Fall 2019

Ready, Set ... VOTE! By: Rodney R. Watson

As we move into the final days before state elections, we often reflect on our reasons for voting for a particular candidate. In the case of retirees, we want our elected officials to protect our current Defined Benefit plan guaranteed in our state constitution. As you go into the voting booth you might consider the following quote often attributed to President Lyndon Johnson: “A man without a vote is a man without protection.” How do we make informed voting decisions, and which candidates will protect our cur- rent benefit plan? LRTA annually adopts a list of Legislative Priorities that helps our members focus on issues aimed at benefit- ing and protecting our retirement benefits.

(cont. on page 2) A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

please contact them and ask them to We know that the incumbent governor, respond, sign and return the survey to , has supported ac- our office as soon as possible. A copy of tive and retired teachers through pay the survey is available on page 9 of this raises and opposition to hybrid plans newsletter. You may also contact the that could change our current benefit LRTA state office for additional copies. structure. The governor supports pay- ing down the retirement debt before As a reminder, because LRTA is a private considering retirement reform that nonprofit, we cannot endorse candi- might include hybrid plans within cer- dates. However, we can encourage tain conditions. Ralph Abraham did not members to vote for individuals who respond to the LRTA legislative survey have previously and currently sup- but provided very specific platforms port our best interests. Individual Local to the Council for a Better Units do not fall under the governance (CABL).He believes the current retire- umbrella of LRTA and, therefore, may ment plan is a fiscal burden to the state endorse candidates who have favorably and should be reformed to provide (cont. from cover) responded to our survey. more mobility. This suggests a hybrid Additionally, as each political candi- system, which LRTA strictly opposes date announced their intention to run The five priorities included in the survey for teachers. Research shows hybrid for office, LRTA sent them a survey are as follows: plans produce lower benefits and do consisting of five questions that reflect not foster recruitment and retention our Legislative Priorities. We asked that 1. LRTA opposes any legislation that of teachers. Additionally, Abraham each candidate complete, sign and would alter the defined benefit structure supports an unrestricted constitutional return that survey to our office where of the Teachers’ Retirement System of convention. This means both education we have aggregated their responses Louisiana (TRSL). and retirement could lose constitu- into spreadsheets by voting districts. tional protections. LRTA has opposed 2. LRTA supports Permanent Benefit all proposed constitutional conventions I shared this information with every Increases (PBIs) when the criteria to targeting education and retirement. member at all of the District meetings grant one is met. during the month of September. The To date, we have no other information information that we received at the 3. LRTA opposes constitutional conven- from Eddie Rispone or the other gu- time this document went to press is also tions that would remove budgetary pro- bernatorial candidates. We will update included in this newsletter. A compre- tections for education and retirement. our documents on the LRTA webpage hensive, updated list of all candidates should we receive that information prior can be found on the LRTA webpage 4. LRTA supports the repeal of the Gov- to the election. at www.lrta.net. Click on the popup ernment Pension Offset (GPO) and the icon labeled: “2019 LRTA Legislative Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). Finally, I hope that each of our mem- Survey Results” and scroll through the bers will make a decision to support information related to your LRTA and 5. LRTA supports teacher and support candidates who support our legisla- Voting districts. We update the survey staff pay raises and fully funding educa- tive priorities, regardless of political results daily so that our members can tion though the Minimum Foundation party, so that your vote represents the decide which candidates support our Program (MFP). “protection” needed to preserve our legislative priorities. retirement plan. It’s also important that we have a gov- You will see many candidates have not ernor who supports retired teachers, as responded to our survey request. In we’ve had legislation introduced every the absence of information, we cannot year during my tenure as your Executive inform our membership regarding their Director that was aimed at changing views on retirement. However, it’s not our benefit plan, which could reduce too late to garner their views. If you see our benefits (particularly for new hires). Rodney Watson a candidate within your voting district LRTA Executive Director who has not responded to the survey,

02 Vol. 47, No. 2 Fall 2019 Voting Matters A MESSAGE FROM OUR LRTA PRESIDENT

look at these resources before you go to our membership for devoting a to the polls. It’s very important that portion of their time to LRTA. When we understand where the candidates we all come together for a common stand on issues that could affect re- purpose, we are an unstoppable team. tirees and our benefits in the future. We must always work to MAKE YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS GREAT! Speaking of elections, LRTA will hold its own elections this winter. In Janu- ary 2020, LRTA will mail ballots to eligible members in their member- ship appeal packets. Life Members, Nancy L. Quigley Active Members and Continuous LRTA President Members (members whose dues are auto-deducted) are considered vot- Fall has arrived (even if it doesn’t feel ing members of LRTA. Please note 2019 LRTA Fall Meeting like it yet)! This means the 2019 LRTA that Associate Members and Non- Fall Meeting is right around the corner. Members are not eligible to vote in The schedule for the Fall Meeting is statewide elections. Come on “Down by the Riverside!” Loui- on page 8 of this newsletter and a siana retired educators are invited to registration form is on page 12. If you Eligible members will vote for the attend the LRTA Fall Meeting October attended a fall District meeting, you LRTA President, LRTA First Vice- 21-23. The meeting will take place at the should have received a registration President and LRTA Second Vice- Baton Rouge Marriott at 5500 Hilton form with your meeting materials. President. The Nominating Committee Avenue in Baton Rouge, La. The theme The Fall Meeting will take place at will present a statewide ballot to the is “Celebrating Retirement Down by the Riverside!” the Baton Rouge Marriott October Executive Board on October 21 at the Fall Meeting in Baton Rouge. This bal- 21-23. We have an agenda full of Use the form on page 12 of this news- dynamic speakers and activities to lot, along with candidate biographies and information, will be included in letter to register for the Fall Meeting. keep the excitement going. Make Attendees must pre-register for the pre- your membership packets in January. sure to the join the LRTA Email Club convention banquet by October 11. Al- and like the LRTA Facebook page for though on-site registration is available, more updates. Also, check out the Fall I want to mention some changes for pre-registration will ensure that you will Meeting registration page at the next newsletter. Traditionally, the receive a packet containing your name www.lrta.net/fallmeeting for impor- LRTA Winter Newsletter is eight pages tag and other meeting materials upon tant information on registering and long. This is to ensure the newsletter arrival. reserving hotel rooms. I look forward is folded and stuffed properly in the to seeing all of you “down by the envelopes. You may have noticed a The Baton Rouge Marriott is generously riverside” in just a few short weeks. change in the quality of paper for the offering a special hotel room rate. The last few editions of the LRTA News- rate is $100 per night, plus tax. The cut- letter. The paper used in previous off date for this special rate is October Soon it will be time for the primary 7, unless the hotel sells out prior to this elections for Louisiana. I encourage newsletters is no longer available. The new paper is slightly thicker and date. To reserve a room, call 1-800- all of you to take the time to mail in 228-9290 and ask for Louisiana Retired heavier. Due to production constraints, your ballots or vote at the polls for the Teachers Association. You may also the LRTA Winter Newsletter will be Oct. 12 primaries. LRTA has provided make a reservation online. For more in- good resources in this newsletter and FOUR PAGES moving forward. formation about reserving hotel rooms on the LRTA website (www.lrta.net) to and other Fall Meeting business, visit help you make informed voting deci- This is an exciting but busy time of www.lrta.net/fallmeeting. We hope to sions. I encourage everyone to take a the year for most of our members. see you there! I want to express my appreciation www.lrta.net 03 2019 LRTA LEGISLATIVE SURVEY RESPONSES

LRTA reached out to all candidates running for Governor, State Treasurer, Senate and House of Representatives to gauge their thoughts and opinions on the LRTA Legislative Priorities. LRTA mailed or emailed over 330 candidates and received 97 responses, as of September 13. These responses are listed below. LRTA will post these responses and all other responses received after September 13 on the LRTA website, www.lrta.net. Click on the pop-up at the bottom of the screen to view the results.

Governor

Q1: Oppose Q2: Support Q3: Oppose Constitutional Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate Hybrid Plans PBIs Convention GPO/WEP Education Gov. John Bel Edwards Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (Incumbent) - D

State Treasurer

Q1: Oppose Q2: Support Q3: Oppose Constitutional Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate Hybrid Plans PBIs Convention GPO/WEP Education Derrick Edwards - D Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

House of Representatives

House LRTA Q3: Oppose Q1: Oppose Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate District District Constitutional Hybrid Plans PBIs GPO/WEP Education No. No. Convention James Harper - R 1 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Randall Liles - R 1 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Patrick Jefferson - D 11 10,11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Drake Graves - R 15 10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Charles Henry Bradford - D 16 10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Daryll Berry - D 16 10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Brandon Bergeron - R 18 4 No Yes ? Yes Yes Kevin Bates - R 20 7,9,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Neil Riser - R 20 7,9,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jane Netterville - D 21 7,9 Yes ? Yes Yes Yes Carl Ray Lasyone - R 22 7,8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - R 24 7,8 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Ken’Travius Coleman - D 26 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

04 Vol. 47, No. 2 Fall 2019 Voting Matters House LRTA Q1: Oppose Q3: Oppose Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate District District Hybrid Constitutional PBIs GPO/WEP Education No. No. Plans Convention Sandra Franklin - D 26 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Daryl Deshotel - R 28 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Marcus Johnson - D 28 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ramondo Ramos - No Party 28 7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jim Dore - R 31 5 No Yes No Yes Yes Johnathan Goudeau - R 31 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Dewith Carrier - R 32 6 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Herman Hill - D 32 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Stuart Moss - R 33 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Kevin Guidry - D 34 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Matilda Green Miller - D 34 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Wilford Carter - D 34 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Marion Fox - R 37 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Shalon Latour - R 37 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Phil “Cowboy” Lemoine - D 38 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Taranza Arvie - D 38 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Leslie Bourque - D 43 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Virginia “Ginger” Benoit - R 46 5 Yes Yes ? Yes Yes Dana Dugas- R 48 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes David Levy - D 48 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Ricky Gonsoulin - R 48 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Clayton Voisin - R 51 2,5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes * - R 53 2 NA NA NA NA NA - R 59 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - D 60 2,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Belinda Davis - D 70 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Lori Callais - D 71 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Robert Poole - R 71 3 ? ? No Yes ? “Robby” Carter - D 72 3,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Michael Chatellier - R 73 3 No Yes No Yes Yes Cindy Renee Winch - D 74 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Malinda White - D 75 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes John Mason - R 80 2 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Polly Thomas - R 80 2 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Trey Mustian - D 82 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes James Simmons - D 83 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Rodney Lysons, Sr. - D 87 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

www.lrta.net 05 House LRTA Q1: Oppose Q3: Oppose Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate District District Hybrid Constitutional PBIs GPO/WEP Education No. No. Plans Convention - R 88 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Carling Dinkler - D 91 1 No Yes No Yes Yes Mandie Landry - D 91 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Royce Duplessis - D 93 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Tammy Savoie - D 94 1,2 Yes Yes ? Yes Yes Robin Parrott - D 95 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Marcus Bryant - D 96 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Robert “Bob” Titus, II - I 96 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Aimee Freeman - D 98 1 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Carlos Zervignon - D 98 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Max Hayden Chiz - D 98 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Adonis Expose’ - D 99 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jameel Shaheer - D 99 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Senate

Senate LRTA Q1: Oppose Q3: Oppose Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate District District Hybrid Constitutional PBIs GPO/WEP Education No. No. Plans Convention Edward Price - D 2 2,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Troy Brown - D 2 2,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Joe Bouie - D 3 1,2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Kathleen “Kay” Doody - R 3 1,2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Mack “Bodi” White - R 6 3,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jon Frank Hyers - R 9 1,2 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Daniel Ducote - R 11 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Darrell Fairburn - D 12 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes J. Rogers Pope - R 13 3,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Patricia Haynes-Smith - D 14 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Bob Bell - R 16 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Everett Baudean - Libertarian 16 4 No No No No No Eddie Lambert - R 18 3,4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Brenda Leroux Babin - D 20 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Damon Baldone - R 20 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jerry “Truck” Gisclair - D 20 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - R 22 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jerry Gaspard - D 26 5,6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

06 Vol. 47, No. 2 Fall 2019 Voting Matters House LRTA Q1: Oppose Q3: Oppose Senate LRTA Q1: Oppose Q3: Oppose Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Q2: Support Q4: Repeal Q5: Support Candidate District District Hybrid Constitutional Candidate District District Hybrid Constitutional PBIs GPO/WEP Education PBIs GPO/WEP Education No. No. Plans Convention No. No. Plans Convention Kathy Edmonston - R 88 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Bernard Lebas - D 28 5,6,7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Carling Dinkler - D 91 1 No Yes No Yes Yes Randy Wiggins - R 29 Yes Yes ? Yes Yes Mandie Landry - D 91 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Renee Hoffpauir-Klann - R 30 6,7 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Royce Duplessis - D 93 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Douglas Brown - R 31 7,8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Tammy Savoie - D 94 1,2 Yes Yes ? Yes Yes - R 31 7,8 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Robin Parrott - D 95 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - R 32 4,7,9,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Marcus Bryant - D 96 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Steve May - R 32 4,7,9,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Robert “Bob” Titus, II - I 96 5 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - D 34 7,9,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Aimee Freeman - D 98 1 No Yes Yes Yes Yes Jim Fannin - R 35 7,8,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Carlos Zervignon - D 98 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Matt Parker - R 35 7,8,10 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Max Hayden Chiz - D 98 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes - R 36 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Adonis Expose’ - D 99 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Debbie Hollis - I 37 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Jameel Shaheer - D 99 1 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes John Milkovich - D 38 8,11 Yes Yes Yes Yes ? Greg Tarver - D 39 11 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Important Voting Dates

Early Voting Begins: Sep. 28, 2019 Primary Elections: Oct. 12, 2019 Early Voting Ends: Oct. 5, 2019 Run-off Elections: Nov. 16, 2019 Last Day to Request a Mail Ballot: Oct. 8, 2019 For more information visit: www.GeauxVote.com

District III’s “ Fais Do Do” Madeline Aubert Gex

LRTA District III’s “Fais Do Do” was, as its name implies, a “bon temps” party and a great membership booster. Held on March 8, 2019 from noon until three at Rosaryville Spirit Life Center, it was an afternoon filled with food, festivity, and fun.

As you entered the room, you stepped into an authentic Cajun cabin, complete with an alligator guarding the front door, along with ferns and a pelican. Black and white checkered tablecloths adorned the tables, and a lantern – either black or red – sat in the middle of it, beside a mason jar vase of sunflowers.

Everyone enjoyed the traditional dishes of red beans and rice, jambalaya, salad, and homemade cookies for dessert. Sweet tea or lemonade completed the meal. After lunch were games, prizes, cakewalks, tours of the facility, and dancing. A plethora of door prizes filled every inch of the long prize table. At the adjacent table sat enough cakes for a dozen cakewalks. So as Ed- die Boudreaux and company intermittently stopped their music, folks stopped their walking and hoped to be on the right number to win.

After the trivia games, word games, and cakewalks, some folks went on a tour of Rosaryville, while others stayed and either danced to the sounds of Eddie Boudreaux and his band or just enjoyed their music and jokes.

It was a true “fais do do,” a party where you could just let loose, cher, and “laissez les bon temps roulez.” This event certainly conveyed the “joie de vivre” attitude that is pervasive throughout our “big easy” state, and should always be a part of our lives, especially after retirement.

Thanks to all of our generous donors, to the Rosaryville staff, to our entertainers, to the “fais do do” committee, and to all who attended --- to everyone who made this event not only possible, but successful and memorable.

Next year’s is waiting, just right around the corner!

www.lrta.net 07 LRTA 2019 Fall Meeting Agenda Executive Board

President Nancy L. Quigley Monday, October 21, 2019 [email protected] 10:00 LRTA Foundation Board Meeting Past President 12:30 Registration Opens Bertha H. Breland LRTA Foundation Silent Auction [email protected] 1:00 LRTA Executive Board Meeting First Vice-President 5:30 President’s Reception Janis M. Hernandez [email protected] DAY 1 Second Vice-President Lazette L. Watterson [email protected] Tuesday, October 22, 2019 8:00 Registration / Exhibits District I President Theodore H. George, Sr. LRTA Foundation Silent Auction [email protected] District II President General Session Jerilyn S. Williams 9:00 Opening Ceremonies [email protected] 9:30 Joey David and Ashley Franklin: District III President Louisiana State Museums Alva J. Martin 10:15 Door Prizes and Break [email protected] 10:45 LRTA Foundation Update: Raymond Powell, District IV President LRTA Foundation President Peggy B. Aime [email protected] 11:00 Panel Discussion with the Louisiana Public Schools Coalition 11:45 Door Prizes District V President Celina G. Richard 12:00 – 2:00 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN [email protected] 1:00 – 1:50 Technology Lounge District VI President Wilda P. Chelette General Session [email protected] 2:00 Leea Russell, Director of Education: District VII President Greater Baton Rouge Arts Council Walter T. Rogers 2:45 Amy Wold, Communications Director: [email protected] The Water Institute of the Gulf District VIII President Genevieve A. Gordon 3:30 Unit Challenge Awards: Lazette Watterson, [email protected] LRTA Second Vice-President and State Program Chair District IX President Door Prizes Freddy L. Rivers 3:45 – 4:30 Technology Lounge [email protected] District X President 6:30 Convention Banquet Becky S. Solley Name of Fame Award Presentations [email protected] Rupert E. Breland Award: Presented by Bertha H. Breland District XI President

DAY 2 Jerry E. Paige [email protected] TRSL Board of Trustees: Wednesday, October 23, 2019 Jerry J. Baudin, Ph. D. 8:00 Registration/Exhibits [email protected] 8:00 – 8:50 Technology Lounge James A. Taylor, Sr., J. D., Ph. D [email protected] General Session OGB Board: 9:00 TRSL Update: Dana Vicknair, Director Deborah B. Copeland [email protected] Recognitions/Acknowledgements/Announcements/Door Prizes/Adjourn AARP Louisiana Martha S. Hays DAY 3 [email protected]

08 Vol. 47, No. 2 Fall 2019 Voting Matters LRTA sent the following questions as part of the 2019 LRTA Legislative Survey. LRTA encourages everyone to use this copy of the survey and reach out to candidates in your area who were not listed in the responses on pages 4-7. If you or the candidate has any questions, please contact us at 225-927-8837 or [email protected].

The Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (LRTA) adopts a list of legislative priorities each year. This list contains items that support the granting of permanent benefit increases (PBIs), maintaining the financial integrity of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL), and protecting the benefit structure offered by the retirement system. Although LRTA does not endorse candidates for public office, the as- sociation remains keenly interested in receiving support from elected officials on issues that are important to maintaining and improving the benefits needed to secure dignity and independence in retired life. LRTA would like to obtain your thoughts about five issues that may come up during the 2020 Regular Legislative Session. Please take a moment to respond to the questions below.

Please return the signed survey as soon as possible to the LRTA office. Our mailing address is: 9412 Common St., Suite 5 Baton Rouge, LA 70809. You may also return this survey by fax (225-927-8838) or email ([email protected]). Be sure to include your contact information and your House/ Senate District.

1. LRTA opposes any legislation that would alter the defined benefit structure of the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). During previous legislative sessions, several bills were created to switch the current defined benefit plan provided by TRSL to a hybrid plan. LRTA continues to oppose these bills, such as SB 14 (2018) and HB 28 (2019). If similar bills appeared in future legislative sessions, would you oppose or veto these bills?

______Yes ______No If no, please explain why on the back of this page.

2. LRTA supports Permanent Benefit Increases (PBIs) when the criteria to grant one is met. TRSL benefit recipients have not received a PBI since 2016. Would you support legislation to grant a PBI should TRSL meet the criteria to grant one?

______Yes ______No If no, please explain why on the back of this page.

3. LRTA opposes constitutional conventions that would remove budgetary protections for education and retirement. If constitutional con- vention is proposed in a future legislative session, would you oppose or veto these bills?

______Yes ______No If no, please explain why on the back of this page.

4. LRTA supports the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP). The GPO and the WEP are Social Security federal provisions that reduce retired public employee’s individual Social Security and survivor benefits. Retired teachers in Louisiana are subject to the GPO and WEP. Given the opportunity, would you support the repeal of the GPO and WEP?

______Yes ______No If no, please explain why on the back of this page.

5. LRTA supports teacher and support staff pay raises and adequately funding education through the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP). Do you support teacher pay raises and adequately funding education through the MFP?

______Yes ______No If no, please explain why on the back of this page.

______Signature Date

______Print name House/Senate District Number

www.lrta.net 09 IN MEMORIAM Deceased Retired Teachers Elouise D. Campbell – Baker Frances R. Cormier – Ville Platte Catherine S. Cangelosi – St. Gabriel Betty S. Duplechain – New Iberia June 1 - August 30, 2019 Prestine K. Chatters – Baker Trallis P. Dupre – Krotz Springs District I Darlene L. Reynaud – Destrehan Dorothy F. Christopher – Baton Rouge Cecile Dupuis – Lafayette Mercedes Christopher – New Roads Grace Elias – New Iberia Tina H. Baptiste – Glynn Rivere – Thibodaux Angelina Comminey – Baton Rouge Mary M. Etienne – St. Martinville Elijah Brimmer, Jr. – New Orleans Robert G. Rogers – Thibodaux Wesley M. Crawford – Gonzales Charles J. Faulk – Lafayette W. Alton Bryant, Jr. – New Orleans Earline R. Rome – Cut Off Sonja A. Creer – Plaquemine Donald B. Fontenot – Franklin Evelyn F. Croff – New Orleans Janet R. Smith – Thibodaux Audrey L. Crumpton – Baton Rouge Vertina R. Frank – Opelousas Douglas B. Fowler – New Orleans Meryl R. Thibodeaux – Chauvin Ross P. Daniel, III – Baton Rouge Mary B. Fuqua – Lafayette Martha Barnes Francis – New Orleans Edward J. Thomas, III – Metairie Marvene D. Dearman – Baton Rouge Mary Jean A. Gauthier – Opelousas Carolyn B. Gagliano – Chalmette Clara M. Thompson – Harvey Cathy L. Goslee-Vaughn – New Or- Joan A. Troxclair – Gretna Joyce M. Douglas – Baton Rouge William P. Gil, Jr. – Eunice leans Wilbert Tross, Jr. – Marrero Theresa S. Doyle – Baton Rouge Gertie A. Guillory – Port Barre Patricia P. Green – New Orleans Mary Lucie Vegas – Luling Noreen H. Faulds – Greenwell Springs Veronicle L. Guillory – Lafayette Loyce C. Harris – Avondale Muriel R. Wallace – Houma Gloria Ann Francise – White Castle Mae L. Hebert – Kaplan Joyce B. Henry – Arabi Bobby L. Williams – River Ridge Brenda J. Gautier – Baton Rouge Marilyn J. Hebert – Lafayette Betty Macy Holley – Belle Chasse Ruby F. Gervais – Baton Rouge Gloria F. Hodges – Lafayette Helen Honore – New Orleans District III Everett Gibson – Baker Ann N. Jenkins – Lafayette Rosalie P. Marchand – New Orleans Marvin Allen – Covington Leonard J. Green, Jr. – Baton Rouge Mary R. King – Lafayette Geraldine McCall – New Orleans Patricia A. Anderson – Ponchatoula George J. Guidry, Jr. – Plaquemine Edna P. Landry – Broussard Thelma W. Muse – New Orleans Erin K. Arnold – Walker Joseph V. Guillotte – Baton Rouge Darcie C. Lartigue – Kaplan Minnie L. Newport – New Orleans Mabry Baham – Ponchatoula Shirley J. K. Hammond – Baton Rouge Joseph R. Laviolette – Opelousas Fannie Reddix – New Orleans William Buckalew – Bogalusa Sheridan H. Harris – Baton Rouge Rita E. Leonards – Eunice Margaret W. Russell – New Orleans Frances Y. Burgin – Norwood Syble C. Harris – Baton Rouge Flossie G. Manuel – Ville Platte Marie L. Schoemann – New Orleans Margaret L. Burlew – Pearl River Dorothy B. Haysbert – Baton Rouge Mary A. Martien – Lafayette Phebe C. Sproles – New Orleans William K. Butler – Ponchatoula Susan H. Hoffmann – New Roads Jean McManus – Eunice Zeno W. St. Cyr, Sr. – New Orleans Patricia Carbajal – Abita Springs Judith A. Howell – Baton Rouge Sharon T. Miller – New Iberia Sheila V. Young – New Orleans Velma T. Dunn – Hammond Hattie J. Ingram – Baton Rouge Beverly H. Nash – Lafayette Martha J. Galloway – Covington Sheila R. Joyner – Zachary Janine A. Neck – Lafayette District II Thelma C. Girouard – Slidell Albert D. Kidd – Baton Rouge Jack A. Pratt – Morgan City Haltron Adams, Jr. – Vacherie Lawrence D. Jackson – Hammond Floyd L. Knox – Baton Rouge Marlene Prejean – Lafayette Edna R. Ball – Houma Delores Lawson – Hammond Suzanne Lahaye – Geismar Byrd Lee Richard – Melville Lucy O. Bertucci – Marrero Chungsook Bae Lewis – Bush Huber Lamotte – Baton Rouge Wendy m. Rizzuto – Gueydan Florentine J. Blanchard – Napoleon- Joan H. Long – Slidell Donna C. Ledet – Baton Rouge Johnnie F. Roberts – Breaux Bridge ville Helen M. Magee – Angie Denver T. Loupe – Baton Rouge Catherine M. Singleton – Sunset Verna Mae C. Breaux – Westwego Rayfus Martin – Franklinton Audrey Moncriffe – Baton Rouge Beverly A. Smith – Lafayette Elmo E. Broussard – Lockport Lenora R. McNabb – Greensburg Wade M. Morgan – Jackson Ralph A. Soileau – Lafayette Joy A. Butler – Lutcher Linda G. Miller – Franklinton Betty A. Odom – Baton Rouge Renell L. Taylor – Opelousas Mable A. Byrd – Hahnville Katy M. Morgan – Hammond Stephanie F. Payne – Greenwell Bernice C. Theriot – Centerville Sharey E. Caire – Edgard Annebert B. Ory – Hammond Springs James Waguespack – Breaux Bridge Harrell H. Carpenter – Thibodaux Leo L. Provenzano – Covington Carl E. Porter – Baton Rouge Caroline A. Wayne - Lafayette Gale C. Decker – Luling Carolyn M. Randazzo – Slidell Irvin B. Porter – Sunshine David P. Dumestre – Metairie Jannie Scott Raney – Folsom Edna B. Price – Baton Rouge District VI Kathie D. Folse – Houma Valerie J. Roach – Covington Mickey B. Ratcliff – Gonzales Barbara H. Baird – Lake Charles Anna B. Gleason – Metairie Bernice B. Rougeau – Hammond Alfred L. Robelot – Baton Rouge Betty Ann Carrier – Lake Charles Loretta S. Guidry – Larose Monroe Rougeau – Hammond Eula V. Smith – Baton Rouge George E. Coney – Lake Charles Paula F. Guidry – Lockport Brenda G. Stewart – Hammond Geraldine C. Stephens – Darrow Beaulah E. Cormier – Crowley Helen L. Hebert – Destrehan Tessie B. Strickland – Kentwood Lillie D. Taylor – Clinton Frances T. Doga – Rayne Janice D. Johnson – Houma Helen L. Taylor – Slidell Alice A. Thornhill – Baton Rouge Gerry S. Doyle – Lake Charles Emil W. Joller – Houma Priscilla A. Tircuit – Slidell Rosalie G. Toussaint – Lottie Rene Dubois, Jr. – Welsh Malvin M. Jones – Belle Rose Thelma C. Torregano – Slidell Linda F. Vallet – Prairieville Lynette Fisher – Lake Charles Isaac G. Joseph – Harvey Betty M. Walters – Franklinton Jimmy D. White – Baton Rouge Gail S. Hester – DeRidder Eberial D. McCoy – Gretna Ric L. Watkins - Mandeville John H. Whittaker – Baton Rouge Lorraine S. Ihle – DeRidder Patricia Smith McCraine – Kenner Hazel A. Williams – Baton Rouge Patricia Ann Jones – Lake Charles Carl A. Meyer – Marrero District IV Aolar A. Wilson – Baton Rouge John G. Lambousy – DeQuincy Sharon I. Moore – Westwego Ethel Mae Bailey – Baton Rouge Shirley S. Wilson – Baton Rouge Harriet P. Leday – Lake Charles Antoinette M. Morello – Thibodaux Mona G. Barber – Jackson Katie R. Woodall – Addis Madolyn D. McCoy – Lake Charles Naomi M. Pierce – Metairie William Bouvay, Sr. – Baton Rouge Don W. Palombo – Sulphur Brenda Powell – Houma Rodney L. Braxton – Baton Rouge District V Paul B. Ritter – Moss Bluff Esperanza Ramos – Kenner Thomas Broussard – Baton Rouge Ernest S. Bernard – Lafayette Gertrude M. Savoie – Church Point Pierre Rathle – Thibodaux Gary F. Burnett – Geismar Annie Bruner – Charenton Cynthia P. Smith – Lake Charles

10 Vol. 47, No. 2 Fall 2019 Voting Matters “... THESE IMMORTAL DEAD WHO LIVE AGAIN IN MINDS MADE BETTER BY THEIR PRESENCE”

Judy H. Smith – Morse District IX Floyd A. Pate – Jamestown Betty A. W. Williams – Oxford, MS Shirley M. Streams – DeQuincy Ida M. G. Blackwell – Oak Grove Susan E. Reid – Shreveport Patricia Williams – Knoxville, TN Rose A. Voge – Sulphur Metta G. Blakeney – Pioneer Donnis W. Taylor – Minden John D. Withers, Jr. – Barnstable, MA Susan Annette Webster – DeRidder Dorothy C. Cruse – Delhi Brenda W. Thomas – Keithville Katie G. Wright – Greensboro, NC Charlene M. Whipp – Church Point Christine M. Drane – Oak Grove Doris Warren – Shreveport Doris Anne White – DeRidder Geneva C. Russell – Tallulah Martha S. Williams – Shreveport Helen Wilson – Jennings Edna M. Sanders – Oak Grove Lonnie D. Willis – Keithville LRTA Foundation Earlee D. Young – Lake Charles Marie H. Welch – Oak Grove Donations Robert E. Williams – Delhi Out of State District VII Robert W. Adkinson – Orlando, FL Nancy M. Affeltranger – Pineville District X Basil G. Anex – Seattle, WA Mrs. Anna H. Weidenhaft Effie M. Benoit – Deville Vella M. Armstrong – Bastrop Nova L. Baltzell – Roanoke, VA in Memory of: Claiborne Bertrand – Alexandria Loretta Ashbrook – Monroe Jane L. Bowles – San Antonio, TX Dr. Hugh Craft Maple T. Book – Tullos Valerie Barnum – Jonesboro Laura Caillier – Los Angeles, CA Cynthia M. Bynog – Pineville Lilla D. Brackin – Monroe Alfonso Charles – Seabrook, TX Frank E. Chapman, Jr. – Pollock Silverstein D. Branson – Monroe Fern Christensen – Coppell, TX Mrs. Sue K. Elliott in Phoebe Dupre – Alexandria Elton R. Britt – Dubach Raymond E. Cleveland – Meeker, OK Memory of: Linda F. Durison – Boyce Martha S. Chambless – Sterlington Marcella H. Conley – San Pablo, CA Mildred Taylor McKei- Jolene W. Finlay – Monterey Sylvia J. Duck – Ruston Carlo Dimaio – Rhinebeck, NY then Carolyn R. Greer – Boyce Jettie Feazel – West Monroe Nannie Fitzgerald – Ft. Worth, TX Lena M. Hano – Alexandria Flordy J. Harris – Monroe Lee J. Foster – McKinney, TX Edward & Mary B. Eidt in Gladys M. Hawkins – Ferriday Marguerite A. Hatten – Columbia Wanda L. Gates – Reeds Spring, MO Memory of: Melba Little Eugene H. Hedgecock – Alexandria Jo Ann Hemphill – Homer Jack G. Gilbert – Hillsborough, NC Jewel R. Johnson – Pineville Shirley Henderson – Grambling Jeanette B. Gorham – Allen, TX St. Landry Parish RTA in Jimmie J. King – Olla Bernice O. Hickman – Monroe Amos D. Graham – Houston, TX Walter L. Lemoine – Marksville Dorothy C. Hill – Monroe Robert R. Graves – Austin, TX Memory of: Bernice B. McLemore – Vidalia Frances D. Hood – Monroe Bennie E. Harris – Douglasville, GA Deceased members of Polly L. Miley – Ferriday Maurice W. Johnson – Monroe Betty Lou Hawthorne – Memphis, TN the St. Landry Retired Charles L. Moreland – Monterey Billie J. R. Lamkin – Ruston Carol C. Haynes – Middletown, CT Teachers Association. Yuko B. Myers – Pineville Linda McCurry – West Monroe Yolanda G. Hernandez – St. George, Barbara Jean Nalezinek – Alexandria Nadine Miller – West Monroe UT Dr. and Mrs. James A. Gladys M. Nelson – Clayton Annabel B. Mize – Bastrop Lydia E. Hoffman – Deer Park, TX Juanita H. Norris – Deville Ormond Lee Patrick – Monroe Betty T. Hughes – Tylertown, MS Taylor, Sr. in Memory of: Sandra H. O’Brien – Bunkie Bessie T. Perry – Monroe Theresa O. Johnson – Manvel, TX Sherry Etheridge Caire Barbara Osborne – Anacoco Inez Sanson – West Monroe Patricia Jones – Bethesda, MD Martha Barnes Francis Thelma Shepherd – Pineville Charles R. Smith – Monroe Eleanor Juedes – Chapel Hill, NC Mary Lucie Vegas Lois Y. Vicknair – Alexandria Flora Strittman – West Monroe Donna G. King – Bixby, OK Dorothy P. Wells - Pineville Teresa K. Tarver – Columbia Muriel H. Kolb – Highlands, NC Lynne B. Tynes – Monroe Frances F. Lee – Clinton, MS District VIII Russell W. Vallotton – West Monroe Michael J. Matlock – St. Clair Shores, MI Thank you to our Cheryl C. Adams – Winnfield Herbert D. McCallum – Tylertown, MS generous donors Margaret Ann Averett – Logansport District XI Barbara M. McCarty – Cary, NC Patricia A. Black – Pelican William T. Adams – Shreveport Doris H. McCoin – Aurora, CO Bruce L. Bullock – Natchitoches Jessie Coleman – Shreveport Michael Don McCraney – Picayune, Phyllis D. Cole – Coushatta Mary G. Collins – Haughton MS Please support the Harvey J. P. Cyrus – Dodson Mary H. Conley – Shreveport Maude M. Minnis – Gilbert, AZ Helen C. Elam – Mansfield Lois M. Cook – Shreveport William A. Mulkey – McMechen, WV LRTA Foundation! Pauline Eversull – Natchitoches Ina C. Daniel – Arcadia Altha E. Orr – McKinney, TX Earline F. Gonzalez – Winnfield Joyce Davis – Bossier City Betty Pickett – McKinney, TX Bring an item with you Angela M. Gooden – Logansport Shirley M. Giles – Keithville Mitchell L. Pouncy – Palestine, TX Thomas J. Guess – Natchitoches Harry E. Gilleland – Shreveport Charles Sparks Rees – Austin, TX to the Fall Meeting to Weavie A. Hudson – Mansfield Walter Gunter – Ringgold Gloria W. Roberts – San Diego, CA donate to the Silent Constance M. Johnson – Stonewall Marilyn D. Hearron – Shreveport Robert Roby – Scottsdale, AZ Auction. Edith S. Lucky – Natchitoches Yvonne Hendrick-Lane – Shreveport Krishna B. Singh – Southlake, TX Carol D. McCoy – Natchitoches Mildred K. Holman – Minden Dorothy A. Smith – Houston, TX Claudia A. Miller – Frierson Billy B. Hudson – Benton Sherry G. Smyth – San Antonio, TX For more information, Joe Palmer – Mansfield Cora M. Latson – Shreveport Georgene H. Sullivan – Picayune, MS Nada W. Powell – Florien Connie T. Leach – Bienville Robert L. Sundrud – South Salt Lake, contact Jerilyn Kay Taylor – Provencal Bobby R. Lombardino – Shreveport UT Williams at Johnny Tippy – Florien Elizabeth Mayweather – Shreveport Loretta T. Taylor – Kansas City, MO (985) 513 -2528. Ollie F. Mims – Bossier City Milton W. Tolar – Flowood, MS Lafon W. Monroe – Shreveport Juanita S. Vinet – Cape Girardeau, MO

www.lrta.net 11 LRTA NEWSLETTER NONPROFIT 9412 Common St., Suite 5 U.S. POSTAGE Baton Rouge, LA 70809 PAID Phone: 225.927.8837 BATON ROUGE LA Toll-Free: 888.531.1992 PERMIT NO 317 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lrta.net

LRTA STAFF OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Rodney R. Watson TRSL (Retirement Benefits and Check)...... 225.925.6446 Executive Director Toll-free (outside of Baton Rouge area) ...... 877.275.8775 Renée M. Siccone Office of Group Benefits...... 225.925.6625 Assistant Director Toll-free (outside of Baton Rouge area) ...... 800.272.8451 Ann S. Reed Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) ...... 800.258.7041 Membership Services Coordinator LRTA Office ...... 225.927.8837 Toll-free (outside of Baton Rouge area) ...... Jennifer C. Tran 888.531.1992 Public Relations/Communications Coordinator Fax ...... 225.927.8838

2019 FALL MEETING PRE-REGISTRATION / MEAL RESERVATION FORM

Please use this form to pre-register for the 2019 Fall Meeting in order to expedite registration in Baton Rouge. To make a reservation for the convention banquet on Tuesday, October 22, indicate in the space provided and send a check for the appropriate amount. Each person pre-registering and/or reserving a meal ticket should return a separate form in order to receive a registration packet. Guests may use this form in order to receive a registration packet (photocopies accepted).

Name: ______

Address: ______

City, State, Zip: ______

Telephone: (______)______E-mail ______

____ Attendance only, no fee

____ Number of tickets for Tuesday night Pre-Convention Dinner ($36 per person) = $______(grilled, smoked bone-in pork chop) Total Enclosed = $______

Note: Pre-registration/meal reservations must be received in the LRTA office by October 11. Registration will be available at the meeting; however, meal function tickets are sold by pre-reservation only. No meal reservations will be taken by phone. NO REFUNDS AFTER OCTOBER 16. Mail forms and checks to LRTA, 9412 Common St., Suite 5, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.