11 BEACON STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108-3024 JULY 2021 STRONG LOCAL INVESTMENT RETURNS reliminary local retirement it’s not a surprise that 2/3’rds of our board investment returns Preliminary Reports Show: systems ended up between 12-13%. Pfor 2020 appear to have Most Systems Keep Pace But another positive factor of these been as good as, if not better than, With Or Surpass State returns are at least 22 systems with our state PRIT Fund returns that we returns beyond the PRIT earnings!” reported in our May issue of The earnings between 12% and 13%, Final 2020 investment earnings Voice. gross of fees, with 86 systems over for all 102 local systems will be pro- With 2020 local retirement board 12%, gross of fees. (see chart on vided in PERAC’s Annual Investment investment earnings still being con- page 2) Report later this year. firmed by PERAC (Public Employee In response to these early num- In our last issue we reported that Retirement Administration bers President Frank Valeri stated, our state pension fund, known as the Commission), the early preliminary “This number of systems being in PRIT Fund, which supports all State numbers show most systems gen- the ballpark with the strong PRIT employees and municipal teachers erally doing equally as well as last returns is not only a product of last realized an increase of 12.1% during year’s PRIT return of 12.1%, net of year’s market, but also because 2020. This followed a jump of 16.7% fees. PERAC has indicated some more than half of our systems are in 2019, increasing the net value of 64 local systems have reported all, or mostly investing with PRIT. So, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 u NATIONAL WEP REFORM DRIVE CONTINUES Thousands Join Campaign Demanding Congressional Action coast-to-coast grassroots of current public employees who aligned to get a deal done that brings campaign is now under- will one day be harmed by the relief to current retirees now harmed Away to advocate for the federal law, a growing number of by the WEP, as well as to create a passage of H.R. 2337, Congressman Massachusetts public employee CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 u Richard Neal’s proposal to reform the unions have taken on an active role Social Security Windfall Elimination in supporting Neal’s proposal (see Provision (WEP). list pages 6 & 7). INSIDE THIS ISSUE The bill, filed on April 1, 2021, “I want to thank the has the support of more than 50 state Massachusetts public employee SURVIVOR and national public retiree associa- unions who have endorsed H.R. 2337 BILL SPONSORS tions, unions and retirement advo- for their support and ongoing efforts Pages 10 & 11 cacy organizations. As of June 1, H.R. to help pass this bill into law. WEP 2337 had gained 160 Congressional is just as much an active employee REP. CLAIRE CRONIN cosponsors – including the entire problem as it is a retiree problem,”

Massachusetts delegation. said Association President Frank ASSOCIATION’S With more than 74,000 MA res- Valeri. “With the support of Richie GENESISPage 9 idents currently impacted by the Neal and our Congressional delega- Pages 14,15, & 17

WEP and hundreds of thousands tion, I believe that the stars are now FORMER PRESIDENT RALPH WHITE The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

Strong LOCAL Returns RETIREMENT SYSTEMS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 u 2020 INVESTMENT RETURN RATES (PRELIMINARY SURVEY) 12.01% - 13.00% 65% Under 12.00% 12.01% - 13.00% 13.01% - 15.00% Over 15.00%

Rate of Return Number of Systems* % of Reported Systems* Over 9% 15.00% Under 12.00% 13 13%

13% 13% 12.01% - 13.00% 64 65% Under 13.01% - 15.00% 13.01% - 15.00% 12.00% 13 13% Over 15.00% 9 9%

*These preliminary findings are based upon the 2020 investment returns for 99 of the 102 local retirement systems. A complete report on all systems will be officially issued by PERAC later this year. the PRIT Fund by some $17.6B after systems gain from these excess “If 2021 earnings continue in a paying $3B in State and teacher earnings. similar trend, our COLA initiatives, retiree benefits. “With our investment assump- including our COLA Enhancement for A big part of pension funding tions being pushed lower over the Long Term Career retirees, deserve schedules is based on the “assumed” past several years, these investment very serious consideration,” accord- rates of return. When a schedule earnings have continued to provide ing to Valeri in response to these assumes it will make less, the more the systems with tremendous gains. results. it costs to fund, but when earnings An update will be included in our make more than such assumption, next (September) Voice. PRIT UPDATE

ood news continues will be our guest speaker at the June with PRIT’s strong per- STRONG Tele-Town Hall (see details, p. 7), “In Gformance through this what has been a challenging and year’s first quarter (Jan – March PERFORMANCE volatile year, our strong returns rep- 2021). As our members know from resent both pension security for our the May issue, the PRIM (Pension CONTINUES beneficiaries and also an important Reserves Investment Management) improvement in the finances of the Board reported that the PRIT (Pension INTO 2021 Commonwealth.” Reserves Investment Trust) Fund It’s noteworthy that the state posted a double-digit return of 12.1%, recently lowered the actuarial target net of fees. This return translates into net of fees, on its investments during return to 7.0% for its pension funding a $21B net investment gain during Calendar Year 2020. schedule. There’s no question that the this period, which includes this year’s At its May meeting, PRIM investment returns, being reported first quarter. announced that the Fund’s one-year here, far exceed that threshold, creat- According to PRIM’s Executive performance from March 2020 through ing a very substantial surplus. Director & CIO Michael Trotsky, who March 2021 was an outstanding 30%,

22 July 2021 WEP Reform CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 u

NATIONWIDE PETITION DRIVE GROWING See Details in Text Below new fairer Social Security formula enemy of the good.” the petition. for future retirees. While this petition is digital and “However, the key to our success COAST-TO-COAST PETITION DRIVE exists only on the Internet, mem- hinges on the willingness to com- bers without internet access can still promise. I know that many organiza- Working with the national help by writing or calling your local tions are still focused on full repeal Public Retirees Alliance, which our member of Congress. of the WEP and the Government Association founded in 2019 with the “As an organization, Mass Pension Offset laws. Until recently, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Retirees has been fighting the WEP that was the position of Mass Mass Retirees began a nationwide law since it was first created by Retirees as well. Unfortunately, the petition campaign aimed at pass- Congress in 1983. I’ve personally reality is that after 38 years of failed ing H.R. 2337 this Congressional been involved in every effort to either attempts at full repeal it is clear that session. The bill would increase the repeal or reform the WEP since com- the national support does not exist. monthly Social Security benefit of a ing to work for the Association in retiree now impacted by the WEP up 1994. Over the past 27 years, one of to $150 ($1,800 annually) indexed to the biggest challenges we’ve faced is inflation. The proposal also changes not being able to identify or directly the Social Security formula for those communicate with the retirees out- not yet eligible for a benefit to create side of Massachusetts who are also a fairer calculation that is based on harmed by the WEP,” explains Mass employment under Social Security Retirees CEO Shawn Duhamel. “The vs. employment not covered by internet and social media are prov- Social Security. ing to be game changers. We can “The most viable path forward Since the digital petition was now find the other organizations to bring relief from the WEP is launched on May 14, more than 7,000 with an interest in WEP reform and to focus on passing a reform bill, public retirees and active employ- such as H.R. 2337.” speak directly with them. They can ees from all across the country also find us, which is exactly what SHAWN DUHAMEL have signed on to “Tell Congress to MASS RETIREES CEO our allies in Los Angeles County did pass Social Security WEP Reform!”. last winter. Our various groups are “As I have said in the past, we Within Massachusetts alone, more than 3,500 retirees put their name to cannot allow the perfect to be the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 u

3 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee 2021-2022 LEGISL ATIVE PROGRAM BILL NUMBE RS ASSIGNED TOM BONARRIGO LEGISLATIVE CHAIRMAN

who are 65 or over and not Medicate ith the Public Service Committee gear- eligible, into Medicare by July 1, 2023 ing up for the current session, we can report that all of our bills in the Mass W 5. LOCAL WITHDRAWAL Retirees 2021-2022 Legislative Program, have been FROM GIC. assigned a bill number. More details on each bill H2660 (Rep. Tom Golden) were provided in the March Voice. Extends from December 1 to “We’ll be testifying on each of them when they March 1 the date by which a local come up for a hearing,” according to Legislative government must notify the Chairman Tom Bonarrigo. “Throughout the current GIC that it will be withdrawing from session, we’ll also be offering testimony on other the state insurance program on retirement bills before Public Service, or possibly the upcoming June 30. another committee, that we believe could have a significant impact on retirees and their families.” 6. GIC COMPOSITION Updates on bill status will be reported here in S1713 (Sen. ) The Voice, as well as our weekly videos, 24-Hour Creates a seat on the GIC to be filled by the Mass Hotline or website. Retirees president or a designee.

INSURANCE COST-OF-LIVING 7. STATE & TEACHERS’ COLA BASE 1. RAISE STATE BASIC LIFE INSURANCE COVERAGE S1765 (Sen. Marc Pacheco) S1676 (Sen. ) & & H2664 (Rep. Danielle Gregoire) H2708 (Rep. John Lawn) Increases the State/Teachers’ COLA Base from Increases basic life insurance for state retirees $13,000 to $16,000 incrementally with Triggering from $5,000 to $10,000. Mechanism for future increases. 2. GIC OUT-OF-POCKET MAXIMUM 8. COLA ENHANCEMENT FOR LONG-TERM H2719 (Rep. John Mahoney) “CAREER” RETIREES Reduces the current maximum out-of-pocket S1677 (Sen. Brendan Crighton) costs that a GIC retiree must pay from $5,000/$10,000 Increases by $150 or $250 the annual COLA for to $2,500/$5,000. retirees who satisfy certain thresholds regarding their 3. LOCAL RETIREE INSURANCE PROTECTION years of retirement (10 & 15 yrs) & creditable service S1712 (Sen. Paul Feeney) (at least 20 yrs) and pension amount (below average & H2613 (Rep. Mike Day) pension). Requires that increases in the retiree premium 9. COLA FINANCING percentage be applied prospectively to retirees who H2607 (Rep. Mark Cusack) retire on or after the increase is implemented. Creates COLA Reserve Fund in which a portion of 4. GIC MEDICARE BUY-IN PROGRAM pension investment returns may be deposited, based H1281 (Rep. Brad Jones) on a formula, to address future COLA liabilities. Requires the GIC to transfer its retiree enrollees,

4 July 2021 2021-2022 LEGISL ATIVE PROGRAM BILL NUMBE RS ASSIGNED

See State Budget Update

PENSIONS Page 8

10. RELIEF FOR PRE-JULY 2004 OPTIONS (b) & (c) RELIEF (b) Retention of Coverage: Allows survivors to H2659 (Rep. Tom Golden) remarry and continue their coverage if certain condi- Recalculates, with updated tions are satisfied. mortality table, the pensions of those who retired prior to 7/1/04, 15. EXTEND VOTE TO SURVIVORS IN BOARD when the updated table was imple- ELECTIONS mented, and chose Options (b) & (c), H2601 (Rep. Claire Cronin) and adjusts their pensions prospectively. Extends the right to vote in retirement board elec- tions to surviving spouses who are receiving a pension.

11. POST RETIREMENT PUBLIC SERVICE H2606 (Rep. Mark Cusack) Increases from 960 to 1,200 hours the restriction VETERANS on the number of hours that retirees who resume pub- lic service can work. 16. VETERANS’ BONUS S1794 (Sen. ) 12. ESTIMATED FIRST PENSION PAYMENT & H2749 (Rep. Jerald Parisella) H2748 (Rep. Jerald Parisella) Increases the Annual Vets Bonus from $300 to $1,000. Requires an estimated pension payment be issued if a first full pension payment cannot be made within 17. EXTEND DEFINITION OF VETERAN FOR VETS prescribed time frame. BONUS S1795 (Sen. John Velis) SURVIVORS Extends the expanded definition of veteran to those, with the requisite non-wartime or National Guard duty and retired on a superannuation retirement before 13. INCREASE IN OPTION (D) MINIMUM PENSION 8/26/04, in order to receive the veterans bonus prospec- S1723 (Sen. ) tively – Local Option. Increase from $6,000 annually for state and teach- ers – $6,000 or $3,000 for local – to $9,000 – Local Option. DISABILITY PENSIONS 14. SURVIVOR INSURANCE S1766 (Sen. Marc Pacheco) 18. ORDINARY DISABILITY MINIMUM: & H2615 (Rep. Marjorie Decker) S1680 (Sen. Brendan Crighton) Establishes a minimum amount of benefits for ordi- (a) Minimum Contribution by Local Governments: nary (non-work related) disability retirees equal to the Requires local governments to pay at least 50% of disability benefits paid to a Massachusetts resident insurance premium. under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program.

5 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

WEP Reform ENDORSEMENTS OF THE PUBLIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 u SERVANTS PROTECTION & FAIRNESS no longer working alone, which will ACT OF 2021 (H.R. 2337) hopefully make all the difference. “To be honest, having not done NATIONAL GROUPS: this before we did not know what to 1. Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) expect when we launched the peti- 2. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) tion drive. Within an hour of kick- 3. Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) off, several hundred Mass Retirees 4. International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) members had already signed. From 5. International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) there the numbers rapidly grew, 6. National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) especially once other retiree groups 7. National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) throughout the country began to 8. National Association of Retired ASCS/FSA Office Employees (RASCOE) share it with their own members. 9. National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) It there is one thing that makes our 10. National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM) efforts in 2021 different than any other year it’s the fact that we now 11. National Conference of State Social Security Administrators (NCSSSA) have this very active network work- 12. National Education Association (NEA) ing together to get a deal done.” 13. National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) 14. Public Retirees Alliance NEXT STEP: 15. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) CONGRESSIONAL OUTREACH 16. Social Security Works 17. United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA) In recent years, many Mass Retirees members have routinely CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 u contacted their local member of Congress in support of WEP reform. member of Congress stands on the issue. Retirees in those districts then However, with a few notable excep- have the information they need to act on their own behalf.” tions, that type of advocacy does not regularly occur within many of the “Right now, we have a fairly wide bipartisan consensus in Congress that other states with heavy retiree pop- the WEP law is unfair and should be reformed. We have a compromise bill ulations impacted by the WEP. filed by the Chairman of Ways and Means (Neal) that stands a reasonably The goal of the petition drive good chance of passing both the House and US Senate – which is no easy was to reach those retirees and task in 2021,” said Association Legislative Chairman Tom Bonarrigo. “What active employees with a shared is needed is a strong national push by individual retirees and public employ- concern about the WEP and inform ees, along with their local organizations, to tell Congress to get a deal done. them of what our coalition is work- From my many years of working on Beacon Hill, I can say with absolute ing toward achieving through H.R. certainty that direct contact from members of the public makes every bit 2337. In most cases people who take of difference in terms of which issues are a priority and which fall by the the time to sign a petition are also wayside.” the most likely to become directly involved in a cause. In this case the shared cause is to pass WEP reform. “Technology not only makes it possible for us to find and engage If your Social Security benefit has been reduced by the WEP, with people impacted by the WEP, but also to help them more eas- we ask that you please take a moment to contact your local ily contact their local member of member of Congress. Ask them to support WEP reform and Congress in support of H.R. 2337,” continued Duhamel. “We are able to make it a priority to passage this Congressional session. identify the local Congressional dis- trict for each of the 7,000+ petition signers, as well as track where each

6 July 2021 UPCOMING TELE-TOWN HALL MEETINGS

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and public health protocols, Mass Retirees has now held more than 15 Tele-Town Hall meetings.

JUNE 25, 2021 FEATURING: (Friday) AT 1:00PM SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER PRIM BOARD PENSION RESERVES INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT BOARD HOW TO PARTICIPATE ADVANCE NOTICE: ANNUAL MEETING AUTO-CONNECT: At the time of the event Mass SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 @ LANTANA, RANDOLPH : Retirees members will receive a call from 833-491-0336. Simply answer the call and Our 2021 Annual Meeting, the first in-person remain on the line to join the meeting. meeting since March 2020, will be held on Friday, September 17 at 11:00 AM at the Lantana, DIALING IN: Mass Retirees members can also directly dial into the tele-town hall meetings, 43 Scanlon Drive, Randolph. at the time of the event, by calling 833-491-0336. Complete details will be in the September MICHAEL TROTSKY Voice and on our other media outlets. PRIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CIO WEP Reform CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 u

STATE AND LOCAL GROUPS – MASSACHUSETTS: STATE AND LOCAL GROUPS – TEXAS: 18. Mass Retirees 36. Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) 19. AFT-Massachusetts 37. Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) 20. Massachusetts Coalition of Police (Mass COP) 38. Texas State Teachers Association 21. Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union (MCOFU) 22. Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES) STATE AND LOCAL GROUPS – LOUISIANA: 23. Massachusetts Teachers Association 39. Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police (LACP) 24. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) 40. Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT) 25. Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts (REAM) 41. Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA) 26. New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA)

STATE AND LOCAL GROUPS – CALIFORNIA: STATE AND LOCAL GROUPS – OTHER STATES: 27. California Teachers Association 42. Colorado Education Association 28. California Teachers Association/National Education 43. Illinois Education Association Association—Retired 44. Illinois Federation of Teachers 29. Los Angeles County Employees Retirement 45. Kentucky Education Association Association (LACERA) 46. Maine Education Association 30. Oakland Police Officers’ Association (OPOA) 47. National Education Association—Alaska 31. Police Officers Research Association of California 48. National Education Association—Rhode Island (PORAC) 49. Ohio Education Association 32. Brentwood Police Officers’ Association 50. Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) 33. Foothill-De Anza Community College District Police 51. Western States Sheriffs’ Association Officers Association 52. Maine Association of Retirees (MAR) 34. Richmond Police Officers Association 35. Vallejo Police Officers’ Association

7 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee LOOKING BACK 10TH ANNIVERSARY Municipal Health Insurance Reform

uring the spring and employees to have a role in bargain- early summer of 2011, ing or negotiating high quality and Dour Association was fully affordable health insurance bene- engaged in a knock-down, drag-out fits at the local level of government. battle over the future of municipal Municipal leaders and some legisla- retiree health insurance. In recent tors fought to end bargaining rights editions of The Voice, we have writ- over health insurance and grant local ten about the months-long process governments complete control over to negotiate what became Chapter health plan design and rate setting. CHAPTER 69 SIGNED INTO LAW: GOVERNOR PATRICK AT PODIUM 69, Acts of 2011. While allowing for some WITH THEN PRESIDENT RALPH WHITE, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON SHAWN DUHAMEL AND CURRENT LIAISON NANCY MCGOVERN TO HIS RIGHT. We have also chroni- changes in the collective bargain- cled the direct contributions of ing process, the resulting law cre- Retirees appoints the only local Congresswoman Katherine Clark, ated new protections for retirees retiree representative. US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and established a legal structure by An unintended, but long-last- and IAFF President Ed Kelly – each of which cities and towns are forced to ing outcome of the fight in 2011 has whom stood with our Association in follow should they desire to imple- been the continued close collabora- support of retirees’ rights during this ment certain changes to healthcare tion between our Association, the very contentious legislative fight. benefits. One such change is the fur- MA AFL-CIO and public employee What was at stake was the right ther growth of local Public Employee unions on healthcare and public of municipal retirees and active Committees (PECs), on which Mass CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 u FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET CLEARS HOUSE AND SENATE CHAMBERS MOVES ON TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

pril and May in the both the House and Senate versions members’ COLAs become a perma- Commonwealth usu- contained positive news for retirees. nent part of the pension benefit and Aally indicate a turning First, both versions included a 3% can never be taken away. point towards warmer weather and COLA for eligible State and Teacher The same law applies at the longer days. However, this spring retirees for FY22. The budgets also local level, where the annual COLA more important milestones were included full funding of the Group is approved by the local retirement reached in the state’s recovery from Insurance Commission. This means board and funded through the local the COVID-19 pandemic. With infec- that there will be no changes in ben- retirement system. Increases to the tion numbers down and vaccination efits for this coming fiscal year. local COLA base (now ranging from rates on the rise, the state moved to Approval of a 3% COLA for FY22 $12,000 to $18,000) are approved by new phases of reopening, and life will mark the 23rd consecutive year the retirement board, as well as the has slowly started to return to nor- of continuous COLA growth since local legislative body (city council, mal. That is no exception when it the passage of the landmark COLA town meeting, county commission, comes to the Fiscal Year 2022 budget reform law, Chapter 17, Acts of 1997. regional retirement board advisory process. While restricted to a base amount council, etc.). The House and Senate returned due to the requirements of the pub- The House budget also included to a normal budget cycle for fiscal lic pension funding schedule, all language that would impact the post year 2022, with the House complet- Massachusetts COLAs are cumu- retirement work hours restriction. ing their process in April and the lative in nature. This means that Working with Representative Mark Senate in May. Like the Governor’s unlike a one-time bonus payment or Cusack (D-Braintree) and House budget that was filed in January, 13th check paid by some states, our CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 u

8 July 2021 RETIREMENT BOARDS ELECTIONS & APPOINTMENTS

Adams - The Adams Retirement Essex Regional Retirement system. Greenfield – After serving many Board reappointed Beth Matson The other Board members include, years as the Mayor’s appointment, as their 5th member for her sec- Kevin Smith, Carol Augulewicz, retired Town Accountant Betty Rice ond term. Beth Matson is also the Bryant Ayles, and retired Fire Chief decided to step down from the board administrator for the North Richard Pierce*. The retirement Greenfield Retirement Board. Mayor Adams Board. Also, with an open administrator is Barbara Wells. Roxann Wedegartner has appointed elected seat, Ms. Essex Regional – The Essex former Retirement Administrator Holli Jayko was Regional Retirement System’s chief Greenfield Marianne Fiske. Other unopposed and executive officers from each local members on the Board include the Board declared unit elected Andrew Sheehan, the Angelica Desroches, retired fire- her elected. Ms. Middleton town manager to serve fighter,William Devino*, Kyle Phelps Jayko holds the as the Essex Regional Retirement and Frances Stotz. Greenfield retire- position of director System’s first member. Otherment administrator is Shari Hildreth. of the Free Library Board members include H. Joseph Holyoke – Interim Mayor Terry HOLLI JAYKO ADAMS with the Town of Maney*, retired Lynnfield town Murphy appointed retired Auditor Adams. The other administrator, Susan Yaskell, Kevin Brian Smith as the Mayor’s appoint- Board members include: Mary Merz and Vincent Malgeri, Esq., ment to the Holyoke Retirement Beverly*, Patricia Wol, and George who also serves as assistant direc- Board. The other members serv- Haddad. The Board administrator is tor at the Newburyport Retirement ing on the Board with him are Cheryl DeMarisco. Board. Charles “Chuck” Kostro is Tanya Wdowiak, John McCarthy*, Andover – After the Board of the Board’s executive director. Anthony Dulude and Michele Aubrey Selectmen’s first appointment to Fairhaven – Retired Firefighter CPA. The Board’s executive director the Andover Retirement Board was Wally Therrien was unopposed for is Cheryl Dugre. rejected by PERAC because of a con- his second term and the Fairhaven Medford – Mayor Breanna flict of interest with the candidate’s Retirement Board declared him Lungo-Koehn reappointed retired business employment, Mr. Blackwell re-elected. Other Board mem- City Councilor Robert Maiocco as Taylor, an energy consultant, was bers declaring him elected were her representative on the Medford appointed as their representative on Anne Carreiro*, Mark Rees, Joyce Retirement Board. In addition the Board. The other members on Shepard and Alfred Robichaud. The Board members reappointed retired the Board include Hayley Green*, retirement administrator is Mary MDC Director of Human Resources. Gary Coon and Elena Kothman, who Sturgeon. James Vieira to also serves as the executive direc- Falmouth – With a unani- his eighth term as tor to the Board. Long-time Board mous vote of the four members of 5th member. The member retired Fire Lieutenant, the Falmouth Retirement Board, Board members Jim Cuticchia recently resigned and they reappointed Ellen Philbin to making Jim’s reap- there will be an election to fill his her fourth term as their 5th mem- pointment were seat in June – July. ber. Ellen also serves as the exec- Robert Maiocco, Beverly – The utive director of the Cambridge Aleesha Nunley- JAMES VIEIRA Beverly Retirement Retirement System. Board members MEDFORD Benjamin, retired Board reappointed voting to reappoint were Jennifer Fire Captain Rick Charles Kostro to Mullen, Taunton Retirement Board Jordan* and retired Deputy Fire his second term as Executive Director Paul Slivinski, Chief, Patrick Ripley. The Retirement their 5th member. retired Firefighter Russell Ferriera* Administrator is Mark Minervini. Mr. Kostro also and Craig O’Malley. Francis X. Methuen – After a diligent CHARLES KOSTRO serves as the execu- Germaine III is the Board’s retire- BEVERLY tive director for the ment director. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 u

9 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

LEGISLATVE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS During the 2021-2022 Legislative Session, we will be running a special series highlighting one of our legislative priorities in The Voice. Here we are taking a SpecialSERIES: closer look at our legislation for Surviving Spouses. SURVIVING SPOUSES ALWAYS A FOCUS FOR MASS RETIREES

t its core, Mass Retirees One of the Association’s first remarried. (Note: Option (c) sur- believes that surviving legislative achievements was the vivors were never subject to the Aspouses are of para- 1971 law (Chapter 791) that signifi- penalty.) mount importance, deserving equal cantly reduced healthcare costs for “While these laws directly status within the ranks. These mem- state survivors. It did so by requiring impact survivors, let’s not forget that bers are entitled to the same level of that the state pay 50% of the health we’ve enacted other important leg- attention and services provided to insurance premium for its survi- islation that benefits both survivors their deceased spouse. vors. Before then, the state contrib- and retirees,” continues McGovern. And our commitment to survi- uted absolutely nothing. Ed Note: “For example, there is our landmark vors extends to the Association’s Currently the state is paying 90% of COLA Law (Chapter 17) that has Legislative Program. “Just take a survivor’s premium. Percentages enabled the state and local retire- a look at our 2021-2022 Program vary at the local level. ment systems to pay a COLA to sur- (March Voice),” comments Since then, Mass Retirees has vivors, as well as retirees, for some Legislative Liaison Nancy McGovern. succeeded in: twenty-three years. “It contains four major proposals • Increasing, over time, the “But Mass Retirees never rests that directly benefit survivors and minimum pensions paid to certain on past accomplishments, with sur- are highlighted here. widows and surviving spouses, vivors always a focus. As we see “But promoting and enacting including those whose spouse died it, we’ve assembled an excellent legislative initiatives for survivors is while still working (known as Option group of experienced sponsors for nothing new. In fact, Mass Retirees our survivor bills. All are longstand- (d) survivors), and has been at the forefront of survivor ing Association friends, and we look • Eliminating the “remarriage legislation for over 52 years – since forward to working with them to penalty” that took away the pen- its very start in 1968.” achieve success.” sions of survivors when they ASSOCIATION INITIATIVES SEEKING A BETTER RETIREMENT FOR SURVIVORS uilding upon the successes Currently, upon the death of an Association. SB1766 and HB2615- noted above, we have filed active employee outside of work, Survivor Health Insurance filed by Btwo pieces of legislation their spouse may be entitled to an Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) that would expand upon the Option Option (d) survivor pension, which is and Representative Marjorie Decker (d) benefit and address remain- similar to survivor benefits afforded (D-Cambridge) would address ineq- ing inequities in survivor health under Social Security. Currently, the uities for survivors at the local insurance. minimum Option (d) pension for level and those who may chose to Filed by Senator Cindy Friedman state/teacher survivors is $6,000, remarry. (D-Arlington), SB1723-Increase in while the amount can be either The first section of the legislation Option (d) Minimum Pension would $3,000 or $6,000 depending upon the would implement a minimum contri- increase the Option (d) minimum local retirement system. bution rate for survivors at the local from $6,000 to $7,500 for state/ Ensuring access to quality afford- level. Currently there are local gov- teacher survivors, with an option for able health insurance benefits has ernments that make no contribution local systems to do the same. long been a cornerstone issue for our CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 u

10 July 2021 SURVIVOR BILL SPONSORS survivor. Our bill reflects impact survivors is HB2601-Extend “As we see it, we’ve assembled an the Commission’s rec- Vote to Survivors in Retirement ommendation for a min- Board Elections and it was filed by excellent group of experienced sponsors imum 50% contribution House Majority Leader Claire Cronin for our survivor bills.” by a community to a (D-Easton). The legislation would LEGISLATIVE LIAISON NANCY McGOVERN survivor’s premium. extend the right to vote for the In addition, the two third and fourth elected members bills would do away in retirement board elections if they with the “remarriage are receiving a retirement allow- penalty” when it comes ance from one of the 104 retirement to health insurance. systems. Mass Retirees has always All survivors, insured supported the fundamental princi- by the state (Chapter ple that stakeholders should have 32A) or locally (Chapter a voice in the decisions impacting SEN CINDY FRIEDMAN SEN MARC PACHECO 32B) can continue their their retirement, including the elec- (D-ARLINGTON) (D-TAUNTON) health insurance cover- tion of those who sit on their retire- age but forfeit it when ment board. That principle is being they remarry. Our bill applied once again with this legisla- would allow survivors tion that has the distinction of being to remarry and con- introduced for the first time by us tinue their coverage and to our knowledge, the first time upon showing that ever. they are not eligible for The legislation is currently any other group health before the Joint Committee on REP CLAIRE CRONIN REP MARJORIE DECKER insurance coverage Public Service, and we are waiting (D-EASTON) (D-CAMBRIDGE) except for Medicare. If for the committee to schedule public enacted, this proposal hearings for the legislation. Our leg- to the premium paid by a survivor. would place the health insurance islative team, headed by Legislative As part of its 2012 report, the Special law in parity with the survivor’s pen- Chairman Tom Bonarrigo, will be Commission on Retiree Healthcare sion retention law. working to advance the legislation recommended that communities pay The final bill in our 2021-2022 during this session. at least 50% of the premium paid by a legislative package that would UPCOMING HIGHLIGHT September Voice A CLOSER LOOK AT MASS RETIREES COLA INITIATIVES

kept tighter when it came to includ- final version and each branch votes State Budget ing policy changes in outside sec- before it is sent to the Governor. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 u tions of their budget. The House It should be noted that the lan- language will be part of the work guage included in the House budget leadership, the House unanimously done by the conference committee. does not address the expiration of voted to include an amendment that Mass Retirees will continue to work the special waiver for retirees work- would increase the post retirement with both amendment sponsors ing in public service that will be in work hours from 960 to 1200 annu- through the conference committee effect until the state of emergency ally. The increase from 18.5 hours to process with the goal of successfully expires on June 15th. Mass Retirees 23 hours per week brings it more in increasing the allowable hours. is working with House and Senate line with traditional part-time work. The conference committee, leadership to secure an extension While Senator Michael Brady which includes both House and of the waiver through December 31, (D-Brockton) did file an amendment Senate members, including the 2021. Extending the waiver will allow to the Senate budget to include the Chairs of Ways and Means, work for a cleaner transition for retirees, same language, the language was through the differences in each employers and retirement boards. not included in the Senate version. version. The committee files the This year the Senate process was

11 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee MEDICARE BUY-IN

Fall River Becoming Program’s Largest Community

ince our most recent Association staff have been with a New Jersey-based firm, report (January Voice), working on this with Bob Camara, called Retiree First, implementing Swe’ve learned that the our designee on the Fall River PEC the program for the city. “With the City of Fall River will be enrolling its (Public Employee Committee) that other communities, we’ve seen non-Medicare retirees, who are 65 negotiates health insurance with Medicare Buy-In being implemented or over, into the federal insurance the city. “I’m already enrolled in with the help of either Blue Cross plan this July. Fall River will be join- Medicare and have had a good or MIIA (Massachusetts Interlocal ing with the other seven commu- experience with my coverage,” Insurance Association). But that’s nities that we listed in the January comments Bob. not the case with Fall River,” reports report. “There were some kinks with Association Legislative Liaison According to the Association’s the prescription drug coverage, but Nancy McGovern. “There’s a new- CEO Shawn Duhamel, “Fall River they were ironed out. I’m confident stands out as the largest commu- that my fellow retirees will have an comer for us in this endeavor – a nity to implement Medicare Buy-In. experience similar to mine once company called Retiree First. With over 170 city retirees being they’re enrolled. As their PEC desig- “We’ve checked with our enrolled in Medicare this July, it nee, I’ll make sure of that.” sources and as far as we know, Fall surpasses who had been the leader It’s been estimated that the River may be the first community – New Bedford. Buy-In Program will save Fall River that retained Retiree First to imple- “This is good to see for this some $1.2 million in its health insur- ment the Buy-In. So far, it seems to reason. When Ware started the ance program. “This shows that we be working smoothly. program in 2016 with some 15 can work with our officials to reduce “We know that Bob (Camara) non-Medicare retirees, there were costs while maintaining quality will be closely watching develop- questions raised whether it could insurance coverage for our retirees ments there on the ground. This is be implemented in larger cities or and survivors,” continues Camara. a major step for these retirees, and towns. it’s critical that they are at ease with “Well, New Bedford dispelled RETIREE FIRST: “NEWCOMER FOR US IN the transition over to Medicare.” some of that doubt. And Fall River THIS ENDEAVOR” demonstrates even more that it may Besides being the largest, Fall be possible with a larger group of River also has another distinction retirees who need to be enrolled.” UPDATE: MORE MIIA TOWNS COMPLETE MIGRATION

Fall River is not the only one that decided to implement the Medicare Buy-In Program this year. Its retirees will be joining with those from seven other Mass. communities as Medicare enrollees beginning this July. They are:

Amherst Dracut Lunenberg Walpole Cohasset Lee Mansfield

Members may recall that at the “newly enrolled” retirees. Interlocal Insurance Association). It end of last year, we first reported It should be noted that all seven is not only the state’s largest health on the seven. Despite the pandemic communities provide health insur- insurance pool for local govern- they have been able to complete the ance to their retirees and employ- ments but also the leader in imple- migration into Medicare of some 120 ees through MIIA (Massachusetts menting the Buy-In Program across

12 July 2021 GIC RETURNS TO BEACON HILL AFTER 38 YEAR HIATUS ne little noticed change 38 years. that that is about to hap- “Brutalist” Hurley Designed by famed architect Paul Open is the decision by the Rudolph, the Hurley Building is an State’s Group Insurance Commission Building Had Been example of what is known as “bru- (GIC) to move its offices from the talist” or concrete modernist design. Charles F. Hurley Building to Home Since 1983 Boston City Hall, which pre- the John W. McCormack State dates the 50-year-old Hurley, is Office Building. another example of this type of Created in 1955, with the architecture that was popular first health insurance coverage in the 1960s and 70s. In mod- issued as of January 1, 1956, ern times, this design style the GIC was originally housed has been the focus of intense within the State House. A decade debate between those who feel later, the agency re-located the buildings are unattractive, to the Ford Building, located impractically designed and out adjacent to the State House at of place in a historic setting 15 Ashburton Place – the loca- such as Boston and those who believe the buildings should be tion of the current McCormack CHARLES F. HURLEY BUILDING Building. preserved. Just five years later in 1971, The state’s plans to lease the GIC would once again relo- the 241,000 sq. foot Hurley cated in order to make way for Building and adjacent 3.25 the construction of the new state acres of valuable downtown office building. This time the Boston real estate for redevel- GIC’s offices were split between opment precipitated the GIC’s two locations near North need to relocate back to the Station. The primary offices McCormack Building after the were located at 89 Causeway 38-year hiatus. Street, with a secondary offi- “First off, I want to thank cer adjacent to the old Boston and commend Cheryl Stillman JOHN W. McCORMACK BUILDING Garden in what was then the and Martin Foley for their insti- Hotel Manger building. Hill was short lived. In 1983 the tutional memories. Both were Five years later, the GIC returned important state agency moved to career GIC employees, with both to the brand-new McCormack build- the 4th floor of the Hurley Building, a having started in 1968 in 1971,” said ing. However, the return to Beacon space it would call home for the next CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 u

Discussions With GIC Continue the Commonwealth. governments alike.” continue, hopefully to a successful According to CEO Shawn That belief prompted our push to conclusion. Duhamel, “We have supported extend the Buy-In Program beyond As also reported earlier, Mass MIIA’s efforts to implement the pro- local governments to the state GIC Retirees has sponsored HB1281 that gram in as many communities as (Group Insurance Commission). As was introduced by Rep. Brad Jones feasible and applaud their continu- reported in earlier Voice issues, we of N. Reading, who is the House ing success on this, particularly with have been working with GIC officials Minority Leader. This bill would the multiple obstacles posed during to develop a viable plan whereby require that the GIC implement the the pandemic. Our support is based GIC enrollees, age 65 or over but not Medicare Buy-In Program as of July upon the belief that in many cases, Medicare-eligible, can be enrolled in 1, 2023. Medicare Buy-In can be a win-win the federal insurance program. And for everyone – retirees and local our discussions with the GIC will

1313 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee ASSOCIATION’S GENESIS & EARLY YEARS 2021 A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE FROM RALPH WHITE any members, par- to be the centerpiece, energizing they needed to unite together and ticularly our newer and enabling Mass Retirees to grow expand beyond the small group Mones, may know very with an active membership of fif- assembled at his kitchen table. little about how Mass Retirees ty-three thousand currently.” White recalled the following began over 52 years ago. How we “I firmly believe the COLA’s from back then. “We started to started in 1968 made us what we importance to the Association can’t organize in 1968, but our full legal are today. So, let’s go back into be overstated,” White asserts. “It’s standing, as a nonprofit, began on the Association’s early history with allowed us to headline a number April 11, 1969 when our friend John the spotlight focused on its gene- of priorities, including the fight for T.X. Davoren, the then Secretary of sis, as well as founder and former Social Security WEP Reform, led State, signed our charter. While the President Ralph White. by President Frank Valeri and CEO ten charter members – nine now According to The Voice Publisher Shawn Duhamel. And the COLA being deceased – had been working Nancy Delaney, “When Ralph White fight goes back to the Association’s hard to convince smaller groups of said that he will probably slow very beginning.” retirees/employees that this all-en- down his very active vice-presi- As so happens, the Association’s compassing organization was the dent pace when he reaches age birthplace was Ralph White’s home, way to go, T.X. knew us quite well 90 later this year, he reminded us where he’d call together others who from when he was House Speaker all that the COLA (Cost-of-Living shared his belief that public retir- earlier. He was more than willing to Adjustment) was the genesis that ees deserved a stronger voice. If do what he could to get us off the built our organization in the late they were going to improve their ground and running.” 1960s. As he sees it, this continues pension benefits and COLA, then WHITE ASSUMES PRESIDENCY A CLOSER LOOK AT HIS CAREER Prior to service history, the vote was near officer at the Walpole State Prison.” sending a unanimous for Ralph White as His leadership within the mass mail- President. Department of Correction was a ing to all “Here’s a bit more that you good match. He was elected as the public retir- should know about the man who legislative chairman of Local 451 of 1968 ees in the took the reins,” continued Delaney. AFSCME – an excellent opportunity Commonwealth, it was necessary “At age 18 Ralph was with the First to further his experience at the State to elect a president and members Marine Division in Korea. Too young House. of an executive board. The first step for the earlier World War II, he Meanwhile, after a good score was to elect a president who would wanted to serve his family tradition, in a parole officer exam, White was be the face of this new organiza- in that case the Korean War. At age able to move from the prison to tion, a leader with a strong and rich 19 he suffered a nasty wound. After a the streets, primarily of Boston. In background. recovery period and his term ended, that case, he was doing well in an With his experience and public White went to serve as a correction intended career, until he received

14 July 2021 a gunshot in the ribs from an irate robust membership and thus fully EARLY YEARS: individual. It was early evening and serving them. he had just left a halfway house for White himself proved his lead- KEY BOARD paroled inmates. ership by convincing Jim Callanan, After recovering, the Parole Dept. Director of the State Retirement MEMBERS Director felt it would be Board, to provide better if he worked in the the Association with parole office (not on the the mailing list of streets), which wasn’t the State Retirement in his nature. “An office System’s then 40-thou- wasn’t in my DNA,” sand retired mem- said Ralph. Seeing no bers. Jim later retired real choice as he saw and became an active it, White accepted a dis- Association member. ability retirement. White recalls, “We White recalls what carefully prepared our happened after retir- JIM CALLANAN recruitment mailing and ISAAC “IKE” FINE ing. “In a nutshell, I was asked by thanks to Tom DeCourcey, a friend my friends to take advantage of and attorney, we were able to use my background and time to help his business address on Boston’s improve the state’s retirement laws. Commonwealth Ave. as a mail And that brings us back to my home drop for any returns. In less than in Walpole and the meetings I started two weeks we had a return of six there. hundred members all with their “And so, began the Association’s then $5.00 dues. Atty. DeCourcey history. Life can take unexpected politely asked us to move else- turns, and while I missed being a where. A move to 11 Beacon St., parole officer, I found that my leg- one block from the State House islative channel was an unknown became an immediate necessity. RAY ELDRIDGE opportunity to better my life but “While looking back at the more importantly, that of thousands early years, I want to recognize more.” three leading members of our White also loves to describe his Executive Board back then. Their early education with this, “Politics service proved invaluable to the was an ancillary subject shared by Association, particularly as we teachers or instructors of the Boston were getting off the ground.” High School Tech system and their Isaac “Ike” Fine who was a students. Many of these teachers retired leader in AFSCME (and a were also young World War II vets. Harvard man) was the smoothest, Politics aside, the technical skills savviest officer we ever had work- offered by these schools should be ing at the State House, City Halls, commended.” County Retirement Boards or wher- ROY CHASE ever his services were needed. Another Executive Board mem- OTHER BOARD MEMBERS PLAYED ber, Ray Eldridge, retired school Roy Chase, a third vice presi- PROMINENT ROLES principal and head of the Retired dent, also stands out. Roy provided Teachers Association, didn’t hesi- Prior to being elected, White personal connections which were tate to join us and tirelessly help out. had pretty much worked diligently invaluable to jump-start a member- Ray, like many of his fellow retired to create a cross-section of officers ship whose numbers would produce teachers, joined both, as do those in who would be willing to give of immediate recognition of our new similar retiree groups such as police their time, unpaid, to work at both Association. and fire. I’ll never forget him putting the state and our then 103 state- Having been the top municipal his Harvard diploma aside and get- wide local retirement systems. That connection with local treasurers for ting down in the mud when neces- core would be needed in building a sary, as did Ike – a fellow alum. CONTINUED ON PAGE 17 u

15 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

Looking Back members some thoughts on work- PEC was comprised of representa- ing though the legislative process tives from the union and a retiree CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 u and subsequently with the Public representative designated by Mass Employee Committees (PECs) cre- Retirees.” pension issues. ated by the law. Here are her recol- Once the law was signed by “Strong bonds were formed lections from back then. Governor Patrick, several munici- during the 2011 debate between “In January Governor Patrick palities implemented the process retirees and the wide network of filed reform legislation, and we and either moved their employees public employee unions that came anticipated the legislation would and retirees to the Group Insurance together for a common goal. Under move through the normal legislative Commission or they made what is the umbrella of the AFL-CIO, vari- process. However, in April the House referred to as benchmark changes ous groups focused on healthcare budget came out and it included a to copays and deductibles. and pension issues have contin- proposal that would essentially strip “I would spend the next several ued to coordinate efforts and share away health insurance bargaining months traveling throughout the information. While not a union, rights.” state to support my Mass Retirees has been welcomed McGovern continued, members and the PEC to participate,” said Association “This move dramatically through the process. CEO Shawn Duhamel. ”I was heav- accelerated the process I worked closely with ily involved back then as our leg- and began several months PEC members, in par- islative liaison, as was our current of intense negotiations with ticular with the Mass Legislative Liaison Nancy McGovern the Legislature and then Retirees retiree desig- when she served in a different capac- ity that she details in her accompa- the Patrick administration. nee to ensure that the nying remarks. Nancy also serves as Under the umbrella of the most vulnerable were AFL-CIO, labor and Mass NANCY McGOVERN protected under the Mass Retirees’ designee on the AFL- LEGISLATIVE LIAISON CIO working group for state GIC and Retirees came together to new insurance bene- local health insurance. build a coalition that would work fits. Most municipalities and PECs “Looking back over the past ten to protect the bargaining rights of were able to come to agreements years, local health insurance costs labor and ensure that retirees would amicably. Some were a bit more and plan designs have been fairly have a seat at the negotiation table. challenging but, in the end, agree- stable. Our local members play a “While I had engaged earlier ments were secured. very important role in that process. with Mass Retirees as a State House As she looks back on the process Thankfully, our worse fears back in legislative staff member, this would and the years since then, McGovern 2011 have not been realized – which be the first time I had the opportu- had these closing remarks. “I feel is a very good thing!” nity to work side by side with them that while not perfect, the law on an issue. This would be the begin- worked. Municipalities reduced their ning of a long relationship with the health care costs and we were able MCGOVERN RECALLS Association. to mitigate the impact of the cost INTENSE FIGHT “In July of that year, what we shifting on employees and retirees. would come to refer to as sections There were long days and intense As we approach the 10th anni- 21-23 became law (Chapter 69, Acts discussions both within the PEC and versary of Chapter 69, the 2011 of 2011). While the law created an at the table, but we were able to municipal health insurance reform abbreviated negotiation process, it achieve some wins along the way.“ law, our Legislative Liaison Nancy included utilizing a PEC that would McGovern wanted to share with our negotiate with the municipality. The

Other members serving on the Board members appointed a new Elections Board are Louise Moss, and retired 5th member, Natick retiree Martha CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 u Fire Lieutenants James Trott III and White to replace Ernest Pettinari. interview process the Methuen Michael Hennessy*. The Board’s Board members making the appoint- Retirement Board reappointed Retirement Administrator is fellow ment were Zachary Taylor*, Gerald Robert Sheehan as their 5th mem- Friar Kaitlyn Doucette. Moody Esq., and Richard Villani Esq. ber and Mayor Neil Perry reap- Milford – The Board of Selectmen Milford’s Retirement Administrator pointed Fire Chief John Sheehy reappointed Christopher Pilla to the is Alberta Farley. as his appointment on the Board. Milford Retirement Board and the Montague – The Montague

16 July 2021 Early Years COLA BASE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 u CREATED 1971 VICTORY MARKS BEGINNING the State’s Dept. of Revenue, Roy had developed such an engaging White continued, “Before clos- hands-on personality with the trea- ing out this opening chapter in our surers of our local governments that history, I must acknowledge for- these treasurers were only too will- mer State Senator Sam Harmon, ing to provide Roy with a list of their the pride of Boston’s Mattapan dis- municipal retirees. trict, who chaired the Public Service Because Roy was barely Committee from 1959 to 1971, first SEN. SAM HARMON retired, his offer to play “Johnny as a representative and then senator. 1970 Appleseed” and deliver municipal We also need to recognize his help retiree lists resulted amazingly in 25 in creating the COLA Base (the max- among retirees.” new lists within four months. More imum pension amount) that remains “Before 1971, the COLA was very importantly, Roy was able to obtain a key component of today’s COLA limited, being paid only to those with well-known local endorsements law. pensions under $2,000 while noth- for our Association. Although this “Senator Harmon had an amaz- ing was added to pensions above superseded our ongoing, joint rela- ing run of twelve years as Public that amount. With Sam’s help, we tionship with all retirement systems Service chairman. It’s a position that were able to change the law so that and boards, a jump-start was neces- most legislators don’t seek or relish all retirees would begin to receive a sary at the time and Roy was able to because of its inherent pressures, COLA on the first $6,000 of a pension provide just that. but he never approached it in that (Chapter 1011, Acts of 1971).” “While the issues and chal- manner. Chapter 1011 was just the begin- lenges facing us may have changed “As the Association was just ning of more COLA victories for over time, I see the same commit- gaining strength, Sam provided con- the Association over the ensuing ment and devotion that drove Ike, tinuity for us at the State House. And decades – far too many to be chroni- Ray and Roy being exhibited in most importantly, he was there for cled here. And as our members know those who have taken their place,” us when we achieved a landmark from their March Voice, the push for adds White. “Yes, they laid the foun- victory that substantially improved even better COLAs continues today dation for what we are today.” the COLA law and significantly and into the future as a paramount enhanced the Association’s stature goal of Mass Retirees.

Melchiorri*. The Board Director is by the Salem Elections Kathleen Bacon. City Council. In New Bedford – The New Bedford addition, a new CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 u Retirement Board members voted to Finance Director, Susan Mandra Thompson, Anna Freedman Selectboard reappointed Town reappoint Esq. was appointed as Administrator Steven Ellis to his as their 5th member for her the City’s Finance second term as their representa- fourth term. Board members voting to reappoint were Robert Ekstrom, Director and will tive on the Montague Retirement MATTHEW VENO Angela Natho, retired Police Officer assume the ex-of- Board. The other Board members SALEM Len Baillargeon ficio position on include Carolyn Olsen, retired fire- and retired Fire Jim Allen* the Board. The elected members fighter, David Dion, Cheryl Clark* Lieutenant . Serving the Eric on the Board are retired Board and Marianne Fiske. The Board’s Board as Executive Director is Cohen Analyst, Sally Hayes and Marsha Retirement Administrator is Debra . Salem Pelletier the former Retirement Underhill. – After a matter of dis- Salem Board Administrator. The Mayor’s Natick - The Natick Retirement agreement between the Retirement Board Chief of Staff, Dominick Pangallo* Board reappointed their 5th mem- elected mem- Mayor Kimberley Driscoll’s is the Mayor’s appointed member. ber Michael Reardon. This will be bers and Paul Findlen is the Board’s executive Michael’s fourth term as the Board’s retirement board appointments the Matthew Veno director. 5th member. Natick’s other Board Mayor nominated , members are Arti Mehta, Eliot Lurier, the current Executive Director of the Nicholas Mabardy and Michael Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Commission, who was confirmed *Denotes Chair

17 The Voice of the Retired Public Employee

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18 July 2021

I certainly will not miss trudging Center and Park Street Stations. This GIC Returns down Bowden Street and across will prove to be a far more acces- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 u Cambridge Street in the dead of win- sible location for those doing busi- ter to attend GIC meetings. ness with the GIC, especially given “Not only is the McCormack that the agency now covers some Mass Retirees CEO Shawn Duhamel. Building across the street from 465,000 enrollees, including thou- “Until recently, the GIC held their the State House, but it is also just sands of municipal retirees.” monthly Commission meetings in around the block from the Mass their cramped conference room on Retirees offices at 11 Beacon Street. the 4th floor of the Hurley Building. It is also a little closer to Government

The following members of our Association have recently passed away. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families.

ADAMS, CAROLYN R. – Oxford, MA CURRAN, JOHN W. JR. – Shrewsbury, MA (Brockton Fire Department) (Survivor, Worcester Cty Sheriff) (Worcester School Department) GOLEN, FRANK J. – S. Dartmouth, MA AMRHEIN, ELLEN M. – Hingham, MA CURTIS, IVAN H. – Peabody, MA (Springfield D.P.W.) (State Senate) (Lynnfield Teacher) GOOLD, RUTH E. – Norton, MA ANNESE, ANTHONY A. – Rowley, MA CUSHING, PAULINE G. – Chelmsford, MA (Ashland Teacher) (Lynn Police Department) (Lowell District Court) GOUVEIA, JOHN G. – Taunton, MA ARNOLD, HAROLD – Waltham, MA DALY, JAMES F. – Melrose, MA (Taunton School Department) (City of Waltham) (Boston School Department) GOVEIA, STEPHEN C. – Centerville, MA AUGUSTINE, CAROL A. – Acushnet, MA DAY, ERNEST F. – Freedom, NH (Barnstable Teacher) (Acushnet School Department) (Town of Chelmsford) GRACIE, FRANK JR. – New Bedford, MA BACQUELOD, ELEANOR E. – Stoughton, MA DAY, WILLIAM A. – Bourne, MA (State Racing Commission) (State Department of Mental Health) (Uxbridge Teacher) GRANT, MARGARET T. – Harwich, MA BAILEY, GERTRUDE M. – Tewksbury, MA DECHIARA, PAUL F. – Kingston, MA (Mass. Rehab Commission) (Lowell Teacher) (Boston School Department) GRANT, ROBERT B. – Framingham, MA BAILEY, KENT F. – E. Falmouth, MA DelFINO, RICHARD M. SR. – Enfield, NH (Framingham State College) (Uxbridge Teacher) (Bedford School Department) GRAY, CONSTANCE A. – Watertown, MA BAMBURY, WARREN T. – Hampton, NH DEL SIGNORE, JOSEPH F. – Raynham, MA (State Auditor’s Office) (State, Communities & Development) (Boston Fire Department) GRILLO, PETER – Worcester, MA BANDARRA, GILBERT – Wrentham, MA DeMONTIGNY, MAURICE E. – Longs, SC (Worcester Teacher) (Braintree Teacher) (Springfield Water Department) GRISWOLD, ELAINE L. – Palm Bay, FL BARDEN, JOHN G. – Baldwinville, MA DeSTEFANO, ALBERT V. – Tewksbury, MA (Upper Cape Regional Vocational School) (Town of Templeton) (Greater Lawrence School Dept. Teacher) GUZELIAN, NANCY D. – Brookline, MA BAVIS, MARY T. – Roslindale, MA DEVINE, VIRGINIA L. – Dennis, MA (Boston School Department) (Boston School Department) (City of Boston) HACKETT, PAUL D. – Roslindale, MA BERUBE, ROBERT J. – Fall River, MA DORGAN, JAMES M. – Melbourne, FL (Boston Fire Department) (State Div. of Employment & Training) (Mass. Highway Department) HAMMOND, ELEANOR A. – Monument Beach, MA BOURNE, KATHERINE D. – Newton, MA DOYLE, JOHN J. – Stoughton, MA (Middleboro Teacher) (State, DTA) (Boston Fire Department) HANTON, ANA M. – Sarasota, FL BOUVIER, GERARD J. SR. – Winter Haven, FL DRISCOLL, WALTER R. – Canton, MA (Salem Teacher) (State D.P.W.) (State Public Safety) HAZEN, NANCY J. – Grafton, MA BOUVIER, ROSE E. –Winter Haven, FL DUBOIS, HOMER R. – Ludlow, MA (Worcester Cty Board of Selectmen Office) (State Department of Mental Health) (Ludlow Fire Department) HEMMINGS, BARBARA – Weymouth, MA BUCKLEY, FRANCIS S. –Port Orange, FL DUHAMEL, EDWARD C. – Atkinson, NH (Westwood Teacher) (Quincy Police Department) (Lawrence Teacher) HERRMANN, JOHN B. – Wellesley Hills, MA BUDD, DENNIS J. – Englewood, FL DUPERRAULT, LUCILLE P. – Holyoke, MA (UMass Medical) (Worcester Fire Department) (Holyoke Soldiers Home) HINTON, THOMAS L. – Henderson, NC BUMPUS, JEAN – Abington, MA DYGON, RALPH J. – Ludlow, MA (City of Boston) (Abington Assessor’s Office) (Springfield Police Department) HODGKINS, WENDELL W. – W. Melbourne, FL BURGESS, WALTER W. – Holliston, MA EASH, MAURICE J. – Lexington, MA (Reading Teacher) (Taunton Municipal Light Plant) (UMass Boston) HOLMES, CHARLES B. JR. – Brockton, MA BURNS, HAROLD S. – Norwood, MA ELLSWORTH, JOHN J. JR. – Tewksbury, MA (Brockton School Department) (Middlesex County Jail) (Everett Police Department) HORN, ESTHER A. – Woodbury, MN CALLAHAN, FRANCIS E. JR. – North Andover, MA ENSKO, JOSEPH P. – Brockton, MA (Ayer Teacher) (Survivor, Lawrence Housing Authority) (City of Boston) HORRIGAN, RICHARD J. – Pembroke, MA CAPLAN, HELEN – Farmington, CT FARREN, PAUL V. – Harwich, MA (MDC Police) (Andover Teacher) (Boston Fire Department) HOUGH, ELIZABETH A. – Buzzards Bay, MA CARLSON, KRISTIN R. – Asheville, NC FAULCONER, HERBERT L. – Melrose, MA (Upper Cape Reg Tech Teacher) (UMass Medical School) (State, Operational Services) HOUGH, WILLIAM J. – West Yarmouth, MA CARR, FREDERICK L. SR. – Woburn, MA FENTON, MAUREEN A. – Brockton, MA (Newton Fire Department) (Woburn D.P.W.) (Brockton District Court) HOWE, BARBARA B. – Concord, MA CASA, RICHARD L. – Shirley, MA FERRI, EDWARD A. – Barefoot Bay, FL (Concord Teacher) (Everett Teacher) (Everett Highway Department) JOHNSON, JAMES R. – Weston, MA CAVANAUGH, JOHN P. – Walpole, MA FOLEY, JAMES J. – Woburn, MA (State Dept of Revenue) (Boston Fire Department) (Woburn Teacher) KELLER, JEANNE D. – Brookline, NH CHEVRETTE, GERARD A. – Needham, MA FOLEY, KATHLEEN – Framingham, MA (UMass) (Watertown Fire Department) (Survivor, Department of Public Welfare) KELLEY, GLENICE U. – Middleton, MA CINQ-MARS, JOAN L. – Lowell, MA FORD, JOAN V. – Peabody, MA (Westford Teacher) (UMass Lowell) (Topsfield Teacher) KELLEY, ROBERT L. – Holbrook, MA COHEN, ALVIN I. – Easthampton, MA FULTON, LOUISE E. – Revere, MA (Boston Police Department) (Westfield State University) (Revere Retirement Board) KELLEY, SUSIE B. – Jonesboro, GA COLCORD, CHARLES F. – Southboro, MA GALLO, ROBERT P. – Revere, MA (Boston School Department) (UMass Medical Center) (Boston Police Department) KELLY, MARY S. – Seabrook, NH CONGDON, R. GILBERT – Reading, MA GIBSON, BEVERLY A. – Milton, MA (Boston School Department) (Manchester By-The-Sea Teacher) (State Court Probation Officer) KENNEDY, PATRICIA M. – Worcester, MA GILLPATRICK, RUSSELL I. – Brockton, MA (Worcester Teacher) Continued on back page 19 RETIRED STATE COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES NONPROFIT ORG. ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS U.S. POSTAGE 11 BEACON STREET • BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS • 02108-3024 PAID BOSTON, MASS. FRANK VALERI, President PERMIT 54933 SHAWN DUHAMEL, Chief Executive Officer JOSEPH CONNARTON, Treasurer JUDITH LANGONE, Secretary THOMAS BONARRIGO, Legislative Chairman PAUL SHANLEY, Executive V. Pres. RALPH WHITE, V. Pres., At Large TIM HANNIGAN, V. Pres., Berkshire District KARL SCHMAELZLE, V. Pres., Western District ED PIETREWICZ, V. Pres., Central District DENIS DEVINE, V. Pres., Middlesex District JOE DiFRANCO, Sr., V. Pres., Northern District BILL FLIPPIN, V. Pres., Eastern District STEVE RIVARD, V. Pres., Southeastern District ROBERT POWILATIS, V. Pres., Plymouth Cape/Islands CHERYL STILLMAN, Executive Board DAN TURCO, Executive Board ANNE WASS, Executive Board WILLIAM G. REHREY, Legal Counsel NANCY McGOVERN, Legislative Liaison

VISIT OUR ASSOCIATION’S WEB SITE: www.massretirees.com God Bless America. July 2021

DECEASED MEMBERS (continued)

KEVENY, DOROTHY A. – Dorchester, MA McCORMACK, KEVIN P. – Norwell, MA SPILLANE, JOHN F. – Franklin, MA (Milton Teacher) (Mass Highway Department) (Brookline Fire Department) KILGOUR, JOHN J. – Jacksonville, FL McGINNIS, URSULA – New Bedford, MA SWAIN, ELENA – Abington, MA (State D.P.W.) (Survivor, MCI Bridgewater) (Brockton Teacher) LABRECQUE, BETTY – Yuma, AZ MOILES, MARY E. – Worcester, MA SWIDEY, MARY C. – Somerset, MA (Survivor, State D.P.W.) (City of Worcester) (Bridgewater State College) LAMET, STERLING A. –Shutesbury, MA MULATTIERI, DOMINIC J. – Sebring, FL TEGELER, MARIE D. – Hingham, MA (UMass Amherst) (Boston Police Department) (Weston Teacher) LANE, RICHARD J. – Belmont, MA MUNROE, PATRICK – Braintree, MA TURNER, EMMA A. – Pineville, LA (Belmont Police Department) (Boston Fire Department) (State Dept. of Employment & Training) LAPIERRE, ARTHUR L. – Chicopee, MA O’BRIEN, EDMUND J. SR. – Holiday, FL TURNER, JULIA M. – New Bedford, MA (State Military) (Boston Police Department) (UMass Dartmouth) LARACY, MARY A. – Foxboro, MA O’BRIEN, RICHARD B. – Brookline, MA WALTERS, VIRGINIA _ Westboro, MA (Wrentham State School) (Brookline Fire Department) (Reading Teacher) LAWLESS, JOHN S. “Spike” – Naples, FL PALTSITS, ELEANOR G. – Bradenton, FL WANGLER, GAIL M.R. – Chestnut Hill, MA (Cambridge Fire Department) (Braintree Teacher) (Fernald State School) LEAHY, VINCENT T. – Auburn, MA PALUMBO, PAUL – Dennis, MA WARD, MARILYN V. – Worcester, MA (Worcester Police Department) (Survivor, Middlesex County) (State Turnpike Authority) LEEMAN, JOAN M. – Clearwater, FL PATTEN, WINTHROP H. – Bridgewater, MA WEATHERS, ROBERT F. – Exeter, NH (Melrose School Department) (Abington Fire Department) (Wakefield Municipal Gas & Electric) LEONARD, JOHN P. – Lowell, MA PERRONE, PAUL – Stoneham, MA WEDDBORN, ZIOLA F. – Boston, MA (UMass Lowell) (Watertown School Department) (Boston City Hospital) LOVETT, RONALD E. – Weymouth, MA PETROPULOS, GEORGE N. – Hudson, NH WELCH, PHYLLIS M. – Easthampton, MA (Randolph Teacher) (North Adams Teacher) (Hadley Teacher) LUTTS, RUTH M. – Quincy, MA POWERS, LAWRENCE V. – Plymouth, MA WHITE, STEPHEN J. – Ipswich, MA (Quincy Teacher) (Massport Fire Department) (Town of Rowley) MALONEY, JOSEPH L. – E. Weymouth, MA PRARIO, MARY R. – Braintree, MA WILDE, EUGENE E. – Milton, MA (Boston Police Department) (Survivor, Braintree Fire Department) (City of Boston) MANN, WILLIAM W. – Boynton Beach, FL RIVERS, CHARLES F. – North Andover, MA WILKINSON, IRENE – Charlotte, NC (State Police) (Newton Police Department) (Brookline Library) MANOCCHIO, DUANE – Wrentham, MA ROGERS, JOHNNY – Dorchester, MA WILLIAMS, JANE M. – Natick, MA (Survivor, Walpole Fire Department) (City of Boston) (Natick School Department) MANOS, SARANTOS J. – Randolph, MA SALEMME, JOSEPH M. – Wilmington, MA WILSON, DONALD E. – Sterling, MA (Boston School Department) (Somerville Fire Department) (Bellingham Teacher) MASSOIA, LOUIS E. – Feeding Hills, MA SHANER, MARY E. – Hull, MA WILSON, RICHARD – Lynn, MA (State Auditor’s Office) (UMass Boston) (Lynn Fire Department) MASTERSON, LORRAINE M. –Swansea, MA SHEA, DAVID S. – Marblehead, MA WOOD, HAROLD JR. – Lakeville, MA (UMass Dartmouth) (Boston Redevelopment Authority) (Mass Highway Department) McCARTHY, JOHN H. – Carver, MA SHEA, GEORGE R. – Titusville, FL ZIMMERMAN, PEARL S. – Jamaica Plain, MA (Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department) (State Police) (Town of Wayland)