enfield, CT DOHERTY, JOAN M. – Boca Raton, FL KENNEY, ISABEL D. – Marlboro, MA (E. Longmeadow Council on Aging) (Somerville Teacher) (State Division of Youth Services) BERLO, DORIS E. – Weymouth, MA DOLAN, CHARLES F. – Fairhaven, MA KENNEY, JOANNE M. – Chicopee, MA (Survivor, Boston Police Department) (State Police) (State Trial Court) BLANCHARD, WILLIAM E. – Ft. Myers, FL DONLON, WILLIAM – Palm Bay, FL KIDDLE, RICHARD J. – Beverly, MA (East Longmeadow Police Department) (Beverly D.P.W.) (Beverly D.P.W.) BLYTH, DONALD C. – Medford, MA DUBE, ALBERT B. – Middleboro, MA KILDAY, JOHN A. – Dedham, MA (Chelsea Soldiers Home) (M.C.I. Bridgewater) (City of Boston) BOOKLESS, BRUCE –Ft. Lauderdale, FL DUFRAINE, JANET L. – Turners Falls, MA KIMBALL, MARILYN C. – Belchertown, MA (UMass Amherst) (State) (Survivor of Channing, State) BOTHWELL, RICHARD T. – Lynn, MA DUGGAN, CORNELIUS J. – Arlington, MA KNEPPER, SHARON – Jerseyville, IL (State, Labor & Industries) (Arlington Police Department) (North Andover Teacher) BOUCHER, ROSE M. –Mt. Juliet, TN ERSKINE, KENNETH – Westwood, MA KNOWLTON, LEAH N. – Cambridge, MA (Department of Correction) (Lemuel Shattuck Hospital) (Middlesex Community College) BOWLER, RICHARD H. – Arlington, MA FALLON, MARIE L. – Randolph, MA KONETCHY, EDWARD H. – Georgetown, TX (Arlington D.P.W.) (State Comptroller’s Office) (New Bedford Housing Authority) BOZOIAN, MARY A. – Avon, MA FAZIO, RICHARD A. JR. – Worcester, MA KORYCKI, FRANK L. – North Andover, MA (Quincy Teacher) (Worcester Sheriff’s Office) (State D.P.W.) BRAGEN, DOROTHY J. – Andover, MA FITZGIBBON, MARY G. – Hadley, MA LAFORTUNE, BERNARD R. – Gardner, MA (Everett Teacher) (Town of South Hadley) (Wachusett Community College) BROOKES, SPENCER II –Wilton, NH FLAHERTY, JAMES F. – Westfield, MA LASSITER, PAUL F. – Melrose, MA (North Middlesex Regional School District) (W. Springfield Fire Department) (Everett Fire Department) BRUCE, JAMES R. SR. – Winthrop, MA FRANCIS, CHARLOTTE F. – Salem, MA LeBLANC, LESLIE W. – Wrentham, MA (State Police) (Survivor, Salem Fire Department) (Norwood Police Department) BRUNO, JEAN M. – Wilmington, MA FREED, FLORENCE W. – Lexington, MA LEWIS, JAMES – Agawam, MA (State) (Middlesex Community College) (Agawam Police Department) BUCKLEY, CHARLES H. – New Bedford, MA FRYE, SHIRLEY F. – Middleboro, MA LYNCH, JAMES J. – Braintree, MA (Mass. Highway Department) (State, Department of Correction) (Quincy Teacher) BUCKLEY, FRANCIS J. – Pembroke, MA GALLANT, FRANCIS – Michigan City, IN LYON, WAYNE L. – Brockton, MA (Weymouth Teacher) (Andover Fire Department) (Brockton School Department) BUDRYK, CHARLES R. – Tewksbury, MA GALLO, RALPH – Ft. Myers, FL LYONS, DONALD J. – Tewksbury, MA (Cambridge Fire Department) (Essex County Sheriff’s Department) (Woburn Police Department) BURKE, E. SCOTT – Hull, MA GALLUCCIO, CHARLES C. – Arlington, MA McCABE, ELEANOR R. – Roslindale, MA (Hingham Teacher) (State, Dept. of Employment & Training) (Boston Teacher) BURKE, KENNETH J. – Norwood, MA GARLAND, EDNA M. – Dorchester, MA McCABE, HUGH III – Amesbury, MA (Brookline Police Department) (Suffolk Superior Court) (State Dept. of Transitional Assistance) BURNS, ALBERT H. – Belmont, MA GAUCHER, ALFRED E. – Worcester, MA McDONALD, ALFRED P. – New Bedford, MA (Mass. Trial Court) (Framingham Teacher) (Department of Correction) BYRNES, DOROTHEA R. – Hull, MA GAUGHAN, THOMAS M. “Buddy” – Walpole, MA McDONALD, PAUL F. – Holyoke, MA (Weymouth Teacher) (Boston Police Department) (City of Holyoke) CACCIABEVE, JOSEPH J. – Fall River, MA GAVINI, BARTHOLOMEW – Waltham, MA McGRATH, JOHN J. – Everett, MA (State D.P.W.) (Waltham Housing Authority) (State, Probation Department) CALLAHAN, JOHN D. JR. – Plymouth, MA GLADMAN, BERNARD J. – Rotonda West, FL McKENNA, DOROTHY I. – Yarmouthport, MA (Town of Weymouth) (Waltham Street Department) (Bedford Teacher) CARTER, CAROL S. – Lynnfield, MA GOMES, ANTONIO L. – Plymouth, MA McQUADE, RUTH C. – Andover, MA (Lynnfield Teacher) (Plymouth Veteran’s Services) (Survivor, Andover D.P.W.) CASTELLANO, PHILIP – Waltham, MA GRASSO, PETER – Bernardston, MA MACHADO, FRANCIS O. – Raynham, MA (Waltham Fire Department) (State D.P.W.) ((Bridgewater-Raynham High School) CAVALLO, JOSEPH A. – Plymouth, MA GRAY, MELVA – Harrison, ME MADDEN, JOAN M. – Westport, MA `(Newton Fire Department) (Waltham School Department) (Berkshire Community College) CELOZZI, AURORA S. – Milford, MA GRENIER, FREDERICK J. – Hyde Park, MA MALOOF, FREDERICK J. JR. – Clearwater, FL (M.C.I. Framingham) (Boston Fire Department) (Arlington Teacher) CERRUTTI, PATRICIA C. – Marblehead, MA GUPTA, SAHAB P. – Westboro, MA MARCANGELO, JOAN M. – N. Chelmsford, MA (Town of Marblehead) (State, Dept. of Mental Health) (Tewksbury Hospital) CHAPMAN, RALPH W. JR. – Cambridge, MA HACKETT, HOWARD J. – Beverly Farms, MA MARSI, JAMES L. – Satsuma, FL (Cambridge Fire Department) (Beverly Fire Department) (Wilmington Police Department) CHRISTENSON, ROBERT L. – Bradenton, FL HALE, BRUCE P. – Salem, NH MARTIN, JENNIE – Walpole, MA (UMass Amherst) (Andover Building Department) (Survivor, State Police) CHRISTIAN, LEE E. – Belchertown, MA HARRINGTON, JOSEPH C. – Venice, FL MATARESE, FRANK R. – Woburn, MA (UMass Amherst) (Teacher, Dighton Rehoboth Reg.School Dist.) (Stoneham Teacher) Continued on back page 19 RETIRED STATE COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES NONPROFIT ORG. ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS U.S. POSTAGE 11 BEACON STREET • BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS • 02108-3024 PAID BOSTON, MASS. FRANK VALERI, President PERMIT 54933 SHAWN DUHAMEL, Chief Executive Officer JOSEPH CONNARTON, Treasurer JUDITH LANGONE, Secretary THOMAS BONARRIGO, Legislative Chairman PAUL SHANLEY, Executive V. Pres. RALPH WHITE, V. Pres., At Large TIM HANNIGAN, V. Pres., Berkshire District KARL SCHMAELZLE, V. Pres., Western District ED PIETREWICZ, V. Pres., Central District DENIS DEVINE, V. Pres., Middlesex District JOE DiFRANCO, Sr., V. Pres., Northern District BILL FLIPPIN, V. Pres., Eastern District STEVE RIVARD, V. Pres., Southeastern District ROBERT POWILATIS, V. Pres., Plymouth Cape/Islands CHERYL STILLMAN, Executive Board DAN TURCO, Executive Board ANNE WASS, Executive Board WILLIAM G. REHREY, Legal Counsel NANCY McGOVERN, Legislative Liaison

VISIT OUR ASSOCIATION’S WEB SITE: www.massretirees.com Happy Holidays To All Our Members & Our January 2021 Troops Around The World.

DECEASED MEMBERS (continued)

MAYHEW, ROBERT L. – Milton, MA PENDER, MARY M. – West Roxbury, MA SHUBITOWSKI, LEO J. – S. Easton, MA (Boston Fire Department) (Westwood Teacher) (Norfolk County) MELLEY, DANIEL M. – Amherst, MA QUINN, MICHAEL J. – Harvard, MA SHYNE, JAMES A. SR. – Brewster, MA (UMass Amherst) (Waltham Fire Department) (Nauset Teacher) MERRY, G. ROBERT – Rowley, MA REID, GEORGE L. JR. – Orange, MA SILVA, JEAN S. – Camden, ME (Town of Rowley) (UMass Amherst) (Reading Teacher) MILLET, DAVID C. – Lancaster, MA REYNOLDS, HELEN M. – Thorndike, MA SLATTERY, LAURENCE J. – Tewksbury, MA (State, D.M.R.) (Monson Development Center) (City of Newton) MISKELL, ANDREW – Dorchester, MA RICHARD, AURELE – Gardner, MA SMITH, BRUCE W. –Lunenburg, MA (Boston Housing Authority) (Gardner D.P.W.) (State, Dept. of Correction) MORAN, THOMAS P. –Bridgewater, MA RICHARDS, KENNETH A. – Ipswich, MA SMITH, JEAN S. – Easton, MA (Bridgewater/Raynham Teacher) (Town of Ipswich) (Easton School Department) MORIN, ELIZABETH C. – Milford, MA RISING, LEONARD P. JR. – Davie, FL SNELL, WAYNE A. – Ft. Myers, FL (Framingham State University) (Agawam Police Department) (Freetown Police Department) NICOLOSI, JOHN – Peabody, MA ROLLINS, CHARLES – Wakefield, MA SOUZA, ALFRED J. – Freeport, ME (Salem State University) (State, Accountant) (Medfield State Hospital) NISTA, MICHAEL J. –Marshfield, MA ROSEMOND, DONALD J. – South Boston, MA SPERANZO, AMERICO – Randolph, MA (Marshfield D.P.W.) (Boston Fire Department) (Quincy Fire Department) NOONAN, ELIZABETH A. – Dedham, MA ROWELL, RALPH J. JR. – Melbourne Beach, FL STACY, JOHN L. – Gardner, MA (State, Trial Court) (Stoneham Teacher) (State, Department of Revenue) NOWAK, BARBARA – Madison, WI RUD, ELAINE A. – Holyoke, MA STUART, ANNE B. – Brattleboro, VT (Somerville Library) (State Dept. of Social Services) (Plymouth School Department) O’BRIEN, MARY V. – Boston, MA RZASA, BARBARA M. – Chicopee, MA TARBELL, LEON C. JR. – Lunenburg, MA (Needham Teacher) (Chicopee School Department) (State, Dept. of Correction) O’CONNELL, DOROTHY J. – Marlboro, MA SAGENDORPH, PAUL R. – East Brookfield, MA TOOMEY, BERNADETTE – Quincy, MA (Middlesex Community College) (Brookfield Water Department) (UMass. Boston) O’CONNELL, KATHLEEN D. – Arlington, MA SARAIVA, LORRAINE – Fall River, MA VALERI, MARY E. – N. Attleboro, MA (Arlington Teacher) (Survivor, Fall River Fire Department) (Lynn Teacher) O’DONNELL, MARY T. – Kingston, MA SAWYER, WINSLOW A. JR. – Punta Gorda, FL VanBUSKIRK, DAVID – Shelburne, VT (State, Attorney General’s Office) (Barre Teacher) (State, D.M.H.) O’LEARY, PAUL K. – Beverly, MA SEARS, ANTHONY JR. – Seekonk, MA VANDERPOOL, IRMA –Annapolis, MD (SE Regional & Stoughton Teacher) (Seekonk Fire Department) (Chelsea Soldier’s Home) OGLESBY, MARGARET E. – E. Longmeadow, MA SEGAL, JEROME – Rye, NH WESSLING, CAROL – Medford, MA (State, Trial Court) (State Legislature) (Somerville, Treasury Department) PACHECO, DONALD – New Bedford, MA SHEEHAN, JOHN C. – Vero Beach, FL WILBER, PAUL – Little Compton, RI (New Bedford Police Department) (Brockton Fire Department) (Westport Teacher) PARINO, ROMEO – Haverhill, MA SHELSEY, VIRGINIA M. – Milton, MA WILKINSON, JOHN F. – E. Bridgewater, MA (State, Dept. Environmental Management) (Boston School Department) (Teacher, South Shore Voc. Tech. High) PARISE, ROBERT D. – Somerville, MA SHOOK, MELISSA – Chelsea, MA ZAROZINSKI, CHESTER C. – Gardner, MA (State Trial Court) (UMass Boston) (Mount Wachusett Community College)