Political and Legislative Action Committee
Joe Romand
Donna Keefer
Kathleen Mack
Debra Gallacchi
From:
Joe Romand
Sent:
Tuesday, August 30,
2005 4:07 PM
To:
CSEA
Subject:
Political and
Legislative Action Committee and Bills Affecting YOU
Our Local is required to have a Political and Legislative Action Committee. This committee keeps members and officers informed of significant Local and statewide political developments. It aids our Local in securing endorsements for candidates the Local wants to assist. It may also help in lobbying campaigns and election campaigns for endorsed candidates. The committee also monitors statements and voting records of members of local legislative bodies. To date, no one has volunteered. This committee plays an important role in the Region and Statewide relative to advancing family and worker related issues.
For example, I did a search on New York State Bill Search on the word "tier" and came up with a number of bills regarding enhancement to benefits which are in various stages. Among them is:
1) Assembly Bill A07445 to amend SS902 & 911 of the R & SS L to Allow certain tier 3 and 4 retirement system members who have contributed for a period of 10 years or more in the NYSERS, NYSTRS, NYCTRS, NYCBERS or the NYCERS to receive an additional month of service credit for each year of service in excess of 10 years of service for which such member has contributed. It appears from the legislative summary that on 05/04/2005 the bill was amended, reprinted as 7445a and recommitted to governmental employees legislative committee. For more information about this particular bill, click on the following external internet link:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A07445
2) Assembly Bill A05807 to amend SS442, 445-d, 603, 604-c & 604-d, R & SS L would allows Tier 2, 3 and 4 members of the NYS&LERS and certain other public retirement systems to retire without a benefit reduction due to early retirement upon attainment of age 55 and the completion of 25 years of service. It appears from the legislative summary that on 03/01/2005 the bill was referred to governmental employees legislative committee. For more information about this particular bill, click on the following external internet link:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A05807
3) Senate Bill S05779 to amend SS442, 503 & 603, R & SS L Allows tier II, III and IV members of the New York state and local employees` retirement system to retire with unreduced benefits upon completion of more than 35 years of total service, regardless of age. It appears from the legislative summary that on 06/17/2005 the bill was referred to rules legislative committee. For more information about this particular bill, click on the following external internet link:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=S05779
4) Assembly Bill A05396 would amend SS517 & 613, R & SS L to prospectively eliminate the required three percent tier III and tier IV retirement system contributions for members joining a NYS public retirement system on or after July 27, 1976. It appears from the legislative summary that on 04/22/2005 amended, reprinted as 5396a and recommitted to governmental employees legislative committee. For more information about this particular bill, click on the following external internet link:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A05396
The above bills are just a sampling of proposed bills in the NYS Assembly and
Senate affecting enhanced retirement benefits that potentially impacts everyone
of us. Who knows what path they may take along their legislative debates? Will
they ever get of out one or both houses? Will they eventually reach the
governor for consideration" Will they be passed into law?
Interested in the legislative process, and how you could possibly impact our futures in a more direct way. Please volunteer to help with this vital Political and Legislative Action Committee within our Local.
ADVOCATES FOR A BETTER
WORKPLACE
Joe Romand, President
Melissa Jefferies,
Vice President
Debra Gallacchi,
Treasurer
Kathleen Mack,
Secretary