The UIC Chapter of SUAA Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting September 15, 2009

Members Present: Marsha Borders, Charles Brown, Judy Curry, Merrill Gassman (by phone), Michael Harms, Richard Johnson, James Jones, Rose Kirk, Irving Miller, Lawrence Poston, Leonard Ramirez, Sue Sindelar, and Charles Stanislao

Members Absent: Carol Humble and William Troyer

Guest. John Shuler (UIC SURSMAC representative)

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Marsha Borders at 10:15am in Room 713 SCE, 750 S. Halsted.

1. Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the July 22, 2009 Board meeting were approved.

2. President's Report: Marsha Borders reported the following on behalf of Merrill Gassman:

• Merrill had emailed the UIUC chapter President to comment on the issue of dues deduction for SUAA members still actively employed. So far, no response.
• Six UIC UNITED board members are planning to attend the fall SUAA Board of Directors meeting. Merrill moved that the six delegates be announced to the SUAA central office and that the $25 registration fee for each be paid by UIC UNITED. Motion passed.

3. SURSMAC (John Shuler, UIC representative): John reported that SURS remains underfunded, and State government continues to defer payments to the system to resolve current State budget problems. With the upcoming political campaign for Governor, pensions and "pension reform" will be an issue. John sees no change in the political climate which continues to favor deferring the State's pension liability. Merrill asked if the unilateral increase in dental premiums for SURS annuitants had been discussed by SURSMAC. John said that it was not discussed in advance but it may be a topic at the next meeting. He also said that SURSMAC had not yet met with the new SURS Board of Trustees. In conclusion, he fears that SURS and the other State pension systems will be "whipping boys" for politicians who have failed to deal with the State's economic problems.

4. Treasurer's Report (Chuck Stanislao): Chuck reported that the 2009 financial statement had been approved by the UIC UNITED audit committee. He distributed the approved statement. He reported a total balance of $29,959, including checking of $2,043, savings of 2,823, and a CD of $25,093. He said that overall balances have declined, mainly due to expenditures on meetings.

5. Legislation/SUAACTION Report (Richard Johnson): Dick said the General Assembly veto session will be in October. Although designed to consider gubernatorial vetoes, any topic could come up. The primary in February 2010 could affect the veto session. The Sun-Times has been running a series on the State's public pensions, and issues may be forthcoming from the Pension Modernization Task Force. Larry Poston said that letters to the editor from SUAA members might be an effective way to present facts about SURS. Issues that may come up are the change to a "two-tier" system and a change in the 3% annual increase (COLA). Changes being discussed to save money are relatively minor compared to the size of the unfunded liability. How to be an effective voice in the pension debate is a critical issue for SUAA. Of the top 100 pension payouts in 2007-08, about 2/3 are SURS members, many of whom are UIC retirees from the Medical Center. The size of the pensions is a political problem.

6. Membership (Sue Sindelar): Membership has continued to decline. Sue would like to have the central office ask non-renewers why they are leaving SUAA. The central office currently sends two letters in which such a question could be included. She is currently working with the UIC Benefits office to include information about UIC UNITED for new employees in their orientation packet. The Alumni Association is willing to send UIC UNITED program information to their members by e-mail or in the newsletter. Dick Johnson and Merrill are planning to attend the September UIC senate meeting to discuss SUAA membership and its advantages. Sue distributed the flyer currently being used by the central office to solicit new members.

7. Program Report: Rose Kirk reported that program costs will continue to be closely monitored. The Board approved Wednesday, December 9 for the holiday luncheon. Notice for the October 8th event at MBRB will be sent out in the next week. The Fall Forum is scheduled for November 11, 2009, and speakers have been confirmed. Sue suggested running an ad in UIC News for the October event and distributed a draft copy. The Board approved purchase of a ½ page ad.

8. Newsletter Report (Larry Poston and Judy Curry): The main information will be a summary of legislative activity as well as an article by John McCrosky on Social Security effects on SURS. Sue Sindelar agreed to write something about membership. Judy Curry asked for contributions if anyone had an issue.

9. Old Business: None

10. New Business: Judy said that SUAA historical files are archived. She suggested that a chapter history be written. Perhaps someone will come forward who would be interested in taking on this project. Judy provided an update on the Retirement Planning Conference. She is assisting with the program. She requested that UIC UNITED/SUAA provide $500 to help support the costs of the event. The Board consensus was that this is a good investment and should be approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45am.

Respectfully submitted by Michael Harms, Secretary

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