January 8, 2015
The Legislature met on Tuesday, January 6, to convene the 2015 session. Incoming ED, Tom Mellish and I were there about 9:30 to meet with Senator Crider. Throughout the day, we talked to many senators and representatives.
On that first day, our main purpose was to introduce Tom to as many as possible so they could begin to recognize him, and he could continue to become acquainted with more legislators. Even so, we were able to have some good conversations about upcoming legislation that affects our members, all retired educators who also benefit from anything that we achieve, and our active colleagues.
It is too early to know which of the many bill that are being proposed we will support and ask legislators to support. Within a couple of weeks, it will be much clearer, and we will have bill numbers to give you. Right now, the ones we are watching are just drafts of bills, which means they haven’t been filed and given a number. This situation changes each day, so stay tuned.
I want to continue telling you about the positive encounters on Tuesday. After our talk with Senator Crider, we were able to talk to Senators Becker, Tallian, and Waltz, as well as a few other quick introductions.
We also had some very good meetings with Representatives Gutwein, Carbaugh, Burton, Thompson, and Chairman Brown, and were able to spend a few minutes with Representative Klinker and newly elected Representative Wright. There were several quick introductions to other representatives. We were warmly received by everyone we met, and came away feeling that it was a positive day.
On the negative side, we heard that there may be a bill to do away with defined benefits in the future and move to defined contribution for newly hired teachers. Those of you who have attended our workshops this past year have heard why we are totally against this idea. We will have to be vocal about this if the bill is filed, but for now, we are waiting to see how the bills evolve.
Comments from Tom Mellish, incoming executive director:
Call it rookie optimism, but I was very pleased on the House side with our conversations with Reps. Carbaugh, Gutwein, Klinker, and Wright. Sens.Crider, Becker, Tallian, and Waltz were also positive conversations and seem very willing to support. I think we were extremely fortunate when we sat with Rep.Thompson and Chairman Brown joined us and asked questions about our bill.
I’m very impressed with Steve Beebe’s demeanor and knowledge of the legislative workings. He will be very helpful to this rookie and works extremely well with Nancy. At our coalition meeting at AFSCME the next day, members all seemed to lean to Steve to get his insight and thoughts of the legislature this year. He will be a key member in the coalition for us and helping lead the group which will be to our advantage. After day one at legislature I feel very positive we will get a bill through the House side; the battle will be the Senate side. I hope it’s more than just rookie optimism.
Things to do now:
1. Thank any of your legislators who are mentioned above for their kind support of retired educators. If you want to write a note to Representative Gutwein, Representative Carbaugh, Representative Cherry (He will author one of the bills that we would support), Chairman Brown, Senator Crider, and Senator Becker, you can send a note to any legislator at:
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Envelopes should be addressed as “The Honorable (1st name, last name)”
Greeting should be “Dear Representative (last name)”
Or “Dear Senator ___:”
2. To find your legislators, go to web site: “Indiana General Assembly Home.” At the bottom of the screen, click on the tab “Find Your Legislator” and put in your address.
3. If possible, go to any Town Hall, Cracker Barrel, 3rd House meeting that may be held in your area. (These are some of the many names that are used to give a forum for the legislators to meet and hear from their constituents.) If you attend, introduce yourself as an interested retired educator. We hope you have heard our talking points: We haven’t had a COLA in six years and have lost purchasing power that would have been spent in local businesses (if you are specific, it is the best way to get people’s attention). Money spent in local businesses comes back to the state in more tax money.
To find out about these meetings, you can sign up at web site: http://www.iauw.org/
Also check your local paper and your legislator’s web site if there is one.
4. We are getting much support, so please start by thanking them for the “13th check,” and it is always good to listen as well as talk in polite and reasonable ways.
5. Let us know what replies, discussion comes from contacting your legislator.With appreciation for your support,
Nancy Tolson, Executive Director
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