Lewis Fulbright: Dallas Area Local 732 Retirees Chapter President, TPWU Retirees President |
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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.
2018 State Retiree Officers Being Sworn in by Kenneth Beasley
2016 State Retiree Officers
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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 |
Before early voting started on October 24, activists working with the AFL-CIO in North Texas had already knocked on 2,500 doors and made thousands of phone calls!
Our Saturday mobilizations and phone banking events are drawing record participation. On October 29 at 9 AM, we'll have breakfast together at 1924 Baird Farm Rd in Arlington, then we'll continue canvassing for get-out-the-vote. Tarrant County will repeat that on November 5, while Dallas activists will move to 1934 Pendleton in Garland.
Phone banking is every Monday and Tuesday 5:30-8 PM from 1408 N Washington. Retirees are calling those same days 1-3 PM from 334 Centre in Oak Cliff. Join in by calling Lorraine at 214-448-1557 or the AFL-CIO office 214-826-4808
We were proud to rally for early voting downtown along with Autoworkers, A. Phillip Randolph Committee, Communications Workers, Steelworkers, Transport Workers Union, the Alliance for Retired Americans, State Representative Roberto Alonzo, Judge Kim Cooks, and others who are also concerned about democracy.
Our Saturday mobilizations and phone banking events are drawing record participation. On October 29 at 9 AM, we'll have breakfast together at 1924 Baird Farm Rd in Arlington, then we'll continue canvassing for get-out-the-vote. Tarrant County will repeat that on November 5, while Dallas activists will move to 1934 Pendleton in Garland.
Phone banking is every Monday and Tuesday 5:30-8 PM from 1408 N Washington. Retirees are calling those same days 1-3 PM from 334 Centre in Oak Cliff. Join in by calling Lorraine at 214-448-1557 or the AFL-CIO office 214-826-4808
We were proud to rally for early voting downtown along with Autoworkers, A. Phillip Randolph Committee, Communications Workers, Steelworkers, Transport Workers Union, the Alliance for Retired Americans, State Representative Roberto Alonzo, Judge Kim Cooks, and others who are also concerned about democracy.
Hello Retirees,
The TPWU Retirees Conference was held in San Antonio, Texas this past week June 1-4, 2016. There were speakers from different organizations on subjects that benefited us as seniors and as everyday consumers. The first speaker, from the San Antonio food bank, spoke on "How to eat healthy on a budget". She even cooked a small and tasty meal for all attending the class. From the American Diabetes Association, Deirdre Murphy, made us aware of the different types of diabetes and a detailed list of things that can be done to control the disease once diagnosed. A CPR demonstration, presented by Byron Cady, 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.
During the closing meeting we thanked outgoing Retiree Director, Judy Beard, and welcomed her successor, Nancy E Olumekor. 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 want to congratulate the newly elected officers of our Dallas retiree chapter. Also, I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve as your Legislative Director for another term. My intentions are to bring not only speakers that cover legislative issues but also health and wellness issues.
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. I shall have "Applications for Ballot by Mail" available to seniors over age 65 who desire to mail in their ballots for the upcoming election.
Take care and enjoy retirement!
By Rose Brown Legislative Director.
The TPWU Retirees Conference was held in San Antonio, Texas this past week June 1-4, 2016. There were speakers from different organizations on subjects that benefited us as seniors and as everyday consumers. The first speaker, from the San Antonio food bank, spoke on "How to eat healthy on a budget". She even cooked a small and tasty meal for all attending the class. From the American Diabetes Association, Deirdre Murphy, made us aware of the different types of diabetes and a detailed list of things that can be done to control the disease once diagnosed. A CPR demonstration, presented by Byron Cady, 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.
During the closing meeting we thanked outgoing Retiree Director, Judy Beard, and welcomed her successor, Nancy E Olumekor. 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 want to congratulate the newly elected officers of our Dallas retiree chapter. Also, I want to thank all of you for allowing me to serve as your Legislative Director for another term. My intentions are to bring not only speakers that cover legislative issues but also health and wellness issues.
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. I shall have "Applications for Ballot by Mail" available to seniors over age 65 who desire to mail in their ballots for the upcoming election.
Take care and enjoy retirement!
By Rose Brown Legislative Director.
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
