For a complete newsletter report from MEA regarding the proposed rollbacks in retirement benefits please
The following is from MEA Communications 2/14/2011
"While it would be easy to engage in debate over Governor LePage's proposed budget, MEA is taking a more measured approach at the moment. Here's where we are and why …
1.) The details of the governor's draft budget are under review.We need to know the full extent of what is actually being proposed before we offer a detailed reaction.
2.) We also know that any governor's budget is just that; it's the governor's proposed budget. The Legislature's Appropriations Committee will have a great deal of influence in shaping the final budget that is voted on by the full legislature and sent to the governor for his signature. While the governor's budget does contain his priorities and views on important public policy issues, the final budget will ultimately contain a series of compromises that will be worked out after hearing from many different constituencies…including MEA members from across the state!
3.) Here is what we can say at this point in the process:
a. MEA believes that the Governor's proposed changes to the Maine Public Employee Retirement System are unfair and unacceptable. Teachers and state employees who retire under the Maine Public Employee Retirement System receive only a very modest retirement income and are not eligible for Social Security benefits.b. MEA is ready to be part of the solution to address MePERS's unfunded actuarial liability (UAL). But before we jump to solutions, we want to hear from the experts at the MePERS who have been closely studying this important issue for the past several months and have prepared a report that will be presented to the legislature's Appropriations Committee later this month.c. Once we have solid information concerning the various alternatives that are available to address the UAL, then MEA will engage in a dialogue regarding solutions that are fair for taxpayers and educators.
In the meantime, members and local affiliates should contact local legislators and begin a discussion about the issues we face.
From MEA Communications.
Follow the link at the beginning of this blog to find out how to contact your local legislators.
Crystal Goodrich, SEA President
