Fifteen members met at the Fayette County Commission on Aging for the bi-monthly meeting of the Fayette/Madison County Public Employee Retirees Inc. July 26.
President Sylvia Hildreth was absent and had asked Jim Essman to take charge of the meeting. Jim called the meeting to order and asked everyone to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Essman introduced the program for the day, State Rep. Gary Scherer and State Sen. Bob Peterson.
Representative Scherer informed the group of several items he is aware of which affect the OPERS retirees. Senator Peterson recommended that everyone vote no on the drug program. He also informed the group that it is legal to lie on political ads so be vigilant in checking the wording. Both guests answered many questions and explained how state government is handling the budget this year. The group totally enjoyed the speakers and Essman thanked them for coming before introducing Bonnie Mitchell, OPERI District 6 representative.
Mitchell informed everyone that they would be receiving information from people who are running as representative for the public sector in OPERS. OPERI has taken a stand against Issue II. OPERI has a data system now so soon we should be able to get the names of prospective members. There was a discussion about the Medicare One Exhange statements. This should get better soon.
Also if a PERI group has a raffle they are allowed to spend the money as wanted, not as it is with the dues. The State Annual Meeting will be Oct. 9. There are several members who go because it is very informative, so watch for the quarterly newsletter for information concerning attendance. The group car pools if anyone wants to go. The group was very happy to have met Mitchell and be informed about current news.
Jeanne Immell gave the secretary’s report. Treasurer Connie Watson gave the treasurer’s report. The reports were accepted as given.
OPERS is having seminars on the HRA accounts. It will be in the newsletter or on the website.
The members attending the meeting were Luella Puckett, Suzanne Turner, Carol Williams, Carol Jackson, Sylvia Schneider, Denna Morgan, Bonnie Kellenberger, Ron Burkhard, Jeanne Immell, Sharon Irons, Marilee Peterson, Michael Clay, Connie Watson, Jim Essman and Bonnie Beth Mitchell.
The next meeting will be Sept. 27. The meeting was adjourned.
