From the Desk for President Felicia Bruce - Fall 2021
From The Desk of RC 43 President
Much news for retirees! FIRST: There was an ad for retiree health insurance options in the recent NYSUT magazine that created some confusion. Let us clarify ! Your local union has negotiated a guaranteed pension, reimbursements, TDA, provided us with Supplemental Health Care (SHIP) , secured for us dental and optical benefits as well as negotiated health care plans during our entire career and retirement. On Long Island and elsewhere in the state those plans vary from district to district. BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION TO CHANGE YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE ENROLLMENT, CONSULT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCE PERSON TO UNDERSTAND HOW ANY CHANGE WILL IMPACT YOU.
SECOND: Just when you thought it was safe.....COVID 19 Delta mutates and sends us backwards!
YOUR Executive Board plus some dedicated members met in July. We worked out an amazing regional symposium series to deliver to both coasts and central FL an incredible series of speakers, information and resources ONLY to have our plans nixed by the Delta virus and unavailability of NYSUT speakers. THEREFORE...we are back to ZOOM meetings in order to disseminate valuable information. We expect to have the speakers and resources assembled November XXXXXXX at 11 AM for a series of informational presentations from Ron Gross, David Keefe, NYSUT Benefits coordinators, VOTE COPE updates as well as others with pertinent information vital to all our retired members.
THIRD: The Executive Board and Constitution/By Laws Committee worked long and hard on the schedule AND on updating RC 43 Constitution and By Laws. That update will be sent under separate cover in a special mailing dedicated to the committee's recommendations. Currently it is being reviewed by NYSUT to be certain our RC will be in compliance with all federal and state laws as well as NYSUT policy, rules and procedures.
FINALLY: There is nothing more important than your safety, health and well being so PLEASE take all necessary precautions to stay that way! Mask indoors (even if you are vaccinated and especially if you are not!), social distance and wash hands frequently. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
MEANTIME: Plan to join us September 10 at 11 AM for our regularly scheduled zoom meeting. Be sure Miram Hanan (miriamtrh@gmail.com) has your current email address so you can join us.
Yours in solidarity,
Felicia Bruce

