UIC Chapter of SUAA Minutes of the Fall Meeting Friday, October 17, 2003

The regular Fall meeting of the UIC Chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association was called to order by President Frank Tachau at 10:00 AM.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as distributed.

Treasurer’s Report
Wally Wadycki reported that we have $26,981.27 in our savings and $982.90 in checking minus the cost of today’s lunch. The State office is handling membership dues and keeping track of our membership (UIC) as a pilot project as of January 2003. It may be then adopted by all 40 other SUAA chapters.

Membership Report
Geri Piorkowski and Irene Kogan reported that, as of October 15, 2003, we have 1005 members, which equaled last year’s, including a surge of current employees. Renewals of older memberships, which had been lost or out of touch, brought in 99 members. We are the second largest chapter in the state. Statewide membership totals 10,000.

Legislative Report
Dick Johnson reported on two programs directly affecting our members.

1. The Social Security Offset legislation bill now before Congress would try to correct the unfairness of the current legislation which allows a reduction of SS benefits by as much as 60% if you get another government pension. There is an online petition to Congress supporting changing that situation. Dick passed out materials to assist in the advocacy of our two senators and local members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation.

2. State finances may affect our current health benefits while our retirement benefits appear to be secure. If and when wider discussion of this comes to the forefront, all members must be prepared to contact local state legislators and fight changes, as well as lumping SURS into other State retirement systems. Illinois is presently in last place of all the States with 27 billion unfunded in State contributions to our pension benefits.

State Board Meeting Update
Kathy Crittenden reported that the State Board met on Wednesday, 10/15/2003.

1. The fiscal and legislative climate is grim and we should all try and recruit new members in order to become a stronger influence.  

2. The SURS investment returns last year were positive after 2 years of negative returns. Over the past 10 years, total returns are still over 8%.   

3. The above is important because the Illinois budget deficit is over 2 billion with little information really available. The biggest items that are accessible include pensions and Medicaid. There are no real options given the governor’s promise to not raise taxes, and the fact that there are not many fees left which can generate significant income. There may be a try for a  “pension contribution holiday” or using our SURS funds as collateral.

4. Other options that have been rumored are the taxing of pensions, and not granting the 3% annual increase to pensions as these are not guaranteed by our State Constitution. The latter issue would certainly be challenged in court as there  is other legislative history which appears to have guaranteed the 3%.

5. The AFSMCE contract for the entire state is being negotiated and this will affect all our health benefits in the State. Health benefits are not protected by the State Constitution and will be on the table for all. Advocacy is very important. Please note that we could increase our membership by 95% if we get more active employees involved in SUAA.

Programs
Roz Hoffman made announcements regarding the upcoming AARP and Auxiliary Services sponsored 55 Alive program. For $10, people can sign up and take a safe driving class which would reduce their auto insurance rates . Class is two mornings of your time, and there are 4 spots remaining. Classes are November 6 and 13 , 9am -1pm.

A holiday lunch is being   considered, perhaps December 10, and suggestions are being requested for our Spring, 2004 program.

Webmaster Update
Merrill Gassman, who has been working on improving our web access, homepage and listserve, informed the group about upgrades which have already taken place. UIC is hosting our website, and information is current on the homepage. It includes contact information, legislative information, membership applications, and important links to important information in the State, such as long term care insurance, etc.

Our current homepage may be accessed by going to: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/suaa  (use all small letters). Our listserve is SUAA@listserv.uic.edu.

Social Committee
Joan Hladek arranged for the current meeting room and is working on the Holiday party.

Frank asked for volunteers to develop a calendar for the rest of the year and newsletters which would give more frequent updates of interest. He suggested that maybe a communications committee could be formed.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan R. Levy

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