On May 13, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-chapter #87 Retirees held their monthly meeting with 23 members present.
David Spinner, Sub-chapter #87 President welcomed everyone. He asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, Spinner asked for a moment of silence for several members who recently passed away.
Spinner introduced guest speaker, Maria Britton-Sipe, Retiree Program Coordinator for AFSCME Retirees Chapter 31.
Sipe outlined the latest information regarding topics such as the current pension news, health care and legislation that could affect retirees. She said that Illinois has a Pension Protection Clause where other states have a contract clause. Our pension is protected by the Constitution for any benefits earned, insurance and cost of living increases.
Sipe mentioned that AFSCME retirees have grown substantially and are under pressure to go after their benefits. She said there is a need to reach out to people and let them know how important it is to support the unions and maintain a strong position in order to negotiate the health insurance.
Sipe said that the projected spending is to climb in the upcoming fiscal year from what lawmakers approved in 2023. The spending expansion is driven by general across-the-board growth in most areas, led by education, human services, health care, pensions and government health insurance. There is not enough revenue coming into the state which will lead to budget cut backs and not enough working employees since the state doesn’t fill vacated positions. The projected budget deficit is $800 million for next year.
Sipe stated that we have some very important elections coming up this Spring and Fall which will determine how our insurance, pensions and social security are handled. A majority of favorable judges is necessary to protect our Pension Protection Clause in the Illinois Constitution. AFSCME will be asking members and retirees to hand write and endorse envelopes to send out before the election.
In regards to Social Security, Sipe said yes, Social Security is going to be there!
She went on to say, with regard to public jobs, the highest volume of employees is number 1, people who work with the mentally and physically disabled and number 2, the Department of Corrections.
Sipe said there is a massive change in Health Care with doctor shortages. One reason for the shortage is a large portion of physicians in the workforce are nearing traditional retirement age and the demand for physicians is growing at a faster rate than the supply.
Sipe commented to the group that they should feel free to use Optimum Perks or other pharmacy discounts. Your pharmacist will run both your State and a discount card to see which one is the cheapest for you.
Spinner reported that four Sub-chapter 87 members attended the March 13 Lobby Day for SEIU workers who provide much needed care to senior citizens who need assistance. Also, three members will be attending tomorrow’s SEIU Lobby Day.
The next Taylorville in-person meeting is on Monday, June 10 at 1 p.m. at the Taylorville First United Methodist Church. Guest speaker will be State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal.
The next Hillsboro in-person and Virtual ZOOM meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Hillsboro Farm Bureau. Guest speaker is from Crossover Ministries.
The Sub-Chapter welcomes new members or any retired senior who wants to stay informed on state and federal issues.
Please remember to update your information with SERS, IMRF or SURS if you move or have informational changes. This allows you to get important information for taxes, etc. AFSCME and your sub-chapter president also needs this updated material to keep you updated with relevant information. This includes changes in your email address. You may contact the AFSCME Council 31, David Spinner, Subchapter #87 president at 217-324-2018 or email him at Bspinner@consolidated and also to register and participate in the AFSCME Retiree Sub-chapter Zoom meeting.