RETIREE CHAPTER LEADERS
Happy Anniversary to the Alliance
This month the Alliance for Retired Americans is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the years, Alliance members have blocked efforts to privatize Social Security and Medicare, added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, protected millions of Americans’ earned benefits, and elected hundreds of candidates who understand the needs of seniors. Those are just a handful of our accomplishments, and we aren’t done yet.
“Together we have brought a greater understanding of multiple policy issues affecting retirees at the local, state and federal level, from Capitol Hill to the White House,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have grown to 4.4 million members and we thank each of you as we continue working to strengthen retirement security for all Americans.”
“While it is important to recognize our achievements and wins, there is much more to do. We must expand Social Security and make the wealthiest pay their fair share into the future. It’s time for Medicare to cover important medical treatments including dental, hearing and vision. And we must get Congress to take on the powerful pharmaceutical corporations that raise the prices of prescription drugs every year without fail.”
Nursing Homes Look to Protect Against Lawsuits by Invoking Trump Administration’s Policy
Nursing homes are attempting to defend themselves from a slew of wrongful death lawsuits brought by the relatives of Covid-19 victims by relying on the broad interpretation of liability protections by the previous Administration as the coronavirus ravaged the facilities. Thirty-percent of people who died from COVID-19 lived or worked in nursing homes.
Nearly 200 lawsuits have been filed, and the industry expects many more in the coming months. Dozens of the nursing facilities facing multimillion-dollar wrongful death lawsuits are pleading with judges to transfer the cases from state to federal courts, where they may take advantage of new federal liability safeguards and perhaps escape hefty compensation awards.
While some federal judges have approved the request to change venues, most of the complaints are still unresolved, and judges have denied nursing facilities' efforts to move sites in at least 30 other cases. However, even if the courts reject the venue change, legal experts warn that appeals might drag out cases for months or even years, discouraging others from launching challenges.
“It is important that nursing homes be held accountable when they are liable for wrongdoing,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Grieving family members should not have to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting over what court should hear their claims.”
Senate Confirms Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to Run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
President Biden's candidate to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, making her the first Black woman to hold the crucial health policy job.
Brooks-LaSure was confirmed as CMS administrator by a 55-44 vote in the Senate. She will oversee the Biden administration's goal of expanding the number of Americans receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Brooks-LaSure was confirmed as CMS administrator by a 55-44 vote in the Senate. She will oversee the Biden administration's goal of expanding the number of Americans receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Brooks-LaSure was a leader in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during President Obama’s term, administering the ACA. Five Republicans joined the Democrats in supporting her confirmation: Sens. Roy Blunt (MO), Richard Burr (NC), Susan Collins (ME), Jerry Moran (KS) and Lisa Murkowski (AK).
“We are thrilled to have Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, a health care expert who fully appreciates the needs of older Americans, running CMS,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We look forward to working with her to ensure Medicare and Medicaid remain strong and allow seniors to get the health care they need.”
KHN: Stark Racial Disparities Persist in Vaccinations, State-Level CDC Data Shows
By Hannah Recht and Rachana Pradhan and Lauren Weber, Kaiser Health News
Black Americans’ Covid-19 vaccination rates are still lagging months into the nation’s campaign, while Hispanics are closing the gap and Native Americans show the highest rates overall, according to federal data obtained by KHN.
Remembering Those Who Died Serving the Country
Memorial Day will be observed this Monday, May 31, and the Alliance joins all Americans in paying tribute to our heroes who gave their lives defending the nation.
The data, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to a public records request, gives a sweeping national look at the race and ethnicity of vaccinated people on a state-by-state basis. Yet nearly half of those vaccination records are missing race or ethnicity information.
KHN’s analysis shows that only 22% of Black Americans have gotten a shot, and Black rates still trail those of whites in almost every state.
Targeted efforts have raised vaccination rates among other minority groups. Hispanics in eight states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now vaccinated at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites. Yet 29% of Hispanics are vaccinated nationally, compared with 33% of whites.
While 45% of Native Americans have received at least one dose, stark differences exist depending on where they live. And Asian vaccination rates are high in most states, with 41% getting a shot.
The analysis underscores how vaccine disparities have improved as availability has opened up and Biden administration officials have attempted to prioritize equitable distribution. Still, gaps persist even as minority groups have suffered much higher mortality rates from the pandemic than whites and are at risk of infection as states move to reopen and lift mask mandates.Click here to read more.
“Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Executive Director Fiesta. “It is important to remember those who died, be there for our friends and family who lost those close to them, and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that many members of the armed forces made.”
Alliance Mourns Those Lost in Latest Senseless Shooting
The Alliance is once again deeply saddened by another mass shooting in the United States. Nine members of the Amalgamated Transit Unit were killed when their coworker opened fire at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority hub in San Jose, California.
“The latest episode of violence occurred during a meeting of union members and hit the labor community especially hard,” said President Roach. “The Alliance joins the many union members who are grieving as we remember this week’s victims, and we send our deepest sympathies to their surviving colleagues, friends and family members. We must redouble our efforts as a nation to put an end to these acts of violence.”
Happy Anniversary to the Alliance
This month the Alliance for Retired Americans is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the years, Alliance members have blocked efforts to privatize Social Security and Medicare, added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare, protected millions of Americans’ earned benefits, and elected hundreds of candidates who understand the needs of seniors. Those are just a handful of our accomplishments, and we aren’t done yet.
“Together we have brought a greater understanding of multiple policy issues affecting retirees at the local, state and federal level, from Capitol Hill to the White House,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have grown to 4.4 million members and we thank each of you as we continue working to strengthen retirement security for all Americans.”
“While it is important to recognize our achievements and wins, there is much more to do. We must expand Social Security and make the wealthiest pay their fair share into the future. It’s time for Medicare to cover important medical treatments including dental, hearing and vision. And we must get Congress to take on the powerful pharmaceutical corporations that raise the prices of prescription drugs every year without fail.”
Nursing Homes Look to Protect Against Lawsuits by Invoking Trump Administration’s Policy
Nursing homes are attempting to defend themselves from a slew of wrongful death lawsuits brought by the relatives of Covid-19 victims by relying on the broad interpretation of liability protections by the previous Administration as the coronavirus ravaged the facilities. Thirty-percent of people who died from COVID-19 lived or worked in nursing homes.
Nearly 200 lawsuits have been filed, and the industry expects many more in the coming months. Dozens of the nursing facilities facing multimillion-dollar wrongful death lawsuits are pleading with judges to transfer the cases from state to federal courts, where they may take advantage of new federal liability safeguards and perhaps escape hefty compensation awards.
While some federal judges have approved the request to change venues, most of the complaints are still unresolved, and judges have denied nursing facilities' efforts to move sites in at least 30 other cases. However, even if the courts reject the venue change, legal experts warn that appeals might drag out cases for months or even years, discouraging others from launching challenges.
“It is important that nursing homes be held accountable when they are liable for wrongdoing,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “Grieving family members should not have to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees fighting over what court should hear their claims.”
Senate Confirms Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to Run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
President Biden's candidate to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, making her the first Black woman to hold the crucial health policy job.
Brooks-LaSure was confirmed as CMS administrator by a 55-44 vote in the Senate. She will oversee the Biden administration's goal of expanding the number of Americans receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Brooks-LaSure was confirmed as CMS administrator by a 55-44 vote in the Senate. She will oversee the Biden administration's goal of expanding the number of Americans receiving health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Brooks-LaSure was a leader in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during President Obama’s term, administering the ACA. Five Republicans joined the Democrats in supporting her confirmation: Sens. Roy Blunt (MO), Richard Burr (NC), Susan Collins (ME), Jerry Moran (KS) and Lisa Murkowski (AK).
“We are thrilled to have Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, a health care expert who fully appreciates the needs of older Americans, running CMS,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We look forward to working with her to ensure Medicare and Medicaid remain strong and allow seniors to get the health care they need.”
KHN: Stark Racial Disparities Persist in Vaccinations, State-Level CDC Data Shows
By Hannah Recht and Rachana Pradhan and Lauren Weber, Kaiser Health News
Black Americans’ Covid-19 vaccination rates are still lagging months into the nation’s campaign, while Hispanics are closing the gap and Native Americans show the highest rates overall, according to federal data obtained by KHN.
Remembering Those Who Died Serving the Country
Memorial Day will be observed this Monday, May 31, and the Alliance joins all Americans in paying tribute to our heroes who gave their lives defending the nation.
The data, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in response to a public records request, gives a sweeping national look at the race and ethnicity of vaccinated people on a state-by-state basis. Yet nearly half of those vaccination records are missing race or ethnicity information.
KHN’s analysis shows that only 22% of Black Americans have gotten a shot, and Black rates still trail those of whites in almost every state.
Targeted efforts have raised vaccination rates among other minority groups. Hispanics in eight states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now vaccinated at higher rates than non-Hispanic whites. Yet 29% of Hispanics are vaccinated nationally, compared with 33% of whites.
While 45% of Native Americans have received at least one dose, stark differences exist depending on where they live. And Asian vaccination rates are high in most states, with 41% getting a shot.
The analysis underscores how vaccine disparities have improved as availability has opened up and Biden administration officials have attempted to prioritize equitable distribution. Still, gaps persist even as minority groups have suffered much higher mortality rates from the pandemic than whites and are at risk of infection as states move to reopen and lift mask mandates.Click here to read more.
“Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Executive Director Fiesta. “It is important to remember those who died, be there for our friends and family who lost those close to them, and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that many members of the armed forces made.”
Alliance Mourns Those Lost in Latest Senseless Shooting
The Alliance is once again deeply saddened by another mass shooting in the United States. Nine members of the Amalgamated Transit Unit were killed when their coworker opened fire at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority hub in San Jose, California.
“The latest episode of violence occurred during a meeting of union members and hit the labor community especially hard,” said President Roach. “The Alliance joins the many union members who are grieving as we remember this week’s victims, and we send our deepest sympathies to their surviving colleagues, friends and family members. We must redouble our efforts as a nation to put an end to these acts of violence.”
Simple New IRS Website is Designed to Ensure You Get Your Stimulus Money
There has been a lot of confusion about how seniors, retirees, people with disabilities, and veterans will receive the coronavirus stimulus checks they deserve.
Coronavirus Scams On the Rise
Another scam involves callers offering a “COVID-19 package,” test or information about Medicare benefits related to the pandemic. The Federal Trade Commission says that if you get a call claiming to be from Medicare asking for your information -- HANG UP!
Like the IRS, the SSA and Medicare will never call you to ask for your personal information.
Alliance for Retired Americans
815 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.retiredamericans.org
There has been a lot of confusion about how seniors, retirees, people with disabilities, and veterans will receive the coronavirus stimulus checks they deserve.
- Seniors 62 and older who receive Social Security retirement benefits, including those affected by the windfall elimination provision (WEP) and government pension offset (GPO), individuals who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, and railroad retirees will automatically receive a stimulus payment.
- Payments will come automatically to your bank if you receive benefits via direct deposit, or to your address.
- People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or veterans benefits who do not file a tax return will NOT automatically get a stimulus payment as of now.
The IRS has set up a new website HERE with a form for these beneficiaries to complete to receive a check quickly. - The website is primarily for U.S. citizens who receive SSI benefits or veterans pension and disability benefits and resident aliens who have a valid Social Security number, can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and who have adjusted gross income below certain limits.
- Beneficiaries can enter their bank account information or tell the IRS where to mail their check.
Coronavirus Scams On the Rise
- Scam artists continue targeting seniors, taking advantage of fear and confusion created by the coronavirus emergency.
- One scam involves people trying to steal stimulus checks. They are making phone calls and sending text messages and deceptive “phishing” emails to try to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims.
- Beware of any message or caller that wants your personal financial information, such as your bank account or Social Security number. Recent scams include callers claiming to be SSA representatives warning of “benefit suspensions.”
- The stimulus payments will be sent by the IRS which will never call, text, or email you to verify your banking information.
Another scam involves callers offering a “COVID-19 package,” test or information about Medicare benefits related to the pandemic. The Federal Trade Commission says that if you get a call claiming to be from Medicare asking for your information -- HANG UP!
Like the IRS, the SSA and Medicare will never call you to ask for your personal information.
Alliance for Retired Americans
815 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
www.retiredamericans.org
The Retiree Members names who voted in the National Election and whose names were pulled by Washington ballot committee to receive the 25 gifts that will be pulled at the Nov meeting.
Gifts: 2 sets of Mav tickets in Section 111(end seats) date TBD with a value of over $150 per set 3 bottles of wine (valve of over $20 each) 20 $10 gift cards (various vendors) Get out to vote winners 1. Linda G. Stokes 2. Bennie Allen 3. Beverly Y. McCray 4. Wayne Vitatoe 5. Mr. Robert M. Fagarang 6. Andrea M. Mathis 7. Raynond Wilson 8. Ramon Flores Jr. 9. Charles Madison 10. Imogene A. Schack 11. Jose L. Rinaldi 12. Randle W. Plemmons 13. Adela M. Sarran 14. Wilma J. Armstrong 15. Michael Potter 16. Mr. Vincent P. Guytan 17. Aaron L. Luster 18. A. G. Roper 19. Billy D. Lawrence 20. Mary L. Melvin-Hopkins 21. Arnestus J. Sherman 22. Jonhhy E. George 23. Otis Brooks 24. Conrad M. Jackson 25. Robert L. Boyd 
Lewis and Jennifer Fulbright: Standing with over 750 Union Brothers and Sisters in solidarity with DFW Unite Here Airline Catering Workers. #One job should be enough.
2018 State Retiree Officers Being Sworn in by Kenneth Beasley
Labor organizing is a family affair (Grandpa (Lewis Fulbright), Pops, and my Uncle Reggie). My grandpa is the ultimate bag securer for our local labor movement as the secretary/treasurer of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) within the Dallas AFL-CIO. Enjoy the holiday and thank a worker.
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TPWU Retiree Chapter Members posing for picture at the 2019 All Craft Conference in Las Vegas
Members of the Retirees receive awards for their dedicated services at the 2019 All Craft Conference in Las Vegas.
Catering Workers Protest At American Airlines HQ,
58 Arrested FORT WORTH, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Police arrested 58 people in Fort Worth Tuesday after they blocked the entrance to American Airlines new headquarters. The civil disobedience was the beginning of three days of planned demonstrations in the area by workers who keep airplanes stocked with food and drinks. Members of Unite Here, the union representing catering workers, traveled to Fort Worth from across the country to push for higher wages from LSG Sky Chef, the company contracted to handle food service for American. Unite says some workers at DFW earn less than $10 per hour, and that one in four who work at American hubs can earn less than $12 per hour. “Nobody should be in poverty here in America,” said Bobby Kirkpatrick, an employee from North Carolina. “It shouldn’t be happening in America. Sky Chefs, American Airlines, are making billions of dollars, and want people to live in property? Not in America, it’s not going to happen.” The protests had the attention Tuesday of some Democrats running for president, with Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris both posting their support for workers on Twitter. 
Retirees Director (candidate) Jennifer Fulbright had the honor of giving the invocation at the 2019 Labor Day Breakfast for the Dallas AFL-CIO. Jennifer also represented at the Labor Day Picnic in Tarrant County. The Texas AFL-CIO Has Put Out Their 2020 Endorsements For Public Office Click here to see their picks |
The Dallas TARA chapter celebrated the 54th Birthday of Medicare and the 84th Birthday of Social Security. President George Nolan presided at the meeting. Field Organizer Judy Bryant presented the Alliance for Retired Americans Hero Award to Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for her 100% votes on retiree issues in 2018. Cong. Johnson shared updates on various issues and told members to make certain that they stayed aware of and participated in the 2020 Census in order for Texans to get all their entitled Congressional seats and funding for various programs. Those present enjoyed birthday cake before Dave Jones, of Clean Elections Texas, shared that August 6 was the 54th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, and thanked Cong. Johnson for her continued support of this vital legislation.
Graham-Cassidy Health Care Tax on Older Americans Fails to Advance in the Senate
Senate Republicans announced that they will not vote this week on their latest proposal to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The bill, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), would have placed an age tax on older Americans, eliminated protections for people with pre-existing conditions and resulted in at least 32 million Americans losing affordable health care.
It was the party's last hope ahead of a September 30 deadline, when Senate rules change and Republicans will need more than 50 votes to pass health care legislation connected to the 2017 budget resolution.
Senator Susan Collins (ME) was the third Republican to come out in opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill. She joined Senators John McCain (AZ) and Rand Paul(KY) of Kentucky as the three Republicans blocking the bill's passage. Without their votes, the Republican majority Senate only had 49 votes for the bill.
“Thank you to all of the Alliance members who made phone calls and took action locally to prevent this bill from moving forward,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We can breathe a sigh of relief for the moment. However, we must remain ready to speak out against additional threats to our health care, because they are likely to return.”
“Fortunately, enough Senators recognized the ramifications of a dangerous bill and a warped legislative process, preventing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from moving forward with his cruel plans,” added Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance in a statement.
“Sen. McConnell and Vice President Pence have already promised to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act again, instead of working in a bipartisan manner to improve health care for all.”
GOP Tax Cut Plan Could be another Way to Cut Medicare and Medicaid
President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan released the outlines of a new tax plan Thursday that would cut taxes the most for people making more than $400,000 a year and increase tax rates for lower- and middle class working families. Republican leaders want to raise the lowest individual tax rate from 10 to 12 percent and double the standard deduction, which they intend to market as a tax cut that will benefit working Americans and families.
The plan also calls for eliminating the current deduction for payment of state and local taxes, which would hit taxpayers in all states but hit hardest in states that have an income tax or higher taxes, such as California, New Jersey and New York. The home mortgage interest deduction would only be available to taxpayers who pay more than $25,000 in interest per year, eliminating it for millions of working families.
“Don’t believe anyone who tells you that this is tax relief for the middle class,” said President Roach. “It is another plan to transfer of wealth to those who need it least. And we need to make sure the GOP doesn’t try to pay for it by weakening Medicare and Medicaid, because they have already shown a strong desire to do that with their proposed budget.”
“Older Americans will not be fooled by this attempt to provide a massive tax cut for large corporations and wealthy individuals on the backs of working Americans and retirees,” said Executive Director Fiesta of the so-called “tax reform” plan.
Bipartisan Medicare Bill Passes Senate, Expanding Home Care
The Senate passed a bipartisan Medicare reform bill on Tuesday, expanding an Obamacare program for senior home care. The Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017 expands a program that provides care for seniors in their homes and gives new tools to groups of doctors that come together to coordinate care for a patient, known as Accountable Care Organizations. It also expands the use of telehealth, which enables doctors to use technology to communicate with patients who are far away.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) was instrumental in passing the bill, which was originally introduced in April by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
“This legislation will allow more seniors to get care in their own home, which may lead to better outcomes,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.
Senate Republicans announced that they will not vote this week on their latest proposal to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. The bill, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), would have placed an age tax on older Americans, eliminated protections for people with pre-existing conditions and resulted in at least 32 million Americans losing affordable health care.
It was the party's last hope ahead of a September 30 deadline, when Senate rules change and Republicans will need more than 50 votes to pass health care legislation connected to the 2017 budget resolution.
Senator Susan Collins (ME) was the third Republican to come out in opposition to the Graham-Cassidy bill. She joined Senators John McCain (AZ) and Rand Paul(KY) of Kentucky as the three Republicans blocking the bill's passage. Without their votes, the Republican majority Senate only had 49 votes for the bill.
“Thank you to all of the Alliance members who made phone calls and took action locally to prevent this bill from moving forward,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We can breathe a sigh of relief for the moment. However, we must remain ready to speak out against additional threats to our health care, because they are likely to return.”
“Fortunately, enough Senators recognized the ramifications of a dangerous bill and a warped legislative process, preventing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from moving forward with his cruel plans,” added Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance in a statement.
“Sen. McConnell and Vice President Pence have already promised to try to repeal the Affordable Care Act again, instead of working in a bipartisan manner to improve health care for all.”
GOP Tax Cut Plan Could be another Way to Cut Medicare and Medicaid
President Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan released the outlines of a new tax plan Thursday that would cut taxes the most for people making more than $400,000 a year and increase tax rates for lower- and middle class working families. Republican leaders want to raise the lowest individual tax rate from 10 to 12 percent and double the standard deduction, which they intend to market as a tax cut that will benefit working Americans and families.
The plan also calls for eliminating the current deduction for payment of state and local taxes, which would hit taxpayers in all states but hit hardest in states that have an income tax or higher taxes, such as California, New Jersey and New York. The home mortgage interest deduction would only be available to taxpayers who pay more than $25,000 in interest per year, eliminating it for millions of working families.
“Don’t believe anyone who tells you that this is tax relief for the middle class,” said President Roach. “It is another plan to transfer of wealth to those who need it least. And we need to make sure the GOP doesn’t try to pay for it by weakening Medicare and Medicaid, because they have already shown a strong desire to do that with their proposed budget.”
“Older Americans will not be fooled by this attempt to provide a massive tax cut for large corporations and wealthy individuals on the backs of working Americans and retirees,” said Executive Director Fiesta of the so-called “tax reform” plan.
Bipartisan Medicare Bill Passes Senate, Expanding Home Care
The Senate passed a bipartisan Medicare reform bill on Tuesday, expanding an Obamacare program for senior home care. The Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017 expands a program that provides care for seniors in their homes and gives new tools to groups of doctors that come together to coordinate care for a patient, known as Accountable Care Organizations. It also expands the use of telehealth, which enables doctors to use technology to communicate with patients who are far away.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) was instrumental in passing the bill, which was originally introduced in April by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT).
“This legislation will allow more seniors to get care in their own home, which may lead to better outcomes,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance.
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Balanced Budget Amendment,
Rescissions Would Mean Cuts to Social Security and Medicare In response to protests from so-called fiscal conservatives, President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are considering forcing votes to cut billions of dollars in spending from the funding deal they passed barely two weeks ago. Called "rescissions," the cuts would cancel parts of the bipartisan appropriations measure that averted a government shutdown in March. Republicans are also preparing to make a big push for a balanced budget amendment (BBA). more |
Hello Retirees,
The TPWU Retirees Conference was held in Killeen, Texas 06/2019. There were speakers from different organizations on subjects that benefited us as seniors and as everyday consumers. They spoke on "How to eat healthy on a budget". A CPR demonstration, presented was very informative. And a speaker from Texas Department of Aging & Disability pointed out the many services available under various departments that are there for those in need of them.
We thank Judy Beard,Liz Powell, Nancy E Olumekor, Kenith Beasley, Mike Holloway and Carlton Williams. We also discussed expanding retiree chapters within the state and things that may be implemented to make the existing retiree chapters even more successful.
I hope to see all of you at our next retiree meeting in August. Letters will be sent notifying you of the date and time.
Take care and enjoy retirement!
The TPWU Retirees Conference was held in Killeen, Texas 06/2019. There were speakers from different organizations on subjects that benefited us as seniors and as everyday consumers. They spoke on "How to eat healthy on a budget". A CPR demonstration, presented was very informative. And a speaker from Texas Department of Aging & Disability pointed out the many services available under various departments that are there for those in need of them.
We thank Judy Beard,Liz Powell, Nancy E Olumekor, Kenith Beasley, Mike Holloway and Carlton Williams. We also discussed expanding retiree chapters within the state and things that may be implemented to make the existing retiree chapters even more successful.
I hope to see all of you at our next retiree meeting in August. Letters will be sent notifying you of the date and time.
Take care and enjoy retirement!
TPWU Educational Conference Retirees workshops in Killeen, Tx. 6/2019
TPWU Educational Conference Retirees workshops in Austin, Tx. 6/2018
Dallas Area Local Retiree Chapter elected officers 05/18/2016. Left to Right: Collie Coleman, Beverly McCray, Barbara Burkhalter, Dorothy McClure, Lewis Fulbright, Cathy Wesley, Montique Boyd, RoseBrown, Bobby Edward. Not pictured Bobby Alexander
Greetings fellow Retirees,
We have another year behind us, and we now prepare, hopefully in good health and good spirits, for what lies ahead for 2016.
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, the Retirees of the Dallas Area Local will hold their first quarterly meeting for 2016, at the Dallas APWU Union Hall beginning with a light snack at 10:30 am, followed by the general session at 11:00 am. Please make every effort to attend and be on time.
Topics will include, but not be limited to, the APWU contract and Medicare part B. Other topics will include the 2016 TPWU Educational Conference/Retiree Seminar to be held in San Antonio June 2-4, 2016 and the National APWU Convention in Orlando, Florida August 19 - 21, 2016. Based on the budget passed in November of 2015 we will make a decision on the number of people to send to both. We have a confirmed speaker from the Area Agency on Aging, Ms. Jessica Walker, who will address issues and services that directly affect those of us as we transition into our "golden" years.
On January 22, 2016, the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund held their first convention as a C/4 Organization and Lewis Fulbright was elected as the Treasurer. Other officers elected were Gene Lantz as President and Tony Padilla of Austin as Secretary. Beverly McCray also represented the Dallas Local and BJ Alexander and Bobby Edwards were in attendance representing the TPWU Retirees. Earl Vaughn, representing the Houston Local's Retirees, was elected to the Executive Board for the TARA Educational Fund representing the APWU.
So as you can see, we have a full agenda, so we will start on time to be respectful of everyone's time.
NOTICE OF ELECTIONS
Per our Local Constitution and by-laws, we will have nominations and election of officers for the 2016 - 2019 term of office at the next scheduled meeting on May 18, 2016.
Positions to be entered into nominations
*President *Vice-President *Secretary *Treasurer *Editor
*Legislative Director *Human Relations Dir/Chaplin *Trustees(3)
Serving you in Friendship & Solidarity
*Lewis E Fulbright, President *Lee Boyd, Vice-President
*Barbara Burkhalter, Treasurer *Beverly McCray, Secretary
*Rose Brown, Legislative Director *B J Alexander, HR Director/Chaplin
We have another year behind us, and we now prepare, hopefully in good health and good spirits, for what lies ahead for 2016.
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, the Retirees of the Dallas Area Local will hold their first quarterly meeting for 2016, at the Dallas APWU Union Hall beginning with a light snack at 10:30 am, followed by the general session at 11:00 am. Please make every effort to attend and be on time.
Topics will include, but not be limited to, the APWU contract and Medicare part B. Other topics will include the 2016 TPWU Educational Conference/Retiree Seminar to be held in San Antonio June 2-4, 2016 and the National APWU Convention in Orlando, Florida August 19 - 21, 2016. Based on the budget passed in November of 2015 we will make a decision on the number of people to send to both. We have a confirmed speaker from the Area Agency on Aging, Ms. Jessica Walker, who will address issues and services that directly affect those of us as we transition into our "golden" years.
On January 22, 2016, the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund held their first convention as a C/4 Organization and Lewis Fulbright was elected as the Treasurer. Other officers elected were Gene Lantz as President and Tony Padilla of Austin as Secretary. Beverly McCray also represented the Dallas Local and BJ Alexander and Bobby Edwards were in attendance representing the TPWU Retirees. Earl Vaughn, representing the Houston Local's Retirees, was elected to the Executive Board for the TARA Educational Fund representing the APWU.
So as you can see, we have a full agenda, so we will start on time to be respectful of everyone's time.
NOTICE OF ELECTIONS
Per our Local Constitution and by-laws, we will have nominations and election of officers for the 2016 - 2019 term of office at the next scheduled meeting on May 18, 2016.
Positions to be entered into nominations
*President *Vice-President *Secretary *Treasurer *Editor
*Legislative Director *Human Relations Dir/Chaplin *Trustees(3)
Serving you in Friendship & Solidarity
*Lewis E Fulbright, President *Lee Boyd, Vice-President
*Barbara Burkhalter, Treasurer *Beverly McCray, Secretary
*Rose Brown, Legislative Director *B J Alexander, HR Director/Chaplin
Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational fund held their Founding Convention January 22, 2016 in Austin Texas. Events included the swearing in of TARA-EF Officers, Adoption of the TARA-EF Bylaws, Caucuses to elect Vice Presidents and other events. The Members Elected Gene Lantz- President, Tony Padia-Secretary and Lewis Fulbright-Treasurer.
TARA (Texas Alliance for Retired Americans) recently changed from a C3 to a C4. The new name under the C4 is Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund. See Pictures below
TARA (Texas Alliance for Retired Americans) recently changed from a C3 to a C4. The new name under the C4 is Texas Alliance for Retired Americans Educational Fund. See Pictures below
TPWU Retiree Session June 23, 2015 Austin, Tx.
The TPWU Retirees Conference held in Austin Texas June 22 - 23, 2015 featured speaker Judy Beard, APWU National Retiree Director, speaking on OPM's data breach and the fears we should all be concerned about, taking advantage of the tools provided and are in place to help you if your information have been compromised.
Judy also spoke on Postal Banking, a service the Union is pushing very hard for, Disability Retirement and/or Medicare A and B. and free services for people who need assisted in home care. (see Office of Aging).
We as retirees know the value of the Union in the work place, a good contract, getting out and organizing members, walking the picket lines, the benefits of rallies, and all the things the younger generation take for granted, when we see our members out on side of the roads, in front of building holding up signs, screaming chants, take notice who is up front 4 out of 5 are retired and they are out there because they believe they can make a difference.
Good jobs, benefits, vacations, good pay these are things the we want when getting a job, well retirees are out there on the front line fighting for these very things and more, We are lobbying for legislation that reflect APWU's priorities and objectives, we lobbied for H.R. 54, a measure that express the sense of the House of Representatives that the USPS should "take all appropriate measures " to restore the service standards that were in effect as of July 1, 2012 the measure was introduced in response to the USPS decision, effective January 5, 2015 to degrade service standards, slow delivery, and dismantle America's Postal network.
Retiree Chapters are a valuable asset to APWU the are again on the front line when lobbying for fair compensation for injured employees, vote by mail by expanding opportunities for voters and increasing voter participation, lobbying for the repeal of the Social Security Government Pension (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enact federal and state legislation to protect healthcare benefits (the Postal Service is trying to cut out benefits in every contract negotiation and the Federal Government every time there is a new elected congress).
Judy also spoke on Postal Banking, a service the Union is pushing very hard for, Disability Retirement and/or Medicare A and B. and free services for people who need assisted in home care. (see Office of Aging).
We as retirees know the value of the Union in the work place, a good contract, getting out and organizing members, walking the picket lines, the benefits of rallies, and all the things the younger generation take for granted, when we see our members out on side of the roads, in front of building holding up signs, screaming chants, take notice who is up front 4 out of 5 are retired and they are out there because they believe they can make a difference.
Good jobs, benefits, vacations, good pay these are things the we want when getting a job, well retirees are out there on the front line fighting for these very things and more, We are lobbying for legislation that reflect APWU's priorities and objectives, we lobbied for H.R. 54, a measure that express the sense of the House of Representatives that the USPS should "take all appropriate measures " to restore the service standards that were in effect as of July 1, 2012 the measure was introduced in response to the USPS decision, effective January 5, 2015 to degrade service standards, slow delivery, and dismantle America's Postal network.
Retiree Chapters are a valuable asset to APWU the are again on the front line when lobbying for fair compensation for injured employees, vote by mail by expanding opportunities for voters and increasing voter participation, lobbying for the repeal of the Social Security Government Pension (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enact federal and state legislation to protect healthcare benefits (the Postal Service is trying to cut out benefits in every contract negotiation and the Federal Government every time there is a new elected congress).
 TPWU Retiree session June 23, 2015 Austin, Tx.
Retires Legislative Involvements
Just to mention some of the Retirees legislative involvements, in 2012, we (Retirees) launched a voter education initiative in response to the 2011 voter ID laws passed in 8 states, including Alabama, Kansas, S. Carolina, and Mississippi and again in 2014. you can learn about your state's voter guidelines at www.iwillvote.com. Retirees have participated in state battles for collective bargaining rights and recalls of governors. Legislative successes include mobilizing like never before when lawmakers pushed to include the Chained CPI in the 2014 budget. (The Chained CPI is a way of calculating cost of living adjustments that would result in lower cost of living increases for annuitants and beneficiaries. This would cause financial difficulties for seniors who have higher living expenses on average. The APWU retires joined the Alliance for Retired Americans in a campaign to stop the Chained CPI. We (Retirees) talked to our families and neighbors, educated community groups, contacted the media, spoke directly with congressional representatives, lobbied in front of the White House, built coalitions with senior organizations, signed postcards, and participated in a huge lobby day across the country and thanks to the hard work of these Retirees to make our voices heard, President Obama did not include the Chained CPI in his 2015 budget. These are just a few of the many successes the Retires have achieved through their hard work diligence. |
 TPWU Retiree Session June 23, 2015 Austin, Tx.
Disability Retirement
Basics of Disability Retirement: This information is for your review. It is not meant to advise or suggest any action on your part. Retirement is a personal decision that everyone must consider for themselves after reviewing their personal needs. Federal Employees and Civil Service Employees struggling to work with a serious illness or injury, may be entitled to Disability Benefits under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), respectively. A Disability Retirement Annuity provides these benefits in addition to coverage you receive through your Basic Benefits Plan. Key Facts about Disability Retirement * Federal disability retirement is a benefit accorded to all Federal and Postal Employees under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), For CSRS employees, you must have a minimum of five (5) years of service. For FERS employees, you must have a minimum of 18 months of service. * The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), a Federal Agency, approves or disapproves all disability retirement applications. The difference between Social Security Disability and Disability Retirement: * The main difference is that the criteria to obtain Social Security Disability is much higher -- that of "total disability". To obtain disability retirement under CSRS or FERS, you must merely be disabled for performing one or more of the essential elements of your particular kind of job. |
Must you file for Social Security if you apply for Disability Retirement?
* CSRS employees need not file for Social Security. If you are under FERS, you must file for Social Security disability during the application process. In recent months, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has indicated that Social Security may be filed after a person's disability retirement application has been approved, and the individual has been separated from service. 
TPWU Retiree Session June 23, 2015 Austin, Tx.
Must your disability be caused by your job?
* No. Unlike Workers Compensation cases, where the issue often involves whether or not your job caused your injury or disease, or whether it occurred on the job, disability retirement has no requirement of being "job-related". Click here for more information on Disability Retirement. |
Texas Retires Chapter Officers:
President: Lewis Fulbright (Dallas)
Vice-President: Laura Provo (Houston)
Secretary-Treasurer: Billie Glazebrook (Houston)
Legislative Director: Brenda White (Beaumont)
Organizational Director: Bobby J. Alexander (Dallas)
Human Relations/Chaplin: Jose Lopez (Dallas)
Trustees: Barbara Burkhalter (Dallas), Tony Callaus (San Antonio), Earl Stewart (Ft. Worth),
Editor: Bobby Edwards
President: Lewis Fulbright (Dallas)
Vice-President: Laura Provo (Houston)
Secretary-Treasurer: Billie Glazebrook (Houston)
Legislative Director: Brenda White (Beaumont)
Organizational Director: Bobby J. Alexander (Dallas)
Human Relations/Chaplin: Jose Lopez (Dallas)
Trustees: Barbara Burkhalter (Dallas), Tony Callaus (San Antonio), Earl Stewart (Ft. Worth),
Editor: Bobby Edwards
