MEETING PACKET Compiled and edited by Jane Garner
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Zoom Instructions Agenda Legislative • Candidate Speakers • Candidate Survey Results • TRTA Legislative Priorities 2021 • US Congress HR 4540 Minutes Treasurer’s Report Proposed Amendments to ARTA Bylaws ARTA Newsette for October • President’s Message • Welcome New Members • October Birthdays • In Memoriam • ARTA Foundation • Legislative Committee • Retirement Education Committee • Member Benefits Committee • Informative & Protective Services Committee • TRTF Tutor Initiative • Recognizing ARTA’s Military Veterans • National Hispanic Heritage Month Forms • Membership • Donation to ARTA Foundation (Note: NEW address)
Instructions to Access Zoom on Various Devices and Through Various Technologies
Zoom Overview: • Install the Zoom app if needed • Receive the invitation with a link to the meeting • Save the emailed link • Click on the link at meeting time
Accessing from a Computer
The simplest way to get on Zoom from your PC or MAC computer is to download a small app on your computer that does not require you to sign up for a Zoom account.
1. Type zoom.us/download into the address bar (green arrow) in your browser. Hit enter or return. You will be taken to this screen.
2. Now hit download, the blue box, (red arrow is pointing at it). You have now downloaded Zoom and do not have to go further until the day you want to get on Zoom for the meeting.
What to do that on the day of the meeting.
3. On the day of the meeting type in zoom.us in the search bar (green arrow) in your Internet browser and hit enter or return. You will be taken to this screen. Now, follow the red arrow and click on Join a Meeting.
4. You will then be taken to the following screen.
5. Type in Meeting ID you were sent in an email from the host. You may also need the passcode from the email. Then follow the prompts and you will have joined the meeting.
For ARTA regular meetings by Zoom in 2020, the ID# will always be 896 4218 5685 and the passcode will be Retired.
6. Find the audio mute button and the video stop button. It is good practice to keep yourself muted all the time unless you want to speak. This prevents your home background noise from interfering with the meeting. The stop video button blanks out your video, so you can take a break and stretch without everyone seeing you! These buttons will be somewhere on your screen, depending on whether you are using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The video below reinforces how to download the Zoom app on your computer and getting into the meeting. It then covers basic functions of the Zoom program once you are in a meeting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh50kVaIdAY
There are other ways of getting on Zoom through various devices and technologies. You will see a brief description and some key points. Then, an image and a link below the image will guide you to Zoom.
Installing Zoom on your smartphone: The video also covers the basics of Zoom when you are in a meeting. These instructions also work for installing Zoom on a tablet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ha1_DdC02g
Joining a Zoom meeting from an iPad: Go to the app store on your iPad. Search for Zoom. The correct app is Zoom Cloud Meetings. Download it. Then click on the app and follow the instructions for joining a meeting or signing up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7X9TpAPNaE
Joining a Zoom meeting by a cell or landline phone (audio only) Dial the in-country number on the meeting invitation sent by your host. • You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID provided to you by the host followed by #. You may also be asked for the passcode for the meeting. • Enter that followed by #. You can find the passcode in the invitation from the host, listed below the dial-in numbers and meeting ID. Note that this passcode will be different from the Retired passcode for computer and tablet access.
Austin Retired Teachers Association
Regular Monthly Meeting Friday, October 9, 2020 Via Zoom
AGENDA
ZOOM LOG-IN/SOCIAL TIME: 9:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m. GATHERING: Call to Order Joe Ramirez Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. and Texas flags Rudy Munguia PROGRAM: Introduction of Speaker Dr. Craig Campbell “A Legislative Forum of Candidates for the Texas House and Senate,” Moderated by Claire McInerny, KUT Education Reporter Inspiration Joe Ramirez ARTA Foundation Memorial Tributes Wayne King ARTA Foundation Report Introduction of Guests/New Members, Birthday Wishes Betty Clough BUSINESS and COMMITTEE REPORTS: Approval of September 11, 2020, Minutes Carole Stockton Treasurer’s Report Dr. Wayne Schade Announcement of Proposed Bylaws Amendments Nancy Lehmann-Carssow Membership Report Norma Jost Retirement Education Update Anita Uphaus Member Benefits Report Laura Grayson Closing Remarks and Announcements Joe Ramirez Next Meeting: November 13, 2020, via Zoom – Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, “Findings from the Leading Latino Oral History Archive in the U.S.” Remember to follow ARTA at http://localunits.org/austinrta/ and our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TRTA.org
These codes will be used for the September – December regular meetings on Zoom: If using computer or tablet or smartphone: Meeting ID: 896 4218 5685 Passcode: Retired If calling in by telephone, dial 1-346-248-7799 Meeting ID: 896 4218 5685 Passcode: 4747095
Legislative Candidate Speakers*
Order of Speaking:
TX House District 47: Vikki Goodwin (D), incumbent
TX House District 48: Donna Howard (D), incumbent
TX House District 49: Kenneth M. Moore (L)
TX House District 50: Celia Israel (D), incumbent
TX House District 51: Eddie Rodriguez (D), incumbent
TX Senate District 21: Frank Pomeroy (R)
TX Senate District 24: Clayton Tucker (D)
TX House District 136: John Bucy (D), incumbent
TX House District 52: James Talarico (D), incumbent
*All candidates running for local Texas House and Senate offices were officially invited to complete the survey requested by ARTA and to participate in today’s legislative forum.
Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
Note: Prior to the July 2020 runoff, the ARTA Legislative Committee sent a survey to all Texas House and Senate candidates in the Central Texas area. Responses are summarized below. If blank, the candidate did not respond. Narrative responses to Items 1, 7, and 8 follow after the table.
District/Candidate Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5 Item 6 I support the gradual I will support and/or sponsor I will support benefit I will advocate for increased I support simplifying Key: increase per year in the legislation to provide a cost- improvements and lower base funding and a long- employment-after- D= Democrat state contribution rate for of-living adjustment (COLA) out-of-pocket costs for TRS- term funding strategy for retirement statutes and teachers’ retirement. for TRS Members. Care participants. TRS-Care Insurance indexed rules to allow retirees to R= Republican to the projected cost of return to work full-time L= Libertarian health insurance over-time without penalties and (I)= Incumbent (similar to the ERS insurance modify the structure for funding for state half-time retirees dealing employees). with minor return-to-work violations to allow for more fairness when dealing with the unexpected circumstances. House 45 Erin Zweiner D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Carrie Isaac R
House 46 Sheryl Cole D (I)
House 47 Vikki Goodwin D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Undecided* Justin Berry R Agree Agree Agree Agree Agree Michael Clark L
House 48 Donna Howard D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Bill Strieber R Undecided Strongly disagree Undecided Undecided Strongly agree
1 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
District/Candidate Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5 Item 6 I support the gradual I will support and/or sponsor I will support benefit I will advocate for increased I support simplifying increase per year in the legislation to provide a cost- improvements and lower base funding and a long- employment-after- state contribution rate for of-living adjustment (COLA) out-of-pocket costs for TRS- term funding strategy for retirement statutes and teachers’ retirement. for TRS Members. Care participants. TRS-Care Insurance indexed rules to allow retirees to to the projected cost of return to work full-time health insurance over-time without penalties and (similar to the ERS insurance modify the structure for funding for state half-time retirees dealing employees). with minor return-to-work violations to allow for more fairness when dealing with the unexpected circumstances. House 49 Gina Hinojosa D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Charles Meyer R Kenneth Moore L Strongly disagree Strongly disagree Strongly disagree Strongly disagree Agree
House 50 Celia Israel D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Larry Delarose R
House 51 Eddie Rodriguez D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Robert Reynolds R Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree
House 52 James Talarico D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Lucio Valdez R Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree
House 136 John Bucy III D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Mike Guevera R Brian Elliott L
2 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
District/Candidate Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5 Item 6 I support the gradual I will support and/or sponsor I will support benefit I will advocate for increased I support simplifying increase per year in the legislation to provide a cost- improvements and lower base funding and a long- employment-after- state contribution rate for of-living adjustment (COLA) out-of-pocket costs for TRS- term funding strategy for retirement statutes and teachers’ retirement. for TRS Members. Care participants. TRS-Care Insurance indexed rules to allow retirees to to the projected cost of return to work full-time health insurance over-time without penalties and (similar to the ERS insurance modify the structure for funding for state half-time retirees dealing employees). with minor return-to-work violations to allow for more fairness when dealing with the unexpected circumstances. Senate 14 Sarah Eckhardt D (I) Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Agree
Senate 21 Judith Zaffirini D (I) Frank Pomeroy R Agree Undecided Agree Agree Undecided
Senate 24 Dawn Buckingham R (I) Clayton Tucker D Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree Strongly agree
Senate 25 (not up for election) Donna Campbell R (I)
3 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
Item 1 Item 7 Item 8 Do you support a defined benefit annuity for all Suggestions for increased revenue sources to Other comments TRS retirees? Why or why not? maintain budget House 47 Vikki Goodwin D (I) Yes, teachers are essential to providing I support expanding sales taxes to I’m not familiar with the employment-after- education to our youth and deserve to have services, increasing the motor fuels tax, a retirement statutes, but will do some a definite retirement payment that they can carbon tax, reviewing exemptions and research on that with my staff. count on without having to worry about removing any not deemed necessary, and managing risky investments individually. using the ESF due to the economic downturn. Justin Berry R Yes, teachers work very hard and make I support the reallocation of funds from many sacrifices often from their own current programs. Currently, the State of personal funds, to ensure their students Texas is facing a near 5 billion dollar have what they need to succeed in the deficit. Adding additional taxes to the classroom and beyond. business community and to the struggling parents is not in the overall interest of the students. Harming their students' parents’ ability to keep their jobs and homes would not be in the best interest of the student, who is truly at the heart of our great teachers. We must look at being more efficient with current programs that have a lot of waste or unnecessary expenditures and pull from there. House 48 Donna Howard D (I) Yes. Retirees have been promised a Legalize cannabis; remove outdated tax pension for their years of service, and exemptions; leverage increased federal shifting to a defined contribution model will matching rates for child welfare services only shift costs to retirees. and women's health services; expand Medicaid; institute an e-cigarette/vape tax. Bill Strieber R No. For all current TRS retirees the answer If you move to a defined contribution is “Yes.” The state entered into a contract system for new hires entering into the with teachers who are currently employed system, then the actuarial model will or retired. We have to honor that contract change, potentially making it possible to on what the state obligated itself to fund for meet all current obligations without raising all current and retired teachers. However, taxes as much as you might suggest. I
4 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
for all NEW teachers employed after the favor reforming the system on a long- term passage of new legislation, I would support basis before raising any taxes to meet moving all future teachers to a defined current obligations. COLAs and constantly contribution system, which is the prevalent increasing benefits, while lowering system in most private-sector systems. contributions, is the exact formula as to These payouts have proven to be why Illinois, New York and California find advantageous to retirees under that themselves in such long-term financial system. difficulty. Right now, Illinois has to raise taxes (and drastically reduce current government services) just to cover retirement benefits to its retired government employees, including teachers. If we have to raise taxes to cover current obligations, then it is proof in and of itself that the actuarial models for that system were inaccurate in the past. Put the models on sound financial footing for the out-years first, then consider temporary taxes, if necessary. House 49 Gina Hinojosa D (I) I strongly support a defined benefit annuity I support efforts to better invest our Rainy- for all TRS retirees. Day Fund to generate income to use for this purpose. I also support a review and removal of tax exemptions from certain industries. House 50 Celia Israel D (I) Yes, the defined benefit annuity has been a This next legislative session, I am long-standing institution in our state, committed to reviewing the many tax providing much-deserved support to our carveouts that now makeup today's tax law. Texas retired teachers. And in the wake of We must also look for creative solutions COVID-19, it is all the more important for where we can, such as gas tax indexing; in the state to recommit to providing financial order to provide a more consistent source assurance to our retired teachers during of state revenue, we should automatically times of economic uncertainty. adjust tax rate when the price of gasoline begins to fall or in relation to our inflation rate.
5 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
House 51 Eddie Rodriguez D (I) Yes, I strongly support a defined benefit As noted in the question, the 86th Texas I care deeply about being an effective state annuity for all TRS retirees and will Legislature took steps under SB 12 to put legislator for retired teachers. Besides the continue to work together with retired the Teacher Retirement System pension issues that have been touched on above, I teachers to oppose any efforts to transition fund on a path to actuarial soundness in know that there are many others that TRS Texas towards a defined contribution-style 2019. The state must live up to the retirees care deeply about. I will work plan. I support defined benefit annuities promises made to TRS retirees under SB closely with TRS retirees on addressing because I believe that we must ensure that 12 and fulfill its pension trust fund issues related to TRS-Care benefits, TRS- retired teachers receive generous financial obligations and help meet the funding Care funding, the rules on work after support for the duration of their lives. increases that are to be phased in over the retirement and advocating for TRS retiree- Further, TRS retirees should receive years to come. If elected, working together centered reform in the upcoming Sunset regular cost-of-living adjustments that are with retired teachers to continue TRS on its Review process. Retired teachers have commensurate with inflation and the growth path to actuarial soundness will be among done incredible work organizing and of their bills. The TRS fund is large enough my top priorities for so many TRS retirees. representing the interests of currently to bear the risk involved in paying defined It is clear that we must identify new active and retired teachers by fighting for benefit annuities over the long term if it is sources of revenue in the 87th Legislative the long-term health of the TRS fund, and I managed expertly, shaped by the insights Session given that it is looking like the commit to being an accessible and tireless of retired teachers and with the support of revenue available in the next biennium will ally in these efforts. the Texas Legislature. I also support a be significantly smaller than anticipated, defined benefit annuity for all TRS retirees and the state is on the hook for maintaining because I have heard from many retired funding for public education and teachers who would strongly prefer for addressing our state’s health care crisis. In experts employed by the TRS fund to the 86th Legislative Session, I strongly manage their retirement portfolio rather opposed Republicans’ efforts to increase than to be responsible for managing it the sales tax because I believe that the themselves. Additionally, payments to equity impact report revealed it to be a beneficiaries are larger under defined regressive method of raising revenue on benefits annuities than under typical CDs. the backs of working people and those with In light of recent attacks on defined benefit the least ability to pay. The sales tax rate is annuities in Texas, I will fight for TRS to already high enough in places like Austin remain a defined benefit program because where consumers pay up to 8.25%, and most Texas school districts do not pay into TRS retirees do not need an additional Social Security and countless TRS retirees expense to leach from their fixed incomes. I rely on TRS as their sole source of would strongly support a carbon tax for retirement income. If elected, I will make numerous reasons, though passing such myself available to TRS retirees to learn legislation would prove extremely from their experiences, hear their ideas and challenging in Texas. I am interested in
6 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
work together with them to protect their exploring the revenue-raising potential of defined benefit annuities. increasing the motor fuels tax, as Texas tax expert Dick Lavine has suggested that “raising motor fuels taxes to match inflation since 1991 could raise [would have raised] about $7 billion in 2020-21.” However, I would need additional information on the volatility of such an additional revenue source and to see an equity impact report before adopting a position on a potential increase. I believe that we absolutely must and will look at removing exceptions and exemptions from current taxes, particularly loopholes used by big businesses and commercial operations to avoid sales and property taxes, in the upcoming legislative session. We should legalize and tax marijuana, and we should use this new source of revenue to help us meet the financial challenges that we will face. Finally, we must also consider tapping into the Rainy Day Fund to help us fund our priorities. From healthcare to public education to delivering on the promises made to retired teachers under SB 12, we will have to work together to fight efforts to defund crucial programs and services that help Texans, and prepare ourselves to argue for a fair increase in taxes on those who can afford to pay. Robert Reynolds R I support our teachers because they are I think revenue can be taken from multiple I want to invest heavily in education the key to our future. sources—example: sales tax, fuel, carbon because that is the key for our success. tax to increase revenue. Our kids are future. House 52 James Talarico D (I) Yes. During the 86th Legislative Session, I I commit to passing a budget that doesn't The state of Texas has a responsibility to was proud to support the gradual increase punish students or public employees for the provide retirement security to the many per year in the state contribution rate for budget shortfall caused by the pandemic. public sector employees like teachers,
7 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020 teachers’ retirement with the goal of a 2.5% Instead of revoking necessary pay and state employees, and first responders for increase over five years. Educators, resources for our state employees, we their years of committed public service to including retired teachers, can count on me must find other methods to cover the the people of our great state. Rising cost- to continue to support legislation that budget shortfalls that we will experience in of-living expenses have made it more increases the state's contribution to TRS the next session. For too long, the difficult than ever to become a public and ensures we keep our state's promise to Legislature has slashed funding for employee. For teachers, police officers, our educators for their years of service. I healthcare, education, and other necessary first-responders, and other public servants, support traditional defined benefit pension programs in favor of massive tax incentives we need to strengthen defined benefit plans. While contribution plans may be for corporations. I'll support holding our plans and ensure affordable health cheaper, they shift the burden of retirement government accountable and working insurance. As a former middle school savings to teachers, rather than the state, towards a budget that does not pay for the teacher and a current member of the Public and put our educators’ futures at risk. After pandemic off the backs of our children or Education Committee, I am working to a teacher dedicates their entire life to working-class Texans, but one that protect and improve the benefits owed to empowering the next generation, they increases the state minimum wage and teachers and administrators, even after deserve to have a secure retirement, and ensures equal pay for equal work for all they have left the classroom. I was proud to that’s achievable only through defined Texans. While HB 3 was historic school have supported SB 12 this past session, benefits plans. Our promise to our retired finance legislation, there is much work still legislation that increased the state’s teachers is sacred and absolute. As a state left to do including finding sustainable contribution to the Texas Retirement legislator, I will continue to protect our revenue streams to ensure we keep the System (TRS) and gave retirees a “13th retirees' pensions and health care. long-term promises we made in HB 3 to check.” While this was a much-needed step properly fund public education. Simply in the right direction, there is much more relying on a high performing economy to work to be done to ensure we keep our properly educate our students and support state's promise to our educators and public our educators is irresponsible. I believe we service employees for their years of service must close tax loopholes that allow to the children and people of Texas. commercial property owners to unfairly reduce their taxes, passing the responsibility of funding our schools to residential property owners. I was proud to have authored legislation this past session that would have required the sales price disclosure for commercial properties. This would have been a crucial step forward to securing necessary long-term revenue streams for education, so I intend to re-file next session. Additionally, if the budget shortfalls experienced this year are not an
8 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
appropriate cause to use funds from the Economic Stabilization Fund, I don't know what is. House 136 John Bucy III D (I) Yes. I will continue to oppose any and all First, we should expand Medicaid to bring efforts to cut or restructure the defined billions of our tax dollars back to Texas benefit pension systems. TRS should be while generating increased economic maintained as a traditional defined benefit output and creating jobs. Next, we must for all future, current, and retired educators. remove certain exceptions and exemptions In addition, the state contribution rate must that unfairly place the tax burden on Texas be increased to the point where the families, close the property tax loopholes actuarial soundness of the system never for corporate and commercial properties, falters. Similarly, any approach to improve and look at increasing things like the annuities or provide a cost-of-living update margins tax. We also should legalize, cannot be done in a way that merely shifts regulate, and tax cannabis in a manner the burden to healthcare, for example, or similar to alcohol as has been successfully otherwise puts the onus back on retirees. done in other states. In the short term, I am also in favor of injecting funds from the ESF to ensure we meet our obligations. In addition, we must ensure as complete a count in terms of the census as possible to ensure we are maximizing our share of federal resources as well as work with our local, regional, and state jurisdictions and agencies to ensure we are drawing down all available federal funding related to COVID-19. Senate 14 Sarah Eckhardt D (I) Yes. Employees currently in the TRS • Expand sales tax to cover Professional I strongly agree with benefit improvements system should receive the benefits they Services like accounting and legal and lower out-of-pocket costs for TRS-Care were promised when they were hired. And, representation. Without an income tax, this participants. And I agree with simplifying we should not be afraid to study whether may be the closest we can get to targeting after-retirement employment rules. But, I there are more cost-effective and equitable a sales tax increase to consumers most also recognize that COVID-19 has ways to structure the retirement plan that able to shoulder the burden. drastically worsened an already favors years of service. An example worth • Update gasoline and diesel tax rates and irresponsible budgetary landscape. In the studying might be the Texas County and combine them with toll revenues for near term, I commit to maintaining benefits District Retirement System (TCDRS) which investment in carbon reducing transit and and out-of-pocket costs for participants and
9 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020 is a defined contribution with an employer broadband. Cars and trucks are more fuel streamlining rules around after-retirement match. The TRS had an unfunded liability efficient and gas and diesel prices are employment. In the long-term, I commit to of $35.4B (or an approximately 80% funded down. Now is the time to index fuel taxes to unflinching and responsible legislation that ratio) in 2018. The unfunded liability for inflation and combine them with tolls and addresses what our state's obligations are TCDRS in 2018 was just $3.5B (a 90% other user taxes that can capture and fund and how we are going to pay for them now funded ratio). I support the most generous increases in alternative transportation of and into the future on a sustainable basis. benefits that the state can afford. The fact goods, people, services and information. State leaders have shirked that that the funded ratio for the TRS defined • Convert the local option homestead responsibility for long enough. benefit continues to slip means that either exemption to a flat rate rather than a the state needs to invest additional revenue percentage. At the current percentage cap in the benefit for retired teachers or we of 20%, Richey Rich with his $1M home need to explore alternatives. As with most does not have to pay property taxes on policy challenges, I try to go into them with $200,000 of his home’s value. While Poor an open mind. But central to this particular Paul with his $100,000 home is relieved of challenge will be the promise made to the taxes on only $20,000 in value. If the local men and women of Texas who commit their option Homestead Exemption were capped career to educating our children. I know at a flat $100,000 in value, Richey Rich and there is a well funded, well organized Poor Paul would get equivalent tax relief in attack on public pensions and retirement dollars. But those dollars would mean systems. I will resist efforts for Texas to much more to Poor Paul’s budget than break our commitment to people who Richey Rich’s. choose public service as a career. • Update alcohol and tobacco product tax rates and include legalized personal use marijuana among taxable tobacco products. Aside from medicinal uses, these consumer goods are at least non-essential and, in most cases should be discouraged. • Phase out ineffective tax breaks for industries that do not need encouragement, do not assist in a core mission of government, or slow our transition to climate resilience. Tax rebates to attract national and international headquarters are largely ineffective. Trust funds for leisure and entertainment ventures that are not evaluated on the basis of direct job creation are not core missions of
10 Executive Summary of ARTA Legislative Survey Responses Central Texas Candidates for Texas House of Representatives & Senate, 2020
government. And, tax supports for fossil fuels are slowing our transition to carbon neutral energy sources. • Divest from militarized over-policing, federalized immigration and border surveillance, and incarcerations that perpetuate rather than treat mental health and substance use disorders. Senate 21 Frank Pomeroy R I do support a defined annuity because it To be able to give an intelligent answer I allows both the teacher and the state know would like to see a full audit of the tax exactly what to expect in the future. It dollars that are being used now in our clears away any ambiguities. public education system and see if the bureaucracy itself could be cleaned up and supply the funds rather than add more tax to the general public. Senate 24 Clayton Tucker D With teachers being the backbone of our Below are some specific sources of new society, as teaching is the profession that revenue: creates all other professions, I strongly • Close the Equal and Uniform Loophole believe that all TRS retirees deserve a • Legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis secure, reliable, and comfortable • Allow counties the local control to legalize retirement. Defined benefit annuities offer casinos and tax the revenues much more security and reliability • Modernize current taxes to remove (especially during pandemics and/or certain exceptions and exemptions economic downturns) as compared to defined contribution plans, therefore I strongly support defined benefit plans.
11
STATE ISSUES
TRS Pension Fund ACTION ITEM: Preserve the funding plan enacted during the 86th Legislature (SB 12) Keep the TRS pension fund on the path to actuarial soundness Ensure SB 12 phase-in plan raising contribution rates to 8% for state/educators, and 1.8% for ISDs by 2022 ACTION ITEM: Secure a financial structure capable of providing a future COLA Average TRS monthly annuity is $2096 Half of all TRS annuitants receive less than $1800 per month Members retiring during the last 16 years have never had a permanent increase in their annuity Consider additional revenue source by requiring all employers to contribute equally
TRS-Care ACTION ITEM: Maintain contribution for TRS-Care retiree health insurance Vulnerability to COVID-19 necessitates affordable, easy access to doctors and care Avoid increased premiums and cuts in services or benefits Study and design long term funding structure Allow one-time re-enrollment to TRS-Care
Sunset Review ACTION ITEM: Adopt TRS Sunset Staff Report and additional TRTA recommendations* Promote a member-focused and friendly culture at TRS Direct TRS to designate an FTE position as a TRS member ombudsman focused on the needs and issues of TRS members, including the impact of COVID-19 Direct TRS to simplify and clearly define reasonable rules for return to work and part time employees Create appeals process for disallowed health care claims
*See TRTA Position Paper for TRS Sunset recommendations and TRTA recommendations
FEDERAL ISSUES
Social Security ACTION ITEM: Ensure earned Social Security benefits are paid to retirees Reform WEP and GPO current formulas that unfairly penalize Texas retired educators Re i ee adi i nal supplemental income has been impacted by pandemic (substitute teaching, bus driving) Prevent mandatory Social Security as a resolution to the inequity of WEP and GPO
313 E. 12th Street, Suite 200 | Austin, TX 78701 1.800.880.1650 | www.trta.org
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act ~ H.R. 4540 The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act fixes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) by introducing a new proportional formula, provides meaningful WEP relief to current retirees, includes a benefit guarantee so that no current or future retirees can be worse off as a result of the bill, and ensures that public servants across the nation can retire with the security and dignity they deserve. Originally, the WEP was intended to equalize the Social Security benefit formula for workers with similar earnings histories, both inside and outside of the Social Security system. However, in practice, it has unfairly penalized many public employees. Currently, 1.8 million Social Security beneficiaries are affected by the WEP. The much-needed reform in this bill provides meaningful WEP relief to current retirees and public employees while treating all workers fairly. Current Retirees: Immediate Relief Payments The bill provides immediate relief to current Social Security beneficiaries affected by the WEP. Current beneficiaries (and those turning 62 before 2022) who are affected by the WEP due to their own public service work will receive an extra $150 a month, starting nine months after enactment and continuing for as long as the eligible individuals are receiving Social Security benefits. The relief amount cannot exceed the size of each e c e WEP ed c i . Future Retirees: New Formula and Benefit Guarantee Future retirees (those turning 62 in 2022 and later) will be eligible for a new, fairer benefit formula, called the Public Servant Protection (PSP) formula. The PSP formula calculates benefit amounts based on the proportion of lifetime earnings covered by Social Security. The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act includes critical protections to ensure that no one receives a lower benefit a result of this legislation. First, it maintains the current WEP exemptions (i.e., for individuals not receiving a pension, and for those with 30 years of coverage) and extends them to the PSP as well. That is, people are exempt from both the PSP and the WEP if they have 30 or more years of coverage or if they do not receive any pension based on their state or local employment. In addition, the bill provides a benefit guarantee f a f e e i ee : if e e PSP be efi i a high as their WEP benefit, they will automatically receive the higher benefit. This guarantee is permanent, applying to all future retirees. About seven in 10 future retirees affected by the WEP will receive a higher benefit under the new PSP formula, with the increase averaging about $75 a month. The remaining three in 10 are protected by the benefit guarantee and will see no change in benefits because they already receive higher benefits under the WEP than they would under the proportional formula due to their specific earnings patterns. They will get to keep that higher amount. Finally, the bill shields millions of other public servants from being newly subjected to the WEP or PSP. Additional Provisions The bill also improves the Social Security Statement for affected workers, so that future benefit amounts will not be a surprise. Finally, it protects the Social Security trust funds with general revenue transfers to cover these costs, a e a i e he e e i e e ec i e e a e c ec he ge b e with the WEP.
AUSTIN RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting Friday, Sept.11, 2020 Via Zoom
The regular monthly meeting of the Austin Retired Teachers Association was held Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, on Zoom. Sixty-five persons were in attendance. GATHERING Welcome—President Joe Ramirez called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. He thanked Rosemary Morrow for her past service as president. He reminded us to remember the victims of the September 11 attack. Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags—Joe Ramirez led the pledges of allegiance.
PROGRAM “What to Expect from the 87th Legislative Session”—Mary Lou Clayton introduced Tim Lee, TRTA Executive Director. Lee opened by saying he would address three areas: a column on the management of TRS investment funds by columnist Scott Burns which appeared in the Dallas Morning News and reprinted in the Austin American Statesman, an update the status on the TRS plan to sublet the controversial Indeed Tower, and current expectations for the 87th Legislative Session. The presentation was followed with questions from members. Inspiration—Joe Ramirez related our experiences today with the experiences of 1940 when the US was at a turning point in history. He presented a reading by Eleanor Roosevelt at the 1940 Democratic Convention: “…This is no ordinary time. No time for weighing anything except what we can do best for the country…” He reminded us that we need to keep our loved ones safe from coronavirus. ARTA Foundation Memorial Tributes—Glenda Black honored eight members who had passed away since our February meeting: Wanda Jean Mason Washington, JoAnn Hayes Farrell, Derley E. Rivera, Mary Elizabeth Noe Cates, Josemaria Gonzales, Jacquelyn Ann McGee, Virginia Ruth Smith, and Dorothy Jean Windel Sullivan. This was followed by a moment of silence in their honor. ARTA Foundation Report—Linda Harvey said that collections towards our $14,000 goal for 2020-2021 student scholarships begin this month. Introduction of Guests/New Members, Birthday Wishes—Betty Clough said we have 18 new members, 8 former members returned. In honor of Ira Poole’s 90th birthday, we sang Happy Birthday. She also extended 104th birthday wishes for Julia Mellenbruch. BUSINESS and COMMITTEE REPORTS New Executive Board Appointments—Joe Ramirez presented the new Executive Board Appointments: • Parliamentarian: Jane Garner • Archives: Joyce Clendennen • Bylaws Co-Chair: Nancy Lehmann-Carssow • Community Volunteer Service: Evangelina Mangino • Informative and Protective Services: Gladys Havel • Member Benefits: Laura Grayson • TRTF Representative: Julie Campbell
Minutes of February 14, 2020, Meeting—The minutes were approved as printed. Treasurer’s Report—Wayne Schade presented the August 31, 2020, Treasurer’s report, and President Ramirez asked for changes or additions. Since there were none, the report will be filed for audit. Presentation of 2020-2021 Budget—Wayne Schade also presented the proposed budget for 2020- 2021. He MOVED to accept the budget. It was approved by a voice vote.
CLOSING REMARKS and ANNOUNCEMENTS : Membership Report—Joe Ramirez for Norma Jost said that currently there are 497 members, putting us at about 63 below when we last met in February. The new membership drive is aimed at 1000 members. He encouraged each of us to invite 2 new members to join. Arrival of fall ARTA NEWS and Yearbook—Joe Ramirez said that the new yearbooks were being mailed out today and should be in our mailboxes by early next week. NEXT MEETING: October 9, 2020, via Zoom—Craig Campbell, Legislative Chair, will present the local candidates for the Texas Legislature. He reminded us to keep the Zoom codes for entering the link. Reminder—President Ramirez reminded us to follow our ARTA Facebook page by Kevin Gillespie, Facebook Administrator, and visit our Website administrated by Mary Ann Baker, Website Administrator. Information about member benefits/dental insurance by Laura Grayson, Chair, is in the newsletter. President Ramirez signed off by leaving us with a song by venerable British singer Dame Vera Lynn: “We’ll meet again…Don’t know where, don’t know when! But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day.”
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 a.m.
______Carole Stockton, Secretary Joe Ramirez, President
Austin Retired Teachers Association Treasurer’s Report – September 30, 2020 (2020-2021 Fiscal Year)
Savings Account Balance – August 31, 2020 (9-1-16= $61.85) $ 263.33 Dividend – September (CD#50) $ 4.14 Balance – September 30, 2020 $ 267.47 $267.47
Checking Account Balance – August 31, 2020 $ 9,931.00 Receipts – September ** $ 1,215.42 Disbursements – September ++ ($ 1,091.24) Balance – September 30, 2020 $10,055.18 $10,055.18
Money Market Account Balance – August 31, 2020 $ 3,334.90 Dividend – September $ 0.55 Balance – September 30, 2020 $ 3,335.45 $3,335.45
Certificates of Deposit Account Startup Certificate (#50) $ 1,000.00 FY Balance (#51&52) – August 31, 2020 $ 4,223.60 Dividend September (#51& #52) $ 1.75 Balance – September 30, 2020 $ 5,225.35 $5,225.35
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE CREDIT UNION $18,883.45
** Includes 2020-21 ARTA & TRTA dues deposited for 24 members ++ Includes ARTA Sept. Newsletter plus TRTA dues for 17 members
Dr. Wayne Schade Treasurer
Proposed Amendments to the ARTA Bylaws ARTA Bylaws may be amended or repealed at a regular or special meeting of ARTA, provided members have been notified one month in advance. President Joe Ramirez has proposed that the current Bylaws be updated with the amendments listed below. These recommended amendments address duties and responsibilities that the organization is already doing but are not reflected in the current Bylaws. Text in red addresses new wording to the Bylaws. The Membership of ARTA is officially notified that a vote on the proposed amendments will take place at the November 13 Regular Meeting. A two-thirds vote from the membership is required to approve these amendments, which will go into effect upon adoption. These proposed amendments were also presented to the ARTA Executive Board at their August 17 meeting. Article IV, Section 5, Clause 1: The Historian shall collect and maintain materials for the ARTA scrapbook, and prepare the scrapbook for display, and serve as chair of the Archives Committee. RATIONALE: The Historian is already responsible for collecting and maintaining ARTA records, a duty of the Archives Committee. This amendment adds this responsibility to the permanent duties of the Historian. Article VI, Section 1: Chairs of standing committees, the TRTF Representative, and the President of the ARTA Foundation are designated as ex officio members of the Executive Board… RATIONALE: This amendment gives the TRTF Representative the same privileges of making motions and voting on issues before the Board as other ex officio members, including the President of the ARTA Foundation, already have. Article VII, Section 3, Clause F (Courtesy Committee): This committee shall make the necessary arrangements for the annual Christmas ARTA projects of ARTA and the TRTA Children’s Book Project. RATIONALE: The duties of the Courtesy Committee go beyond the Christmas holiday season and extend throughout the year. ARTA Bylaws are located in the “About Us” section of our website: https://localunits.org/AustinRTA/index.cfm/about-us/bylaws
Nancy Lehmann-Carssow
ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 1
PRESIDENT’S NOTE this right was limited to white adult males ARTA definitely made history as we who owned property. It had even been more “Zoomed into New Frontiers” with our first- restricted under British colonial rule when ever virtual regular meeting on September these male landholders also had to belong to 11. We had approximately 70 participants an established church in most of their engaged in an informative presentation respective colonies. The first great extension delivered by TRTA Executive Director Tim of voting rights took place in the Jacksonian Lee. I am proud to say that various out-of- era of the 1820s and 1830s as the property- town and out-of-state members were able to holding requirement was eliminated to join us through Zoom. promote universal manhood suffrage. Yet, We will continue to make history at our over 50% of the American populace was still October 9 regular meeting as we present our unable to vote. The women’s suffrage legislative candidate forum. This may be the movement formally began with the 1848 largest group of candidates who have Seneca Falls Convention, but it took over 70 participated in an ARTA legislative forum. I years for women to gain the right to vote with am proud of the hard work that Dr. Craig passage of the 19th Amendment. Freedmen Campbell and the ARTA Legislative were granted the right to vote with Committee have accomplished since they ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870 began to organize this forum this past spring. but were disenfranchised over the next All candidates running for local state House century through repressive Jim Crow laws and Senate seats received a survey asking for that included literacy tests, poll taxes, and their positions on key issues affecting TRS grandfather clauses. Restriction of these retirees. An executive summary in this edition voting rights was not redressed until the of the meeting packet addresses how the 1960s with ratification of the 24th candidates who returned their surveys Amendment that abolished the poll tax and responded. All candidates also received a the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that eliminated personal invitation from me requesting their the Jim Crow laws. The last voting rights attendance at the October 9th legislative expansion took place nearly a half-century forum. We are most appreciative of those ago when the 26th Amendment lowered the who were able to take time from their busy voting age from 21 to 18. campaign schedules to join us today. 2020 marks the centennial anniversary of Keep in mind that issues affecting TRS the 19th Amendment. “The right of citizens of retirees are decided at the state level, while the United States to vote shall not be denied issues such as Social Security and reform of or abridged by the United States or by any the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) are state on account of sex” was initially determined at the federal level. As the 2020 proposed in Congress in 1878 but was voted voting cycle begins, take time to research the down or ignored for the next 42 years. It issues that impact you directly. One finally passed Congress in 1919 and went to nonpartisan source you may find helpful is the states for ratification, with 36 states the League of Women Voters website at needing to vote in the affirmative for it to go https://www.lwv.org/. Also, continue to into effect. Thirty-five states quickly passed follow the latest legislative and political news the amendment, and ratification would be on the ARTA website at determined in the Tennessee legislature, http://localunits.org/austinrta/ and on the which was deadlocked with 48 members in ARTA Facebook page at support of the amendment and 48 members https://www.facebook.com/TRTA.org. against its passage. 24-year-old Harry Burn, Voting is a cherished privilege that has the youngest member of this legislative body been greatly expanded in the U.S. Constitution and one of the opponents of the proposed since its adoption 233 years ago. At that time, amendment, received a handwritten letter ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 2 from his widowed mother, Febb Ensminger • Bill Dick • Terry Loessin Burn, the evening before the final vote was to • Harvey Doerr • Rosi Reyes take place on August 18. In this letter, • Jane Legett between references to the rainy weather and We are also happy to welcome back the updates on the neighbors, Mrs. Burn went on following former members who have rejoined to state, “Hurrah, and vote for suffrage! Don’t us after being away for several years: keep them in doubt. I notice some of the • Patricia Budak • Debbie Koehler speeches against. They were bitter. I have Joe Ramirez been watching to see how you stood but have not noticed anything yet.” Mrs. Burn then OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS went on to remind her son to “be a good boy • Bill Bacon • Mary Alice Hatchett and help Mrs. [Carrie Chapman] Catt put the • Glenda Black • Michele Hewlett-Gomez ‘rat’ in ratification.” As the final vote took • Gerry Brooks • Debbie Koehler place, Harry Burn shocked everyone present • Sara Ezell • Ethel Kutac by switching his vote to “aye,” leading to • James Gandy • Mary Ann Moore ratification of the 19th Amendment. Burn • Jane Garner • Clyde Simeroth defended his action by stating, “I know that a • Maria Garza • Ed Williamsen mother’s advice is always safest for her boy to • Jackie Hastay • Jerri Zoch follow, and my mother wanted me to vote for ratification.” IN MEMORIAM The struggle for voting rights began The ARTA Foundation wishes to almost immediately after the ratification of memorialize Laura Dell Blaschke, Renee the U.S. Constitution in 1788 and continues to Dailey Simmons, and Amanda Lea Ponder this day. Americans should not take their Peschel. right to vote for granted and need to Laura Dell Blaschke was born in participate in all levels of the election process Ingleside, Texas, in 1937, the fifth of six as we cast our votes for federal, state, and children. Her dad was superintendent of municipal offices on November 3rd. schools. She graduated from Ingleside High Remain civically engaged by researching School and first earned a degree from the issues that affect you and cast that vote on Durham Business School. She earned a Election Day! bachelor’s degree from the University of Joe Ramirez Corpus Christi. Her first marriage was to Jerry Vlasek and WELCOME NEW ARTA MEMBERS! they raised a son and a daughter. Her second Since our last regular meeting on marriage was to Lloyd Manley in 1981. They September 11, ARTA has had five members were together until his death in 2002. join for the first time. The organization Laura taught elementary school for 42 extends a very warm welcome to these new years beginning at Central Park Elementary in members. What you will be experiencing Corpus Christi and ending at Patton these next few months will not be what Elementary in Austin in 1998. She loved being typical ARTA meetings are like. ARTA a teacher, loved the children she taught, and members are honored that you are now part loved the fellowship of the teachers she of our organization. We have plenty of worked with. She died August 30, 2020, at age committees that you can join; so do not 83. She was an ARTA member from 2004 to hesitate to contact members of the executive 2019. board if you are interested in getting involved Renee Dailey Simmons was born in with ARTA. 1932. She outlived two husbands, Jerry Please welcome the following new Wardrum and Bill Simmons, and her members who became part of ARTA during daughter, Jennifer. Her three sons Ken, Mike, the month of September: and Bill survive her. ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 3
After raising her children, Renee began treasurer, at P.O Box 143483, Austin 78714. working in the administrative offices of Linda can also be contacted at (512) 762- Austin Community College. A strong Austin 9908. Note that this is a new mailing woman, she was active in the mental health address and telephone number. Thank you field as an advocate and as an informal for your continued support of your ARTA lobbyist. She died September 10, 2020, at age Foundation. 88. She was an ARTA member from 2005 to Glenda Black 2018. Amanda Lea Ponder Peschel was born in LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE Schwertner, Texas, in 1925. A twin, she had WEP News six brothers and a sister. She met Calvin As many have probably heard, Peschel at Granger High School. They married Representative Lloyd Doggett on 9/4/2020 in 1943 during WWII. He was deployed to has signed on as a co-sponsor of HR4540 by Saipan for 2½ years. In his absence, Amanda Richard Neal which makes major corrections taught in a small country school. The Peschels to WEP and GPO provisions which apply a raised three children. more appropriate funding formula for the Amanda taught in AISD for twenty years. payment of Social Security benefits to retired After retirement, she volunteered at Seton teachers and other public servants. It is titled Hospital. The Peschels were members of Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act. Hyde Park Baptist Church for 70 years. She A description of the Act can be found in the died September 28 at age 95. She was an October meeting packet and can also be ARTA member from 2001 to 2013. accessed at Glenda Black https://waysandmeans.house.gov/sites/dem ocrats.waysandmeans.house.gov/files/docum ARTA FOUNDATION ents/HR%204540%20Summary.pdf. With less than three months left to raise It is important to remember that there money for our scholarship program may be amendments along the way. It sponsored by your ARTA Foundation, the appears that action might be taken in the Foundation board asks you to contribute to House before the election or the end of the help us raise the $14,000 needed to fund our year. scholars for 2021. The Foundation is a ARTA Legislative Survey 501(c)(3) so your donations are tax Legislative Survey results are printed as deductible. We encourage you to honor a part of the October meeting packet. The friend on the occasion of a birthday or Forum will allow us to follow-up on issues retirement. It is always appropriate to donate that are unclear. The Legislative Survey in memory of a deceased friend. Donors of results are also located on the ARTA website. $1000 to fund a complete scholarship will Forum have a scholarship named in their honor. All of the Legislative candidates for House With no in-person meetings until at least Districts 45–52, 136, and Senate Districts 14, after this December, it is hard to collect funds. 21, 24, and 25 have been invited several We are depending on you to continue your times. The Forum is non-partisan. ARTA will generous contributions to the Foundation. not as an organization endorse any candidate, Last year, eight of the scholarships awarded and ARTA will positively work with the were funded by our members. It is a fitting winning candidates. way to support students who plan to become TRS Watch teachers. Craig Campbell spoke only for himself at Please complete the ARTA Foundation the TRS Board Meeting on September 18. He donation form following the Newsette to asked questions of the TRS Board about their make your contribution and mail your investment practices with the links to the donation to Linda Harvey, ARTA Foundation ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 4
Scott Burns’ critique of their investment employees who could be eligible for processes, a mention of the Indeed Tower retirement. Mailing lists were made available continuing problems, and the need for an and invitations were sent, either virtually or ombudsman. He mentioned that the highest delivered through AISD school mail. Since paid people in Texas state government that process is not yet currently available, we outside of universities are TRS employees. are exploring alternate ways to share Scott Burns’ critique of TRS investing retirement information. strategy, the following links, and more can It’s especially important now for now be found on the new Legislative individual ARTA members to focus on Information Section on the ARTA website, potential new member recruitment. We can along with results from the ARTA Legislative all share the most up-to-date TRS information Survey of area legislators. on how to navigate the official process for Scott Burns on TRS Fund Investing retirement. Our first opportunity has become Strategy: available through one of the newest features https://couchpotatoinvesting.com/public- that is located on the updated committee tab pensions-in-texas-seeing-the-forest/ that can be found on our ARTA website. It can https://couchpotatoinvesting.com/texas- be accessed through a direct link to the public-pension-funds/ Retirement Education Committee page. https://couchpotatoinvesting.com/the-best- One of the main items addressed in this and-worst-of-texas-public-pension- information is that the TRS counselors will managers/ not be traveling to conduct in-person https://couchpotatoinvesting.com/texas- retirement education seminars. The teachers-retirement-system-pension-fund- guidelines for scheduling a virtual counselor is-it-working-for-teachers-and-taxpayers/ appointment have been updated and specific information on addressing service credit After the election, we will need to be ready questions is also included. to shift into our advocacy role to make sure P.S. Enjoy exploring our updated ARTA that promised positions are supported in website and Facebook page thanks to the governance. fantastic work done by Mary Ann Baker and Craig Campbell Kevin Gillespie. RETIREMENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE Anita Uphaus The Texas Retired Teachers Association MEMBER BENEFITS COMMITTEE (TRTA) Retirement Education Committee The New York Times published an article chair sent a recent notice that, during this September 8, 2020, entitled “A Dentist Sees unsettling time of adapting to the unknown, More Cracked Teeth, What is Going On?” the biggest difference for retirement written by Tammy Chen DDS. To quote from education committees at the local chapter Dr. Chen’s article, “One obvious answer is level will be the presentation of Virtual stress. From Covid-induced nightmares to Retirement Education Seminars. ‘doomsurfing’ to ‘coronaphobia,’ it’s no secret In the meantime, while the seminars are that pandemic-related anxiety is affecting our being developed, our ARTA Retirement collective mental health. That stress, in turn, Education Committee members are exploring leads to clenching and grinding, which can additional ways to reach out to potential damage the teeth.” It seems that a good dental recent retirees and other retired educators insurance plan is a must in our current who are not yet local unit members. situation, as is a good vision plan. With a During recent years, when planning for the variety of plans offered it can be difficult to annual ARTA retirement seminar, we have choose the one plan to meet individual been fortunate to work with Austin ISD preference and needs. This can be stressful, headquarters staff to generate lists of current and, yes, unfortunately lead to teeth ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 5 clenching. As Member Benefits chair I was by-side comparison chart of available dental asked to provide the membership with and vision plans before offering the AMBA information to help in analyzing those plans to the membership. I also emailed the choices. I looked at the TRTA, Humana, and state chair of the Benefits Committee, AARP websites to assess their offerings. Rosalind Haynes, but did not receive a reply. Below you will find web addresses and phone I personally do not endorse any of these plans numbers to these providers that I hope will as I feel each individual must choose the plan give you the information you need to make a or insurance company that best suits their choice that best suits your needs. needs. I hope this informationwill be useful as TRTA members are eligible for the AMBA you comparison shop and will lead to less (Association Member Benefits Advisors) teeth clenching. plans, which offer dental and vision Laura Grayson insurance. Information on these plans was shared at the September ARTA meeting, and INFORMATIVE & PROTECTIVE SERVICES Joe included the flyer received from Evelyn Turn Around, Don’t Drown Leggitt, District 13 Benefits Committee chair, We all know this mantra, but don’t be on the PowerPoint. More information can be tempted that just because the water doesn’t found at the TRTA website. I have included an look that deep internet link for information in this article, or the water isn’t moving that fast www.ambadentalvision.com/trta. If you or I just need to get home prefer to talk to someone you can call 1-844- or I go on this road all the time 242-2017. or my vehicle is not low to the ground Humana also offers several plans, six in or whatever reason you come up with, fact for dental insurance alone. The vision stay off the roads. plan is a single offering. Information on what If you must drive and you encounter a these plans offer and the cost is on the flooded roadway, turn around and go another Humana website at www.humana.com. Once way. If you are caught on a flooded road and on Humana’s main page, click on the “shop waters are rising around you, get out of the plans” drop-down menu. There you will be car quickly and move to higher ground. Most able to click on the dental or vision insurance cars can be swept away by less than two plan for more information. You will be asked feet of moving water. Head for higher to enter the state you live in and your age to ground and stay there. access information on the plans available. If https://www.redcross.org/ you prefer to speak to someone, you can call The Liquidity Card 1-855-832-8335 Monday through Friday Securities Commissioner Travis J. Iles 8AM-9PM Eastern time. entered an emergency cease and desist order AARP also offers dental and vision plans to to stop South African firms from fraudulently its members through Delta Dental and Eye recruiting Austin residents to participate in a Med. Links to information on these plans can cryptocurrency credit card scheme. be found on the AARP website, aarp.org. The order names Lance Angus Jerrard and Once on the AARP main page, click on his companies: Liquidity Gold Trust, Liquidity “member benefits” and it will take you to a Gold Solution LLC, and Liquidity Global Card listing of the different insurance plans offered Solution (PTY) LTD. The order accuses them through AARP. Again, if you prefer to talk to of running advertisements on 590 AM KLBJ someone, call 1-866-583-2085 for Radio, a radio station that broadcasts in information on the Delta dental plan. The Eye Austin, Texas. They are also allegedly Med number is 1-844-243-4584. promoting their scheme through internet Evelyn Leggitt informed me that. as far as websites and social media, such as Facebook, she knew, the state had not generated a side- LinkedIn, and Twitter. ARTA Newsette October 2020 page 6
Their pitch is built on cutting-edge need extra funds or who unexpectedly lost blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. income from substitute teaching need a According to the order, the Liquidity better, safer, and more reliable option. companies are promoting the Liquidity Card, TRTF needs your help to make this dream claiming it is a Mastercard that functions like come true and would like to hire 1,000 tutors a traditional debit card.The Liquidity Card, by October 1, 2020. TRTF is also working to however, works with stablecoins, which are ensure that retirees can earn between $30– cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat money or $40 per hour without TRS penalty concerns. other assets to minimize volatility in price. In This model ensures retirees will be paid this case, the Liquidity Card purportedly directly for hourly sessions. works with USD Coin (USDC), TrueUSD Coin If you are interested in being a paid tutor (TUSD) and PAX Coin (PAX). for the new TRTF Tutor Initiative, please The system only works, however, if the contact TRTF by clicking on this link and Liquidity companies can recruit new filling out a brief form. Be sure to verify your cardholders. They need money to recruit subscription to updates about the TRTF Tutor these cardholders, according to the order; so Initiative. Check your email after you submit they are raising capital from the public and your information and click, “Yes, subscribe specifically targeting Austinites to fund their me to this list.” global marketing campaign. It supposedly The projected launch date for the TRTF launches in October 2020, with the goal of Tutor Initiative is September 2020. recruiting 8 million cardholders in 36 Additionally, ARTA has received several months. requests from families in the Austin area for It’s also fraud, according to the order. either online or at-home teachers and tutors. Please direct inquiries to Joe Rotunda, Please refer to the fall ARTA News for Enforcement Director, at additional details, pay rates, and how to best [email protected] or 512-305-8392 contact these families. www.texasattorneygeneral.gov Joe Ramirez PRESS OFFICE: (512) 463-2050 Gladys Havel RECOGNIZING ARTA’S MILITARY VETERANS I would like to recognize all ARTA members TRTF TUTOR INITIATIVE who are military veterans at the November 13 The Texas Retired Teachers Association regular meeting. Please email a picture of (TRTA) and our charitable 501(c)(3) partner, yourself (preferably in uniform but not the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation required), your branch of service and military (TRTF), want to give you a first look at our rank, areas where you served, dates when you newest endeavor: a program called the TRTF served, and any military honors and Tutor Initiative. distinctions received to [email protected] TRTA and TRTF are giving volunteer by Monday, October 26. leaders premiere access to a program they Veterans will be recognized for their believe represents a monumental change in service in the November Newsette and will be how retired educators can help Texas public featured in a PowerPoint slide during the education. The best part is that any retired meeting. TRS certified schoolteacher can participate Joe Ramirez and earn extra income by becoming an online tutor for public school children. NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH Active teachers need a reliable resource September 15–October 15 has been for their students who need help outside of designated National Hispanic Heritage Month the classroom. Parents and students need to recognize and celebrate Hispanic tutors with Texas accreditation as well as contributions to U.S. society and culture. practical teaching experience. Retirees who ARTA Membership Update from Norma Jost, Membership Chair Fall is in the air (we hope soon!) It is not too late to renew or recruit! We continue to work for TRTA's 100,000-member goal and it is within reach. With ARTA meetings being ZOOM based, the only way to pay dues is through the mail (check or credit card) or online (credit card or PayPal). Please remember ALL retired school personnel are important ARTA & TRTA members as well as noneducators as Associate members. Please stay safe, happy, and healthy and keep all educators in your thoughts! Connect with us at http://www.localunits.org/AustinRTA/ or https://www.facebook.com/TRTA.org/?ref=br_rs
MEMBER FORM: Please Pay dues on time AUSTIN RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (ARTA) Membership/Dues Renewal Membership Year is July 1 through June 30; ARTA/TRTA serves all retired school personnel. Name______Check One: I DO ( ) or DO NOT ( ) want to be contacted by the ARTA Telephone Tree. Check One: I DO ( ) or DO NOT ( ) want my email in the ARTA Yearbook. Check One: Are your dues $15 or $50? o I am paying both my ARTA and TRTA dues together: $50 o This year I am signing up with the ARTA Treasurer for the TRS Payroll deduction for my TRTA dues. I am paying my ARTA dues of $15. Payroll deduction will be $2.92 per month beginning July 1. Contact ARTA Treasurer below ([email protected]) for sign-up details. o I am already a TRTA CONTINUING MEMBER by TRS payroll deduction. I am paying my ARTA dues of $15. o I pay my TRTA dues directly to TRTA. I am paying my ARTA dues of $15.
Dues Total: ______Please note: Your dues are not $65. They are only
$15 or $50, plus $2 if paying by credit card.
If NEW or have any CHANGES to Address, Phone and/or Email, please fill out!
Address______CITY/STATE/ZIP______Phone______E-MAIL______
So Many Payment Options! Option 1: Temporarily not available Option 2: From home - mail this form and check (payable to “ARTA”) to the ARTA Treasurer. Option 3: Online with credit card or PayPal: https://bit.ly/2GZjFMf Option 4: From home - fill out Credit Card info below and mail this form to the ARTA Treasurer (please add a $2.00 service fee to Dues Total). Please charge my: Am. Express Discover Visa Master Card Amount $______(add $2 service fee) Credit Card Expiration ______
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Mail Payment Options 2 & 4 with form to the ARTA Treasurer: Dr. Wayne R. Schade, Treasurer; 16707 Chamonix Terrace; Round Rock, TX 78681-5317 AUSTIN RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION ARTA Foundation Fund
$ ______Date ______(Amount)
FROM: Association Name ______Or FROM: Individual Name ______
Address ______
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In Honor of ______Or In Memory of ______
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SEND CARD TO: Name ______
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======Make check payable to the ARTA Foundation Fund.
Mail your check to: Linda Harvey phone: (512) 762-9908 P.O. Box 143483 email: [email protected] Austin, TX 78714