Thank you. To all REAM members, your support and commitment continue to strengthen this organization in meaningful and lasting ways. As we move through an important period of transition, I want to express my gratitude for your patience, your understanding, and your continued trust. REAM is evolving—modernizing our operations, strengthening our advocacy, and preparing for a stronger future.

Newsletter Schedule Update

To be more fiscally responsible while maintaining high quality communication, REAM will now produce and mail the printed newsletter four times per year instead of six. This adjustment allows us to use our resources wisely while keeping you informed and connected.

A New REAM News Website

We are excited to share that REAM is developing a new, member focused website designed to better meet your needs. This platform will feature:

• More video content
• Easier access to member benefits
• Expanded information on REAM’s discounted trip packages
• Legislative Highlights
• News about Senior Planet from AARP

Our goal is to provide a richer, more accessible, and more engaging experience for every member.

Enhanced Member Benefits AMBA; Local Engagement

In the months ahead, REAM will place a stronger emphasis on promoting the valuable benefits offered through AMBA, ensuring members are fully aware of the savings and services available to them. We will also be showcasing the travel discounts provided by Collette Travel and Premier World Discovery, helping members take advantage of high quality, worry-free, affordable travel opportunities. At the same time, we remain committed to highlighting the important work and activities happening in our LOCAL units, where community, connection, and service continue to thrive.

Looking Ahead

Thank you for your continued support and for standing with Minnesota’s retired educators. Together, we are building a stronger REAM—one that honors our past, serves our members today, and prepares boldly for the future.

It is with deep gratitude and great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Retired Educators Association of Minnesota. As I step into this role, I’m honored to join a community rooted in service, wisdom, and lifelong learning—a community that continues to shape Minnesota’s educational legacy long after the final bell.

Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of educators who give their all to students, schools, and society. Now, in retirement, your impact continues—through advocacy, mentorship, volunteerism, and the vibrant connections you maintain with one another. My goal is to support and amplify that impact, ensuring REAM remains a strong voice for retired educators across the state.

In the months ahead, I look forward to meeting many of you, listening to your stories, and working together to expand REAM’s reach and relevance. Whether it’s through legislative advocacy, community engagement, or simply celebrating the joy of lifelong learning, I’m committed to honoring your legacy and building on the foundation you’ve created.

Thank you for welcoming me into this remarkable organization. Let’s make this next chapter one of growth, connection, and continued purpose.

Warm regards,

Mark P. Hanson

Executive Director

Tim Moynihan and I had the opportunity to be part of a training hosted by the NRTA (National Retired Teachers Association). The purpose of the training was to seek and recruit volunteers to be a part of our organization. This is often referred to as the tap on the shoulder!

During the workshop, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting alongside the Executive Director of the Iowa Retired Educators Association. In our conversation, she shared the power of saying yes. Often when confronted with an opportunity to become engaged with an organization, an activity, or something that asks us to give up our time, our first response is: “I am too busy” or “I don’t want to get involved without fully thinking through the opportunity”. Well, if we all would start saying yes to one or two of the activities that present themselves to us, it would make everyone’s life a little easier. We are all familiar with 10 percent of the people doing 90 percent of the work. At REAM, let’s change the equation! When someone taps you on the shoulder to serve as a Division Lead or to get engaged in other parts of the organization, please consider and say yes!

We are retired educators! We always went above and beyond our call. We ask you to please continue to be that positive change maker in our organization. If you would like to get more involved with REAM, please reach out to one of our Board Members to inquire more about the existing opportunities.

It is a busy time for our organization

As we enter the spring season, it is a busy time for our organization. First, we would love to welcome Sally Mays to our Ream Team! Sally is a long-time friend of REAM and a vehement advocate of the drive for pension protection. She will serve as our communications director. This has been a long-needed position within the organization. In addition to her skills as a media specialist, she is well-versed in several software platforms and has a background in marketing. As you have the opportunity, please welcome Sally to our team! Thank you to our REAM Board for supporting this position!

She will be responsible for supporting our communications efforts with Facebook, newsletter support, marketing, and other functions to ensure we are getting the needed information into the hands of our members. Welcome Sally!

The legislative session launched in February allowing us to get engaged in letting our legislators know where we stand on pension protection. You will hear more from our Legislative Committee on their work and advocacy strategies at the Capitol.

We wanted to reach out to strengthen relationships with our sister organizations of AARP, NRTA, and AMBA. These organizations are committed to making our organization as strong and sustainable as possible. AARP and NRTA are supporting our effort to complete a communications audit to determine which social media platforms are best suited for the demographic of our membership. This will enable us to be more effective in both how and what we communicate. AMBA is supporting our work with our webpage. We love what we have, but there is always something good with a continuous improvement model of seeking to improve what we have.

Finally, next month, we will provide an update on our legislative platform and how our work with our advocacy team is advancing.

One of my favorite sayings with my two daughters and now their children, is, “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!” While I am sure they grow tired of hearing this message, it remains true.

As a former coach, teacher, and administrator, the significance of teamwork and membership were always at the forefront of all I did. Whether on the football field, basketball court, shot circle, or administrative office, if you haven’t established a functional team, your success will be limited. At REAM, we are fortunate to have valued and trusted teammates in our relationship with AMBA and AARP. The benefits provided by each organization are deeply valued. Please review these benefits, which range from insurance options to fraud protection programs. As a part of the team, you have access to each of these wonderful organizations.

Only second to, “Teamwork makes the Dream Work” is membership. If you want to play, you must join the team. Throughout my career, I recruited students to participate in co-curricular activities because I knew the benefits of belonging to a team. Membership allowed you to be a part of something larger than yourself and created a network of people to do life with! REAM is no different! Teaching is a lonely career. While this seems odd to say, I found it to be true. You are surrounded by students all day, which was a blessing, but the adult contact was often limited to the twenty-minute lunch and the limited prep time. So we found ways to create that social network, within the school. REAM can provide that social connection as well with our local unit meetings and state conventions.

So please, if you haven’t joined the REAM Team, take time to complete the application and become a member of an organization that is focused on the security and advancement of our pensions.

Greetings! If you attended our State Conference in Willmar this past month, you were treated to several outstanding sessions from people across Minnesota and our sister organizations Nationally.

We are all interested in growing and maintaining a vibrant and healthy organization! To assist REAM with this project, we were honored to have Mary Beth Dixon from AARP share thoughts on developing and training REAM leaders. She led a vibrant session that stressed the importance of growing and cultivating leaders within the organization. To create these leaders, we need to establish pathways for them to be a part of the organization and have clear leadership roles and a path to achieve these roles.

To achieve our growth goals as an organization, understanding how to attract and retain members and leaders is paramount. Mary Beth provided several thoughts to consider as we recruit potential members.

First, who is our target audience? Who are you trying to attract? What are their interests, needs, and motivations? Understanding our audience will help us tailor our messaging and outreach strategies.

Second, what is our recruitment pathway to becoming a leader with REAM? We want to bring in members, but we also want to bring in members who want to lead and serve our organization. As people join our locals, are they clear on how they can become a leader?

Third, what is our value proposition? People join organizations that offer value, whether educational resources, networking opportunities, discounts, or social events. Ensure you highlight membership benefits and how they align with your target audience’s goals.

Fourth, use word-of-mouth to encourage current members to spread the word about REAM and our benefits. It is our job to get the word out about REAM! We provide so many wonderful benefits to membership beyond advocating for our pensions. The travel programs we provide are second to none, as you attend local meetings, you are networked and connect with other retired educators. We create and build community. This is so important to keep us engaged with others as we enter and navigate retirement.

Mary Beth shared that, on average, a person is approached six times before agreeing to volunteer. Think about it six times! That requires a lot of work, but once the person is a member of REAM, they stay! We believe it is our work to ensure healthy pensions as we enter and enjoy our retirement years. As you read Legislative Committee Reports , we are hard at work making sure our voice is heard at both a state and national level. Please get engaged and make it your goal to bring three new people into REAM from your network!

Summer is winding down, and as usual it has been busy! Between time with family and preparing to welcome a grandchild later this month, we have been on the go! I did have the opportunity to attend the ASRTE conference on your behalf during the second week of August.

The conference focused on strengthening membership in organizations like REAM across the Nation. We all have the same mission of keeping our pensions safe and strong. In Minnesota we are blessed to have an excellent working relationship with the Minnesota Teacher Retirement Association (TRA). We are both organizations that prepare and support our members for the retirement journey. TRA prepares you for the process with the required paperwork and walks members through the paperwork. REAM, once you begin to receive the pension, we monitor your pension by serving as an advocate at a state and national level, completing research, and tracking bills that impact our pension.

For many people, retirement is one of the most stressful times in their lives. There is a transition from days filled with tasks and meetings to a life of leisure that can be jarring and isolating. We are here to help you with the transition. We provide local units where retirees can connect and work on projects that support our local communities. So, if you are not a member of a local REAM Unit or a member of the organization at large, please reach out, and we will direct you to a local unit. You can access our membership application at this location: (https://www. mnream.org/page/join)

There are many advantages to membership; these include:

Pension and Health Insurance: we stand in the gap on your behalf to protect your retirement income and health insurance and keep prescription costs low. Access to benefits: we partner with AARP and AMBA to offer access to continuing policies with dental and vision insurance.

Social Opportunities: Meet and greet peers who are retirees in local units! This provides an opportunity to meet retirees and work to help your local community!

Regarding opportunities, our REAM state conference will be held on September 25th and 26th in Willmar. You can access the registration material at the following location. (https://www.mnream.org.events/EventDetails. aspx?id=1762936&group=) We are excited to see you at the conference. The agenda will include information from AMBA and AARP and a legislative update from our pension group.

Finally, I was doing some research on what is important to retirees. I found that I didn’t retire; I only transitioned from education to doing something else. I found that I needed something in my life, professionally, to help me stay vital and maintain a purpose. A part of this purpose was to challenge myself mentally and contribute to my community continually. We leave a field of service, and it is helpful to maintain that sense of purpose! Please pass the word to recent retirees to join and keep our organization strong!

My name is Bruce Locklear, and I am excited to serve as the Interim Executive Director of REAM. I was a career educator and hold dear the mission of our organization, which is to maintain a healthy and positive pension plan in our retirement years. Like you, as I entered retirement, I was excited to spend time with family, do new things, travel, and support organizations that make a difference for others. That is why I am supporting the REAM team.

While I am still getting up to speed on our organization, our top priority for the year is membership. How do we sustain our current membership, and equally as important, how do we attract new members? This begins by making sure that our members understand why we exist. Besides the many benefits included in our membership, our priority is to advocate for a healthy and robust pension program. To achieve this, we need a strong membership voice. There is strength in numbers. With a strong membership, when we speak, our legislators listen.

Over the next two months, I will meet with our Strategic Planning Committee to develop a plan to maintain and grow our membership. However, you can help! If you know colleagues about to enter retirement, please encourage them to join our organization. Together we will make a difference!

Hi again wonderful MN-REAM members. A lot of you know my 2-year transition as MN REAM Executive Director ends December 31, 2022. I am now a REAM Advisor! So I would be remiss if I didn’t “Thank” all of you that sent cards, letters, texts, emails and phone calls.

I asked all of you to vote and boy did you do it! You know we don’t endorse candidates, but we do support issues especially if they support your needs, like most of the AARP positions. When the Legislature quit paying state bills to help cover critical needs for our public schools, our elderly needs and our medical needs you folks picked up on it that that’s not a way to build our state surplus. All that money left in all the state department budgets like Health and Human Services has now been turned over to the state General Fund as unneeded money! Really billions this year was returned to the general fund, Really!

Most of you know I have mostly volunteered over 50 years starting when I was a young teacher in my 20s to learn about how our MN public pension program works and have promoted the three-legged rule (TRA, SS, your investments) for preparing for retirement. I learned a long time ago when you make statements about MN public employee pensions compared to other states and appropriate MN funding our pensions, they better be accurate fact wise. So, when I say MN ranks 46th nationally for Minnesota as our employer, for state and local taxes for our public employee pensions believe it!

You all know the main mission of REAM since 1954 has been to advocate successfully for pension improvements for MN public employees like you. This year our focus is on a better Cola for you and helping Post 1989 educators who have to go to their SS age for a full benefit. Really! We have tried doing this as volunteers, now times are changing associations like us to strive and be relevant must go in a different direction. An area that will impact all of us is in the realm of dues. $15.00 a year doesn’t do much today. The Moose and Elk Clubs dues are around $50.00. My American legion post is $44.00 My church gets more than that a week. So please step up to the plate when asked to help us be more effective across the state and at our MN Legislature. Right now, we partner with other public employee groups to counter the challenges the groups at the legislature that don’t want you to have a state backed pension or Cola.

One of the books I’m encouraging your REAM Board of Directors to read is Race to Relevance. -5 Radical Changes for Associations if they want to survive. The authors are Harrison Coverer and Mary Byers, experts in this field for over 40 years! Another area we need all of you to do is embrace technology. Have you watched your children & grandchildren use technology? You can do it, too. I’ve seen it happen. One of my 90 years old wood carvers in Florida zooms at least once every ten days and she has a zoom account and helps the younger folks do it. Oh did I tell you she still plays pickle ball, too? Really!

Do you know if you go to our MN REAM website.org you can link to TRA meetings & information, LCPR meetings and information and AMBA benefits and a whole lot more? We have recently added on the front page the daily MN-MPR Capitol News link. Finally, please support our new REAM president Anita Hellie and the Strategic Planning Committee, because the total transition for your MN-REAM is going to take several years, but better late than never. Hang in there folks we want to be relevant not gone with the wind! I believe in a better tomorrow! Thank you again for all your support for all these years…Keep it going for MNREAM! Really!

Happy Birthday! That’s for NRTA! National Education Retirement Association. This is our parent organization started 75 years ago by an incredible woman teacher with vision! Ethel Percy Andrus. She found a retired teacher getting $40.00 a month pension living in a chicken coop, because she couldn’t afford decent housing or health care. So, in 1947, she spear headed a drive to start NRTA to help retired educators with health care and a higher pension. Having been an NEA National Educators Association National Teacher of the Year, she realized NEA with a focus on active teachers needs, needed help with pension issues. Pretty soon non educators saw what NRTA was doing for retired teachers and wanted to be apart of it. So many people helped Miss Andrus start AARP in 1958. I hope you get a chance to learn more about this woman, Miss Andrus- One Woman Who Changed America! VOTE!

If you were at the 2022 REAM Conference in Red Wing you heard me talk about how we have shortages in teaching, police, fire, nurses, bus drivers, ambulance drivers and more. All putting our children and us at risk safety and health wise. Mostly not necessary if the Legislature had used some of the $7-to-14-billion-dollar surplus to help solve many of the issues they knew about but did nothing! Word on the street is that one party wants to show that the state doesn’t need that money and they can lower taxes. Really! Some school districts are hiring educators in the bottom quartile in some cases that normally wouldn’t quality to be in a classroom. Is this fair to our children? Do you feel safe when there is a shortage of police and fire fighters? There was a bill mainly helping these two groups with recruitment and retention that got pulled because the author’s Legislative caucus wanted to make the surplus look rally big. Really! VOTE!

You all know Associations are declining in member numbers across the whole country in every area. Churches, Veterans groups, Parent Teacher groups, and more. Now your MN REAM is working to do something about this issue with a wealth of expert basis research and documentation to start trying to change the current trend. So whether you are looking at our newsletter, website administration, or locals you will note major changes over the next few years or to be blunt we won’t be relevant or able to thrive. For starters, REAM needs a new Executive Director and a new governance. Folks it won’t’ be cheap! So your REAM Strategic Committee supported by the REAM Board of Directors has real work to do. VOTE!

Finally, thank all of you that joined us at the 2022 REAM Conference in Red Wing! Did you see the Willmar Display for 2023? Did you see the fired-up attitude they displayed during the conference about hosting next year? Oh, did I mention? VOTE!

Some people in the Legislature and LCPR (Legislative Commission on Retirement) would like to get rid of the long standing Principles of Pension Policy. They say they are out dated. For decades MN’s pensions were low compared to other Social Security states, but the MN Colas at least kept up with inflation. Since 2000 MN pensions have still received a modest pension, but have not kept up with inflation. Our LCPR Principles of Pension Policy states: ”Retirement benefits should be increased during the period of retirement to offset the impact of economic inflation over time in order to maintain a retirement benefit that was adequate at the time of retirement” and that “Ad hoc postretirement adjustments should be funded separately from the regular defined benefit public pension plan financing and should not be added to the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of the defined benefit public pension plan.” Minnesota has not kept their whole promise to their retired Public Employees. Is this why they want to get rid of the traditional documentation proving what they have not done?

A $ (dollar), in 2000 was worth $1.59 today, according to the bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index. A $ today only buys 62.89% of what it could buy then. Currently, inflation is running about 6% and in 2022 you are getting 1% from TRA. Prior to 2018, the TRA/PERA cola was 2%. The 2018 pension bill reduced the COLA to 1.0% for 5 years and then gradually increases the COLA to 1.5 % on January. 1, 2028. And all the years there after. Do you think MN as the Employer under funding their ARC (Annual Required Contribution) for decades having anything to do with the Public Employee pension fund having a deficit? More on this going forward.

Hopefully, the areas of your 3 legged stool for your pension is covering for the low TRA/PERA COLA going forward. COLA-TRA/PERA 1/1/22 1.0%; 1/1/23 1.0%; 1/1/24 1.1%; 1/1/25 1.2%; 1/1/26 1.3%; 1/1/27 1.4%; 1/1/28 1.5%. If this information concerns you stay informed by following MNREAM,TRA and the LCPR. Some politicians want to sit and watch the reform bill work out until 2028 or beyond. Do you have any idea what your buying power will look like by that time? Don’t blame TRA or PERA about this situation. Those institutions administer our pension programs, MN as our employer (ER), decides how our fund is funded and all the key component parts of our public employee pension program. Can you say “MY VOTE IS IMPORTANT!”.

Remember there are groups like the Center for the American Experiment and ALEX (American Exchange Council) do not want you to have a COLA. They are both basically funded by large corporations. According to Sarah Miller, Executive Director of American Economic Liberties Project, a think tank that supports aggressive antitrust policy, feels inflation is not happening for organic reasons, its happening because its profitable for enormous corporations to raise prices on consumers.

In closing, our Fall Conference at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino, in Red Wing, MN is coming together very well. September 26 & 27 ,2022, have been marked on your calendar RIGHT? Watch for examples of events coming in the next two editions of this newsletter.

In this article I hope to share some of the big issues coming up in 2022 that may impact you and your pension. A big item on the TRA Board agenda for January 12th, will be the Investment Return Assumption. If you want to learn about this concept click on the TRA meeting Webex that day. As more and more of you become comfortable using zoom programs you might want to follow TRA meetings and LCPR (Legislative Commission on Pension & Retirement), meetings and do it from the comfort of your home.

For TRA meetings they use Webex, a form of Zoom. Go to the TRA web page: MN-TRA website. Click on Board of Trustees-click on Trustee meeting and you are in. You need to do this a few days before the meeting to register so you can be admitted. The TRA Board meetings start at 9:30 a.m. The TRA meetings coming up are: January 12; March 9; May 18; and June 15, 2022. If you send in a request to TRA they may send you an agenda in advance.

The MN Legislative session starts the end of January so watch for when the LCPR meetings will start, than go to their website for meeting links. No major pension issues are tentatively planned for TRA at this time so it’s a good year to learn the routine, because we are working with PEPC (Public Employee Pension Committee), partners to determine what items we should be promoting at the Legislature.

One concept that can make public employee pension deficits look good or bad is the long term concept called IRA (Investment Return Assumption). Minnesota is one of three states that has the Legislature set this rate. (Minnesota, South Carolina, and Washington) This can make the issue very political. If they set the the rate too low it can make a deficit look very bad. If they set the rate too high it can make the deficit look too good. This is why it can be scarry having politicians set the rate. This is a factor in determining your pension improving or declining in value. Can you say COLA? As an example. Enough on this issue for now.

Another big item coming up for 2022 is Voter Engagement. This is an election year. Besides redistricting to deal with this year we have to be prepared for fake news, and half truths that anti-public employee groups will throw at us with big $$$’s from groups like ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council). Funded by many large corporations. They have had several ALEC committees meeting during 2021 to set their 2022 election year agenda. We need to be ready so please educate your self on the key Public Employee issues and VOTE. Remember Retired Educators – never under value your individual value in advocating for retired public employees and retired people in general. You are our ambassadors!

Finally, as we move into 2022, we are working hard to put together another wonderful REAM Conference for you at the Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Red Wing, MN. September 26 & 27th, 2022. Mark your Calendar!

Great infographic on how TRA works plus details how OUR pension $’s support the state economy. Click here to see the details. Scroll down to TRA – page 4.

• Learn about the economic impact of Pensions on the MN economy.
• Pension Benefit Multiplier
• Taxpayer Investment Factor

Click here to see all the details.

Click for a snapshot of your MN House district economics!

• Find your district
• Discover the total number of Benefits Recipients +
• Total number of TRA members (active teachers)
• Check out retirees’ annual benefit
• See the annual bennefit for the total district

Great conversation starter with your MN House rep!

“Hey did YOU know you have 474 retirees in your district? With over 1,161. members of MNTRA! Our pension incomes add $16, 317 to our local economy!” District 50A

Greetings REAM members!

From the start of the 2026 Legislative Session, the legislative advocacy team readied itself to work.

Governor Walz has signed an order that created understandable measures that will present new layers of security for office and capitol access to legislators. That said, we are requesting greater member involvement.

More than ever before, we will be working with members to manage their contact with lawmakers. We will teach our members how to educate lawmakers about how to preserve, protect, and enhance our pensions. We will be putting together talking points so that we can carry messages directly to our own representatives and senators. We will be reporting back later with the “How to” and “When to” educate your lawmakers. Together, we must show up to bring our messages to the source of those empowered to make change.

Our messages will be sent via mail, e-mail, phone calls, and to the extent possible, IN person! Adjustable COLA’s, fully funded pensions, and ongoing investment will continue to make up the framework of our messaging.

Let’s move our messages forward . . . together!

Thanks for listening.

Timothy Moynihan REAM Vice-President Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Your REAM Legislative Committee has been relatively quiet as we await the announcement of a “Special Session” for our Minnesota State Legislature. This is fervor that ensued following the horrific shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. The “start of school” celebration that was planned quickly morphed into students and parishioners just trying to survive. This is not news. It is the reason, however, why much attention is being paid to a legislative answer of “what to do?” We are still waiting for that decision.

It does us well to be reminded of how special sessions happen. We must remember that it is not law, but rather a practice to wait for two things to occur prior to a session becoming a reality. Both parties must agree on the scope of proposed legislation and that there is clear agreement by both Houses and the Governor to pass the measure. As of this writing, no session has been called. It is an indicator that this long standing practice has yet to be achieved.

This situation is important to REAM’s advocacy at this point in time. Most, if not all, of the attention is being given to the Special Session’s interplay between legislative leaders and the Governor. So, our advocacy is for all practical purposes . . . on hold. We have reported in the last two newsletters what our goals are. They have not changed. Better ongoing pension funding, better COLA policy, and better COLA percentages are constants for us. All of those initiatives mean the state will need to devote large amounts of new money to pensions. Recent cuts in federal funds to our state’s treasury are already having a profound impact. Clearly, our work has significant new challenges to overcome.

We remain committed to seeking better retirement benefits for retired educators in Minnesota. To that end, we still are seeking partners to collaborate with us in support of our cause. We appreciate the efforts that many of you make, when you have interactions with legislators who represent you. We’d appreciate your involvement towards bringing timely messages to legislators.

With the Legislature adjourned, and this year’s lawmaking business done, it is now our task to prepare for what’s ahead. It is clear that the political landscape is changing markedly with each passing day. Here’s what we have to report.

The Legislative Committee has been in pursuit of the agenda we reported to you in our last newsletter. The goals of forming new collaborative relationships, resilient responses to our fast changing pension environment, and a new work group in the Legislature have been our front line tasks since the last session concluded. We are reporting to you now that work is being done on all of these things. As of now, it would be premature to report us bringing those initiatives towards completion. We are reporting that some progress is being made.

It is hoped that when you attend the REAM State Conference in Alexandria, that a more substantive report can be made. We appreciate the value of face to face time, as well as time to listen to your questions and concerns. Please come! In the meantime, we plan to post Legislative Committee updates on our REAM Website to keep you updated. Please look for them there. And . . . Please come to Alexandria at the end of September!!

Hope to see you all there!!

In our last newsletter message, we spoke of a “Career Rule” Bill. It was finding strong support from active teachers, Union leaders, Retirees (REAM), and LCPR Commissioners. The Bill’s inclusion in the Omnibus Pension Bill was encouraging for everyone, and yet it was facing two glaringly huge barriers to it becoming Law. First was the prediction of a budget deficit going forward into 2028. And in response to that prediction, a push by Legislators to cut spending. The chances of a Career Rule passing were looking bleak.

Then, REAM Leaders got a call, to an “Emergency” TRA Board meeting. We attended and were surprised that a new initiative had arisen. Another 60 and 30 Career Rule was being considered. A Funding proposal agreement from the Governor and Legislative Leaders, would be offered in the amount of $20 Million per year. The new TRA Ex. Director, Tim Mauer, informed us that this new measure would require TRA to put in an additional $17 Million per year to fully fund the new Rule. As Fiduciaries, the Board discussed on how the TRA Fund could commit to that, without jeopardizing the health of the ongoing TRA Funds. It was determined that the $17 Million could be covered by the Fund due to a “Sufficiency”. Much discussion on the proposal ensued. A motion was made, and a vote was taken. The TRA Board of Trustees went on record, in support of it going forward to the LCPR. Again, your REAM representatives Were present and witnessed the Commission voting to send it on to the House and Senate.

With extraordinary speed, the New Career Rule Passed in both chambers by large margins. (133 to 1 in the House) (50 to 17 in the Senate). Shortly thereafter, Governor Walz made good on his promise and signed it into LAW.

Now, some have called it Historic. It would certainly be fair to term it incredibly significant!! Essential markers of the Law, say that there is reasonable opportunity for Teachers to retire earlier than sixty-five, (the normal retirement age.) New Retirees would still have reductions in their retirement income, but it would be more manageable and recovered by receiving an annual COLA immediately upon retirement. Many of the new “Career Rule” retirement features have been seen by Teacher activists as positive. They did not get everything they wanted but it is a positive gain for them.

So, here is the Bad News. While we appreciate the advances made by Active Teachers in Minnesota, the fact is, this new Pension Law offers nothing new or better for Us . . . Those of us who are already retired. Our COLA will be raised each year by 0.1 % until it reaches 1.5% in 2028. That is nothing different for Us. We have been asked about this by Retirees, and the answer is not a simple one. It appears the Legislature acted on the premise that $37 Million dollars / year more for Pensions, represents the most that “currently” should be spent. We have long experienced Pension Law policy, enacted as a “set it and forget it” approach to the practice of Pension oversight. Well, that is not good enough!! We have been bearing Sacrifices to our Pension income since 2018. So how do we intend to proceed ??

We have proposed to the LCPR Commission, that a Call for a new “Work Group” should be made. Its purpose is to create “Actionable Legislation” that will address the present and ongoing needs for delivering a Retirement that fulfills the “Promise” of Pension income. And that ensures we maintain the income value we realized at Retirement.

It has expressed Goals: 1) Establishment of ongoing Revenue Source(s) to Fully Fund Pension Benefits. 2) Establish a cost-of-living (COLA) that adjusts yearly within a reasonable range. 3) Establish an oversight plan / entity to evaluate the ongoing needs as they arise and empower them to implement changes. Our testimony that initiated this “Call” is available from the LCPR website. Our personally delivered document will be available as a link on the REAM website.

As a result of the recent Changes in Federal policy, we are likely to be affected by rapid and extensive measures that affect Retirees. That is why it seems prudent to put systems in place, which allows Minnesota to be more responsive and resilient. Forming the afore mentioned “Work Group” with the LCPR, is our best foot forward to make lasting change. We have just witnessed the result, when consistent and multifaceted efforts are used to advance Pensions. Hats off . . . To Minnesota’s Active Teachers. Their work has brought about substantive advancement for Retirement. That is a Lesson for All. Let us get Busy with it !!

Please . . . let us know what you think. We are Listening!!

Tim Moynihan, Lonnie Duberstein, Henry Carbone

As of this writing, the Legislature has seen its deadlines for legislation come and go. So, new measures, bills, are unlikely. As of now, there are three bills that have been introduced that have to do with educators and their pensions. All of them address the clamor they have heard from active teachers who have been pushing for a “Career Rule”. (Senate File 2000- House File 1582.) It establishes a Rule that allows TRA members to retire at age 60 and 30 years of service, with no penalties to their pension and no delays in receiving a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This is a bill that REAM is supporting!

It is heartening to see measures that support educators. Defined Benefit Pensions are not only an aid to teacher recruitment, but also an aid to helping encourage teachers to stay with our profession. Thus the measure is dubbed a “Career Rule”. There are some who refer to it as a revival of the “Rule of 90”, which is no longer available, by law, for educators hired after July 1, 1989. It is not that! It’s better!

Your Legislative Committee TEAM has been actively involved in promoting this legislation and here is why. It sets aside some of the divisive difficulties that occurred when Tiers were created for teacher pensions. This year’s legislation is the first time pension legislation is addressing these problems since the Tier system was created. It is clear that Tier ll teachers no longer have patience for what has been termed “Intergenerational Inequity”. The energy they have put forth to write letters, sign petitions, and visit legislator offices is the reason these bills have come to the fore. That’s why this legislation is moving. So, why is REAM in support of this legislation?

The bill has a provision that changes the schedule for COLAs that was enacted in the 2018 Pension Bill. Yes, that’s the one that froze our COLAs at one percent for five (5) years and then ratchets it up 0.1 % per year until 2028 (the current COLA is at 1.2%). This bill will move our COLA to 1.5% next year. No, that’s not a huge bump, but does help retired TRA recipients. Our support for this is mostly beneficial to actives and yet, it does help retirees with our “sacrifice” that was also enacted in 2018.

Past President, Lonnie Duberstein, Henry Carbone, and I have been actively promoting this bill. We have attended ALL . . . TRA Board Meetings, and Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) hearings. We have visited all Senate offices in St. Paul. At the April 8th LCPR meeting, both Lonnie and I testified why we support its passage. The reason it has come this far, is that many voices from many educators and educator organizations have been pushing for it to become law. This is why we have, and will continue to advise . . . All REAM Members . . . to call, or write letters to, the Congressional and Senate members who represent them. Your voices matter. . . The more voices . . . The more they will be heard!!

Thanks for listening! Let’s take steps to get this done!

Regards,

Timothy Moynihan
REAM Vice-President
Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Please note :

LCPR meetings and TRA Board of Trustees meetings are now being recorded. A link to connect to those and to hear our testimony will be available to you on our website (www.mnream.org). We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to stay informed. We all do better with information. We do best when we go directly to the source.

It was heartening to see that the Minnesota House of Representatives has crafted an agreement to share power and go about the task of governing! This agreement allows for the first steps towards getting legislation moving. This 2025 Legislative Session is a revenue session. Building a balanced budget for the next biennium is a difficult but necessary endeavor. What’s more, it is required by Minnesota law. It’s good to see the legislative process moving forward once again. Where are the lawmakers headed . . . especially with regard for public retirees in the State of Minnesota?

It has been reported that the state is finding itself in a more difficult situation than it was last year. A projected deficit for the 2026-2027 Biennium has been identified as a major “to do.” It is sure to shape the spending and investments the state can/should make. Yes, that is a clear obstacle for those of us who are advocating for pension benefit improvement. As you know, we have made an effort to survey REAM members about a Legislative Advocacy Agenda for the current session. We are happy to report that many of you participated so that we can best represent member interests. Please look for the data on that survey to be posted as a link on the REAM website. We are listening to you!

That guidance we’ve received from members is instructive. Our usual legislative interactions have been delayed. The House of Representatives offices are closed due to a remodel and updating construction that is underway. The House Representatives office is in the Centennial Building for the present and near future. Access to that site is secured and allowed by appointment only. We are thus adjusting our information drop traditions for the House Representatives. We will still visit every Senator’s office to advocate for you. As things change . . . so must we change what we do.

A pension rally to advocate for public pensioners has been organized by union representation. That rally was held on February 18 in the Capitol Rotunda. The messages to be espoused by union leaders continue to speak to concerns of active members of those unions. We believe that actives and retirees share many of the issues regarding pensions. REAM members need to be present for events such as these. That is why we called upon members to join REAM leaders to advance causes that are important to us. Some answered that call. We are grateful for their participation. We will communicate more about that with videos/photos on our REAM website. Please visit there to keep abreast of what is going on with Minnesota’s public pensions.

Going forward is our plan. We cannot expect to be heard if and when we advocate for going back to times past. As we go forward with that, it is clear to one and all that numbers matter. The more members represented by our organization, the more influence we can expect to have. To that point, it is a goal of REAM to recruit members. If each of you recruited just ONE member . . .. We would be doubling not only our membership, but also the strength of our influence. So, join in . . . help get that done!

Thanks for listening!

Timothy Moynihan
REAM Vice-President
Legislative Committee Co-Chair

Please Note :

In January, the Legislative Committee visited the offices of TRA, PERA, MSRS, and SBI. The purpose of those visits was to express our THANKS to their leadership and staff. We dropped off for them trays of veggies, sandwich makings, and bread. It is our thanks to them for the service that they give to us.

A new Legislative Session is approaching. Your Legislative Committee is gearing up to advocate for all retired educators. We are happy with having achieved a couple of notable things in 2023. We were able to convince elected leaders to put into the budget $600 million that was earmarked for pension improvements. We thank the Governor and Pension Commissions (LCPR) members for making that historic step. We also testified in favor of legislation that reduced or eliminated taxation on Social Security income. Along with our partners, AARP Minnesota, we were able to take these steps forward. The one time bump in our COLAs was certainly a pleasant step forward for 2024. We understand and hope you do also, that our advocacy is ongoing. So what is on the legislative agenda for 2025?

We’ve all been hearing the mantra, “Elections have Consequences,” and ‘tis true. The State Legislature will be different regarding the balance of power in the House of Representatives. As of this writing, there will be a “tie” with 67 members representing both of the political parties. This last happened forty years ago. Perhaps you’ve heard that negotiations between the two sides has been swift and many things have been agreed upon. Committee Leadership is an issue that seemingly is decided. The “Speaker of the House” position, however, has yet to be determined. Typically, the party with the most seats in the House chooses the Speaker. It is an important role. We are very interested in how that is resolved. It was pleasing to see legislators step forward to resolve the situation. We thank them for representing us, and in making timely decisions. We expect them to lead and put forth legislation that will benefit all Minnesotans.

Thank you REAM members who took the time to complete our on-line survey that came to those who have shared an email with REAM. Hearing from respondents is most helpful. If we are representing members well, then we are creating opportunities to hear their ideas as well as their concerns. We are planning to bring back a tradition that went by the wayside during the pandemic. A Legislative Conference is being planned to meet in person or virtually in early February. It will be preceded by another survey to gather the thoughts of REAM members regarding our legislative agenda. It is hoped that local/divisional leaders will participate with at least one member. Remember . . . we’re listening!

As of this writing, there are numerous topics that we could be buzzing about, and yet the upcoming election is foremost upon our minds. The 2024 Elections could have a profound effect on our plans for the 2025 Legislative Session. The election is less than 30 days away. When we know more, we will have a better sense of what our legislative agenda ought to be.

Here’s what we do know. In the last year, there have been some historic actions. A forensic auditor was hired by a pension reform group to represent “Active” teachers. Our state-wide teachers union, Education Minnesota, has formed a pension task force (that has REAM representation) for the first time since the union formed in 1998. Discussion amongst all stakeholder groups included the recognition that 2024 was the first year that saw an actual part of the Governor’s budget that was earmarked for pensions. One-time benefit improvements for retirees were enacted and delivered to help retirees. Pension rallies were held at the Capitol Rotunda. Yes, all of these represent historic actions that make 2024 a year to remember.

Your Legislative Committee is keeping a watchful eye on what will certainly be a change in legislative leadership. The LCPR (Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement) will have a new chair. The current chair, Representative K. Her, will step down. The new chair will be a Senator as is the traditional change of a Bicameral Commission. Who that Senator will be cannot be known, as that person will be chosen by the party who has the majority in the Senate. Yes, elections have consequences for pension policy. We hope Representative Her will be re-elected as she is very knowledgeable and experienced in pension proceedings. As an LCPR member, her voice will continue to be one that has demonstrated an openness to the ideas we have advocated for.

Please know that our committee, our organization, is listening to you . . . the members! A survey will be finalized and sent to all members for whom we have email contact information. We ask that you complete it so that our 2025 legislative agenda will be instructed by you . . . the members. The 2025 session is a revenue session. Any additional benefit improvements will require funding support. Please complete the survey so that we our advocacy is the most representative of our membership. If you prefer another way to contact us, our contact information is published in this newsletter.

REAM’s non-partisan advocacy for the pensions and retirement of educators, will continue to be our focus. We thank you for listening!

Greetings Members !!

The following Letter is the document, that was delivered and Emailed to Legislative Members of the LCPR. This occurred in the Last days of the 2024 Legislative Session.

We believe this Letter demonstrates the substance and the tone that is brought forth by REAM. It also shows that we are Communicating with them about our Agenda, to improve our Pensions, as we look towards the 2025 Revenue Session.

We thought you’d find it instructive. Thanks for Listening !!

REAM Legislative Committee

Dear LCPR Members,

As the 2024 session of the Minnesota Legislature is nearing adjournment, the Retired Educators of Minnesota (REAM) would like to send a message of Thank You. We recognize the immense challenges you face in overseeing and regulating the policies of the public employee pension systems of Minnesota, a task that could be likened to a “Mission Impossible.” These challenges directly impact the lives of retired educators in every Legislative District in the state and the decisions made by prospective teachers.

You are undoubtedly aware that REAM advocates for retired educators. Since 1954, REAM has carried forward its mission of Preserving and Protecting our Pensions.

The promises made by our state’s pension programs are very expensive and challenging to sustain, but that is the work you are tasked with. As REAM has a mission, we remind you that the Commission also has a crucial role. Your long-standing mission, as outlined in your foundation document, Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement Principles of Pension Policy, is not just a set of policies but a commitment to the well-being of retired educators. It is probably not a coincidence that the policies were initiated in 1955! Its purpose is at the very beginning, section (A1) states Minnesota public pension plans exist to augment the Minnesota public employer’s personnel and compensation system by assisting in the recruitment of new qualified public employees and the retention of existing qualified public employees. Recruitment and retention. . . attracting and keeping teachers must be the state’s goal, but it has been increasingly difficult. REAM is concerned not only with retirees but also with the actives. Most of our written material mentions the importance of recruitment and retention.

In the Principles, the wording used to describe the retirement benefit (7b) is: “The retirement benefit should be adequate at the time of retirement.” The principles also state (8a) that Retirement benefits should be increased during the period of retirement to offset the impact of economic inflation over time in order to maintain a retirement benefit that was adequate at the time of retirement. Thus, the creation of a postretirement adjustment (COLA).

Fifty-three years later, the 2018 LCPR mandated a crucial study of the efficacy of Minnesota’s COLA. The expressed purpose of COLAs has not fully benefitted Minnesota’s retirees. The COLA Study, a significant step towards understanding the issue, reported that a retiree’s purchasing power has steadily decreased. It also stated: “For the statewide plans other than the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Correctional Plan, it is unlikely that the postretirement adjustments will fully cover retiree’s loss of purchasing power and retirees will experience an erosion of their benefits’ purchasing power.”

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. An adequate, ongoing purchasing power for pension recipients is NOT happening. The COLA Study findings stated further that the Cost of Living Adjustments currently in Law will do little to keep our incomes from eroding. What’s more, the current status gives us little hope for improvement. This is hardly an incentive for improving recruitment and retention or maintaining purchasing power.

Because of the 2018 Omnibus Pension Bill passage, the TRA COLA is scheduled to take another 4 years to be 75% of what it was in 2017! And already six years ago, the COLA study reported that retirees would experience an erosion of their benefits’ purchasing power. The 2018 “shared sacrifice” apparently isn’t finished with retirees.

We believe that ongoing ADC investments need to be codified in Minnesota Law. They should be allocated every year at the level determined by actuaries. Furthermore, the funds should go directly to the Pension Fund Systems to prevent conflicts of interest with the budgets of cities, counties, and school districts. Whole, healthy funds are worthy for retirees and a powerful incentive for recruiting and retaining vital public employees.

It was appropriate and professional to finally see a line item in the Governor’s Budget for Pensions. That is something to be encouraged. Significant and serious budget discussions with the Governor should occur before immovable targets are set. Next year, as the budgeting year of the biennium, early discussions with the Governor will be vital.

For many years, during the first week of each Legislative session, REAM has visited every Senator’s and Representative’s office for a possible meet ’n’ greet and to drop off a leave-behind letter. This year, this end-of-session letter has been added to our communication with members of the LCPR. This letter reminds you of the awesome responsibility you have to protect current and future retirees, keeping in mind the guiding Principles and the message of the COLA Study. We are reminding you that Promises made must be Promises kept.

Lastly, this letter is a sincere thank you for the complex and difficult task of working with Minnesota’s public pensions. We wish you the very best in your leadership efforts for pensions. Feel free to contact us if we can help with information and/or be a sounding board.

Thank you once again.

Respectfully,

Anita Hellie

REAM President

ahellie66@gmail.com

Legislative Committee:

Henry Carbone carbone@maine.edu

Lonnie Duberstein duberlnm@icloud.com

Tim Moynihan tmoynie@gmail.com

As of this writing, the 2024 Legislative Session is moving towards its May 20th adjournment. Many of you are aware that our State’s Constitution requires that the 2024 Session be devoted to bonding issues and projects. That makes the landscape for pension activities difficult. Pension improvement, whether it be benefit structure or ongoing sustainability, requires considerable investment. So, what does that mean for REAM?

Your Legislative Committee did its usual work, starting out the session with an IN-person visit of each and every Senator and Representative’s office. We dropped our letter of introduction and our legislative asks. Knowing full well that NO dollars had been put forth in the Legislative target, we still promoted the idea that better funding allows for better benefits. We continue the advocacy of bringing remedy . . . for the shortcomings reported by the 2021 Legislative Study, that says . . . educators haven’t received the pension that was promised to them.

When the recent updated surplus of revenue was reported, many were asking that the Governor and Legislators devote a measure of those unexpected funds to pensions. After much discussion, an amount of $31 million was earmarked for pension investment. Substantive progress cannot be achieved with such a small expenditure. It will be used for small corrections but they will be . . . small.

Your REAM Advocates have attended ALL of the Legislative Commission on Pension and Retirement (LCPR) meetings. They started the first week of the session and have heard bills to include in the Omnibus Pension Bill. Most of the bills address pension issues for public employees that have little to do with educators. Those measures that do address educator issues have little to do with retirees. Some provisions improve the plan for actives to retire with dignity, earlier than the Normal Retirement Age of 65. No provision for retiree benefits has been acted upon. They cost a lot to do!

Once again, large numbers of active educators have come forward, written scores of letters, posted on social media and rallied at the Capitol. This has helped them to dominate the scene. What can we retired educators learn from that?

This Pension Reform Advocacy group was started by active teachers last year. More than 20,000 active teachers signed a Facebook petition calling for better benefits that provide “generational equity,” better opportunity to retire earlier, and greater investment dollars to offset contributions during their career. Further, they demonstrated their dismay when they hired a forensic auditor. They raised $75,000 on GoFundMe to bring in Edward “Ted” Siedle to dig into the TRA Board’s activities and the TRA Fund administration. Where will that end up? It is further evidence of what we’ve been saying. The focus on pensions by actives has never been this strong! Many voices, speaking in unison, can be very effective.

Your Legislative Committee will continue its work as the session closes. Going forward, the interim conversations with leaders in the Congress and the Governor will be our focus. We’ve established some good relationships there. Likewise, the voices of REAM members are not to be ignored. Many of you will participate in town hall campaign events and, of course, voting in November. Those who represent you in the Legislature ought to hear what you expect them to do with your pension. Lonnie, Henry and I will continue to carry your messages to state leaders. If you think there’s something we ought to be saying, please let us know. We’re listening!

Your Minnesota State Legislature just opened its 2024 Session. And your REAM Legislative Committee was there!

We began the session by attending the LCPR (Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement) at its first official meeting in 2024. At the close of 2023, the LCPR held unprecedented “Listening Sessions” in greater Minnesota. The first was held October 30th in Duluth. The meeting was held to gain written and oral testimony from public pension stakeholders. There was considerable participation from actives and retirees. Your Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Lonnie Duberstein, presented thoughts on your behalf. REAM was there! A subsequent “Listening Session” was conducted in the same fashion in Fergus Falls. Clearly, the LCPR is gathering input so as to better direct its oversight and direction of Pension Policy.

It is unclear at this point what the Commission’s leaders will be moving towards–new or revised Pension Legislation. What is clear: active teachers are writing and submitting testimony about their pensions . . . in large numbers. These written testimonies are available for your viewing. It is public record. What would you, as a retiree, want to say to lawmakers? The LCPR is still listening. The Commission’s meeting schedule is available on their website at ww.lcpr. mn.gov. You can submit your thoughts, your expectations, and/or your concerns. They’re listening. So is your REAM Legislative Committee.

The 2024 Session is officially termed a bonding session. That means that project funding is the focus of the Governor and the Legislature. That is not to say that we cannot or should not put forth our advocacy for funding measures. There is a strong vibe at the capitol. Pension Policy is a hot topic. We intend to keep our advocacy alive and well. Your participation is welcome. When you reach out to us, we will respond. Let your voice be heard! We’re listening.

We all do better, when we all do better!!

This email message and attachments is to update you about your Legislative Committee’s activity (Tim Moynihan, Henry Carbone, Lonnie Duberstein). We have attended a couple of Public Employee’s Pension Coalition (PEPC) meetings and shared our thoughts on issues to be considered by the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR). The purpose of our attendance was to determine if any consensus on issues was possible because strength in numbers usually has more influence. After considerable discussion, a clear path forward involving all parties did not materialize. There will likely be further meetings and your Legislative Team will partake.

Most recently, REAM shared a vision of a path forward to strengthen Minnesota’s Public Pension Systems. The LCPR organized a “Listening Session” in Duluth on Monday, 30 October. At that meeting, Lonnie presented three REAM suggestions in a summary fashion due to time constraints owing to the large testifier turnout. Attached to this email is a complete version of the anticipated testimony. Before the meeting, the testimony was sent to the Deputy Director of the LCPR for dispersal to all LCPR Members, so they did receive it as a written document. Sending the document was crucial because only six of the fourteen LCPR members could be present at this road trip session. Know that the basic premise of REAM’s three points was shared and heard. Because the meeting was planned as a listening session, the LCPR Members didn’t respond to or question any of the many testifiers—however, four of the six made comments to wrap up the evening’s meeting. They thanked the large gathering (mostly active Education Minnesota members) for attending. The LCPR comments shared a sincere desire to work toward a path forward for retirees and actives. Many testifiers spoke about the retirement age requirements and huge monetary penalties for retiring early. The LCPR heard that point.

Our Minnesota Legislature has been adjourned since May. It would be hard to celebrate the measures that became Law that resulted from our Advocacy. The reason for saying that is that our Governor put into his Budget what we see as a small sum of investment opportunity. His $600 Million dollar target was small and unwavering. Discussions with his staff by us, as well as others, did little to change his target number that would be devoted to Pension initiatives. It seemed to most pension Stakeholders as too small an amount to do much towards Pension improvement.

In spite of that, we felt there were some gains that could be made. Our Advocacy was consistent with our traditions. Lonnie Duberstein wrote an excellent letter, and along with Henry Carbone, we hand delivered to all the offices of the House and all the offices of the Senate. It was well received by Legislative Staffers and there were some instances of conversation that resulted with elected Legislators. We commonly get feedback that is positive from others. Those who advocate from TRA and PERA have reported the value of this practice.

Our attendance at the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) meetings was notable too. Both Lonnie Duberstein and I testified about our ideas for allocating the Governor’s budget dollars. Please note. . . We went forward with the Legislative Priorities that our Member Survey made clear, was what our members wanted us to Pursue. #1 Full Funding of Pensions, #2 COLA (Cost of Living) improvement, and #3 Taxation Relief for Social Security income, Pension income or Both.

We have a new Chairperson of the LCPR, Rep. Kaohly Lang Her. She is no nonsense leader who went to work, calling on the Commission to meet early and often. Our testimony seemed to resonate with her. Post meeting discussions were times when questions about our positions were asked and answered. We walked away from those interactions feeling that we were making sense to the Chair!

Among the LCPR members, several proposals were vetted. All were one-time dollars being distributed so as to give “band aid” fixes to issues that really require a far more extensive approach. In the end, these are the things that would become Law. First, a one-time investment of $300 + Million would be sent directly to the Pension Funds so as to bolster their funding status. Second, a one-time COLA payment to Pension recipients of 1.4% would be sent in February ‘24 to add to the 1.1% COLA already in Law. And then, they enacted Social Security taxation relief! Our feeling??? The Legislators listened to Us! They did what we were asking them to do.

On October 2nd, your President – Elect, Barb Hunter and I traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a National Retired Teacher Association, (NRTA), Legislative Conference. We were amongst a mix of members, from Organizations just like ours, to learn and exchange ideas. It was very informative. We came away with many ideas to share with our Minnesota leadership. On our final day in D.C. we visited the Offices of five(5) Minnesota House of Representatives members and one of our Senators. It was a Full day, making our way from three House office buildings, and one Senate building. We were fortunate to do so as the Government nearly SHUT Down two days prior. And we were witness to something that was Historic . . . The removal from office, of the Speaker of the House!!

We want you, our Members, to know how important your Voices are. The more of You, who are bone fide Members of REAM, the more influence we all have with the Legislature. The shear nature of advocacy comes down to how many are in the organization, and where do they reside. Legislators understand that Seniors are an ever-growing constituency. They understand that Seniors Vote in greater numbers, and with greater frequency than any other demographic. That is why . . . When we stand together . . . We have influence!

Thank you for being a REAM member. Thank you for listening!

This year’s REAM Conference in Willmar has been planned. . . for You. The Agenda has been set to invigorate and inform you as Educator Retirees. On Monday, a REAM training is planned. Its purpose is to train attendees on HOW to Recruit and Train Leaders for the Future well- being of our organization. A breakout session, Monday, September 26th, has been assigned for this purpose!

Please Note: Those who attend this Training Session will be reimbursed for the round-trip mileage costs to attend this year’s Conference in Willmar. We think it is an important investment in You and your locals. . . to do so. Please join US!!

The Ream Board of Directors voted to raise REAM yearly dues in the Spring of 2021. It was discussed at length, and at the end of the meeting it was voted, without dissent to raise the dues to $20.00 per year. It was also decided that offering new Lifetime memberships would end. The Rationale: REAM was deficit in spending, and trying to offer services that were going up in price-like mailing the newsletter, paying the gas price for board members attending meetings, costs of printing, paper, ink. The list could go on. Other Retired Educators Associations (REA’s) have been asking their members to pay substantially more. The average dues nationwide were $33.00 in 2021.

The REAM Board of Directors, upon recommendations from the REAM Executive Committee was asked to make another change in REAM dues. It was decided that the due’s structure would be $36.00 per year, when paid directly to REAM monthly via a Card/Bank account. Dues would be $48.00 per year when paid via check. These changes would also be in place as of June 1, 2023. After June 1st, Life and Five-year Memberships at the current rate would no longer be made. Rationale: This rate hike would allow REAM to pay for fundamental changes in the way REAM conducts its business. It would likewise save costs and confusion to process checks and eliminate difficulties in the collection and recording of payments made by members.

Costs for delivering services to Members cannot be maintained or expanded by a dues structure that dates back to 1954. Adjusted for inflation, the $15.00 dues rate should be $52.00 per year. Three dollars per month is less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Fifteen dollars a year does NOT support the present day needs and well-being of our REAM organization.

Going forward REAM can plan, budget, and deliver Greater Services to our Members, our Locals, and our Divisions. These services include support of local activities and initiatives; AMBA benefits that offer financial, medical, and travel services; REAM sponsored trip savings for members and guests; discount for AAA Membership, discount on AAA auto and homeowner insurance; support for building Pension advocacy mechanisms and expanding the influence of our REAM Organization!

We are well past the time for REAM to operate, as most state REA’s do, with a paid Staff that conducts the Business, the Advocacy, and the future of the Organization. The New due’s structure plan provides the financial support to bring that about!

As always, . . . The message I am sharing with you is one that is subject to change. This report contains some things we haven’t seen in decades. This year’s legislative pension activity can only be characterized as . . . being fast to the finish!!

The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) has moved forward with a $600 Million Pension budget target. We were NOT involved in the process of establishing that Target. Stakeholders, both Active employees and Retirees, quickly came to the fore with the message that that allocation is woefully inadequate. A much larger investment is necessary to improve pensions and the benefits they provide!

Two of your REAM Team, Lonnie Duberstein, and Tim Moynihan . . . Both testified before the Commission about the Budget proposal. We also spoke to the Bills that had proposed Pension benefit changes, as of that time. We were heard. Conversations with LCPR staff, commission members and the chair, led to a new initiative that directed the targeted dollars towards more productive spending. Our proposal was used to craft a different plan!

Ultimately, the Omnibus Pension benefit Bills that were agreed upon by the commission, contain two provisions we consider notable. They are:

First . . . A total of $298,591,000 in pay downs, for the general liabilities of TRA and PERA. This is money that will grow and serve as an investment in the wellbeing of those Funds.

Second . . . A One Time increase in the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) was also allocated for in the Bill. Under this provision . . . Retirees will receive in January ‘24, the 1.1% COLA that is currently in Law . . . AND a One Time 1.4% additional payment will be made to Us via check . . . In March ‘24.

This is certainly NOT a match with all our legislative priorities. However, we can take some solace in the fact that real gains were made for the short term. The LCPR Chairperson K.V. Her, has committed the LCPR to having interim Working Groups to do substantive interaction with Stakeholders. . . And to draft legislation that will be ready to go for the 2024 Legislative Session. Your REAM team has already verbally committed to be part of those discussions. We will be following that up in writing as well. The chairperson assured us that we are Welcome!

Being that the LCPR conducted its final meeting of the session (4/17), it is very likely that Pension Lawmaking is done for this session. Rest assured that our TEAM will remain engaged. Thank you again, to all those members who responded to our Legislative Priorities Survey in January. You have given us a compass to guide our efforts. Please know . . . We’re Listening!

We are starting anew. A new legislative session begins with a representative makeup unlike anything we’ve seen for a long time. Just like the Twins, we’re in training camp mode. There are lots of new legislators and six (6) new members on the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. (LCPR) We have some education to do.

For the first time in two years, your Legislative Committee did a document drop off. A letter, well-crafted by past President, Lonnie Duberstein, and pension income data, were dropped at every House and Senate Office Feb. 3rd. Several instances of face-to-face contact with legislators also occurred. We were well received and remembered.

PEPC (Public Pension Employees Coalition), has been meeting every other week. REAM was first to report our legislative priorities to the group. We were able to do so, thanks to the hundreds of our members who responded to the REAM Legislative Survey! As of this writing, PEPC is still discussing what its legislative message will be. REAM will continue to remain engaged. . . to represent you!

The LCPR has been meeting on Monday mornings at the Capitol. We have attended these. We will be vigilant, as their agenda transitions to a more pension benefit specific legislation focus. We have asked to testify, to bring forward our legislative agenda. We have been told we will be allowed to testify on Feb. 27.

We are ready. The TRA Board of Trustees had a unique meeting recently. More than a thousand people asked to join the meeting virtually. Another 40 or so, including your REAM Legislative Committee, attended in person. The size of that attendance caused Executive Director, Jay Stoffel, to inform us that no testimony would be allowed. He explained that with the size of the turn out, it was impossible to decide who to choose to speak. There were many who came, (mostly actives), who were very unhappy with that announcement.

Whether we liked it or not, we were listeners only.

At that meeting of the trustees, they discussed and decided upon a Legislative Agenda. This has not happened formally for years. (Available on TRA website) TRA has been hearing from many retired and active educators about current pension benefits. That is a strong indicator that change is in the wind. REAM will continue its involvement with TRA and PERA.

As we push forward in this legislative session, we may have to make a request of our members. Your house and senate representatives will likely have a vote to make. A vote that enhances our pension benefits. Remember that Representatives and Senators listen first and foremost to their constituents. Stay tuned! Thanks for Listening!

As of this writing, we are fast approaching the height of the Holiday Season. The 2023 Legislative Session will follow soon thereafter. With the election now behind us, and the balance of power in our state having changed, our advocacy will be fervently mindful of our mission. The re-election of our first teacher governor, invites the thought that education friendly, pension friendly, legislation could be anticipated. Add to that the exciting report that $17.6 billion surplus dollars are now available for our elected leaders to allocate, when and IF they can agree. Wow . . . How does that agreement come to be ?? REAM will be making our voices heard in that regard!!

Your Legislative Committee has been engaged, and will continued to be engaged, with the Public Employees Pension Coalition. (PEPC) We have been discussing within our committee about how our organizational positions mesh with those of other public pension entities. We continue to believe that a 40 some member organization has more political influence than one. So, it is in our interest to have input, and hopefully influence in the initiatives that come from the PEPC group. At this point, It is difficult to know what initiatives will arise from PEPC, and yet we know that historically it has had weight with elected policy makers (Legislators).

It has always been our interest that our actions reflect the interest and well being of our REAM Members. As we find ourselves with a surplus of revenue as large as it is, we could, as others will surely do, hope to have a piece of that surplus be used to benefit REAM retirees. We try to remain mindful that this is one time money, and that there many interests who hope to benefit from that money. So, planning for our advocacy, will be driven by what we hear from you . . . our members.

We have decided to formulate a survey, that will bring to light what are the issue(s) that are important to REAM Members. This survey will be sent to all members who have a digital profile with REAM. This is the best, and most timely way for us to communicate with Members. My email address is listed within this issue of the REAM News, for those who would like to contact me directly. We hope to hear from you all, via the Survey, about those things that are most important to you!! Please resolve, in this New Year, to join with and inform our advocacy!! Tell us what you’re thinking. Tell us what is important to you. We’re Listening!!

Be Well! In Solidarity!

As of this writing, we are less than 30 days from the mid-term elections. When you are reading this, the elections will be done, and the balance of representation in our state’s legislature will have been decided. What does that tell you, about the timeliness of messages in the REAM News? It may be a moot point for many of our legislative recaps. However, it is painfully slow should there be a need to mobilize our efforts toward advocacy or the mobilization of our collective voices. Please understand that we must take steps to do better!

I attended a National Retired Teachers Association conference in our nation’s capitol, in mid-September. We had a very packed agenda. We also had numerous opportunities to exchange anecdotes and ideas with REA organizations throughout our great nation. It became clear, that keeping members up to speed with issues that impact our retirements, is something we can and should be doing better. Our organization has stayed the course since its founding in 1954. In order for us to continue to thrive as an organization, we must evolve to meet the challenges of our Times. Rest assured, your REAM leadership is engaged with doing just that!

It was especially heartening, to see the efforts of a long time, Award winning member of REAM. Don Leathers, wrote an Op-Ed Counterpoint that was published in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. (October 12, 2022) In that piece, he set the record straight about how funds are invested by our state’s board of investment. Political Pundits were saying that those investments are made to advance a political agenda. Don set the record straight. Not only is that NOT the case, but it is also an entity that has considerable oversight and legal responsibilities, so as to make that charge completely without foundation. Don typifies one of REAM’s most important points of advocacy…telling the truth about our pensions! Kudos to Don for seeing the need to stand up, and to take up the power of the published word!

When the ballots are counted, we will know what the makeup of our legislature will be, and who will lead our state as governor. That makeup will certainly determine what course of advocacy we will pursue. No matter how that shakes out, REAM will continue to be carrying our members interests in better COLAs, retirement tax relief, and full funding for pension sustainability!

By the time this writing is in your hands, we will be about One month into the 2022 Minnesota State Legislative Session. St. Patrick’s Day will be approaching and Irish Americans, like myself, will be remembering their heritage. It gives us solace in this time of Change, to remember those who came before us. They made their way in a New country where Change was everywhere!

The Legislative Committee has been busy. We’ve attended, made statements, and participated in the activities of PEPC. (Public Employees Pension Coalition). You may remember seeing the Letter PEPC sent to Legislators, their Leaders, the LCPR (Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement), and the Governor. It was shared with You in the last issue of the REAM News. (REAM is a signee on that message). The activities of the Coalition have continued with meetings, messages and testimony. We hope REAM members understand, we join the Coalition in their initiatives, and we also have a few of our Own.

REAM Leaders, including myself, have been busy with Pension advocacy. We have spoken with the TRA Board of Trustees at their January meeting. We have testified before the LCPR at their first meeting of 2022. The agenda for that meeting was focused largely on changing what is called the Assumed Rate of Return of Investment. Also called the Discount Rate, the Assumed Rate of Return is established by the Legislature. A lot of attention is being made to that because Actuarial experts, hired by PERA, MSRS, and TRA have recommended lowering it from the 7.5% current benchmark. The LCPR had it as the major topic of its recent agenda. REAM and other testifiers chose to focus on something that was NOT on the Agenda . . . COLAs!

Discussion of Assumed Rate of Return, is a surprise as there is established Policy that states that this is NOT the time to be considering that. Experience studies of Pensions are required every four years. Currently that Study is in process. It is not scheduled to be completed until the end of this year, and should be a consideration during the 2023 Session. Actuarial advice is suggesting that it needs to be done Now!! Please Note: The Boards of PERA and MSRS voted to support lowering the Rate during the current Legislative session. The TRA Board voted to wait for the completion of the Experience study.

Here’s the importance of this discussion. The Rate is used to define the level to which Pension Funds are fully funded. Lowering the Rate changes the Unfunded Liabilities reported by the State and by School Districts. Essentially, it makes those levels appear to be more problematic. It also changes benefit levels for some retirees. It is hard to understand how this change is needed when the State Board of Investment reported a FY 2021 gain of 30.3%!! The good news is that LCPR Legislators appear prepared . . . to wait for the Experience Study.

This News just out !! The PEPC group is bringing forward Legislative proposals to do a One-Time 2.5% COLA this Year !! Details of the particulars are not yet known as of this writing. The reported $7.7 Billion State Surplus, has Pension advocates feeling that new COLA dollars should be legislated. The actual Bill has not yet been presented to us. Rest assured, REAM will remain engaged. Stay tuned!

As of this writing, we are engaged as proud members of the Public Employees Pension Coalition.(PEPC) Meetings in person and virtual have been held, and REAM Leaders have represented you well. Our President, Executive Director and Legislative Committee have been active participants, sharing our ideas and expressing our concerns. The goal of the Coalition is to send a position letter that states to Legislative leaders and most notably the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, (LCPR), that we seek remedy for a COLA Policy that is failing to do its job. Our pension’s purchasing power does little to help us keep pace with inflationary costs!! When the Coalition completes its process, the letter will be sent to the Legislature and published for you to view on our Website.

At REAM’s December 9th Board Meeting, a new REAM policy was voted on and passed. This policy formalizes a New REAM Legislative Committee. From here going forward, we will be forming a Legislative Committee that includes State, Divisional and Local members. This larger group will have the task of broadening our base with REAM members. The committee will meet to exchange ideas and to plan our advocacy for upcoming legislative sessions. To be clear, this change is in its infancy. As it unfolds we will be having more connection bottom to top in our legislative efforts. Much of this connection will be done via Zoom so that time and distance will be conserved. A training in May at the Lake Elmo Inn is planned as a culmination, session ending tradition. Division and Local leaders. . . You can help this initiative by having the conversation with locals about who might want to serve in this effort. Thanks!!

As the 2022 Legislative Session starts this January, REAM’s State Legislative Group will be preparing to meet personally or virtually with Legislators. We will continue our Mission . . . to Protect and Preserve our Pensions!!

Greetings REAM Members! I hope many of you participated in your local caucus this year. I am ashamed to say that this was the first time in many years that I attended. I was surprised that that seemed to be the case for the other eight people sitting at my table in my precinct. I am attempting to become more involved. The caucus is a grass roots effort to make changes in our government. Another way to encourage change is by contacting your political representatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Change is necessary for the future of our world. It is more important than ever to get to know who is on the ballot and then get out to vote on election day.

It will be spring or almost spring, according to the calendar, by the time this newsletter reaches you. Spring is a time of new beginnings. It’s a sign of new life, new births, a time to shed the heavy coats of winter for a lighter coat. The spring of 2026 brings a new look for the REAM newsletter! A lot of time and effort has gone into putting a new face on our newsletter. We wish to thank our executive director, Mark Hanson, for his efforts in making this happen. Thanks, Mark!

John and I are always open to listening to any ideas you may have. If you have any suggestions of what the REAM board or the executive director should do, please feel free to contact John or me and we will do our best to give it attention and direction. The Governance Board has been meeting once a month and things are going smoothly. Planning for our fall conference at Jackpot Junction has begun and we have some great ideas. We would welcome more if you have any.

I want to encourage those of you in the southeastern part of our state to attend the South East Retired Educator Association of Minnesota (SEREAM) spring conference on Wednesday April 22 in Faribault. There are some great speakers lined up; great speakers, food and a chance to meet fellow retired educators. Please call Barb at 507-440-4923 or email hunterbarb41@gmail.com for registration information.

Happy Spring!

Barb Hunter REAM Co-President

Greetings REAM Members!

I hope you have had a great summer. It has gone by very quickly for me. I am sad that it is August as I write this, but happy that I am not returning to the classroom and happy that our fall conference is happening in September! John and I have been working with wonderful REAM members in Alexandria, led by Kirk Landman. It promises to be an informative and FUN event. I hope to see you there!

I often ask myself why did I become a REAM member. I joined to help protect my pension and to protect and improve it for future retirees. I never envisioned that I would be on the board of directors let alone serve as co-president. My children keep asking me why I am still involved with REAM. I tell them that pensions are important to have for the financial benefit of retirees and for the communities they live in. My pension is important to me and it is vital for my retirement financial security. REAM needs you to advocate for pension protection and improvement for all retirees. There is strength in numbers when we speak to legislative members and their staff. If you know of retired school staff that are not REAM members, ask them to become a member. If every REAM member would bring one new person to our group, our membership would double!

Some benefits of REAM membership are: save up to 20% on AAA membership, free monthly webinars, discount insurance products from AMBA, great trips to book, and the members only buying service: Passport. Only 13 cents a day gives you a presence with each MN legislator at every session. Only 13 cents a day to bring our message of strong pensions and increased COLA’s at every LCPR board. REAM membership is a great deal!

John Huisman and I are half way through our term as your co-presidents. It has worked well to share the responsibilities of president. We have been asked to serve another term as co-presidents. We both declined. We look forward to serving REAM in other capacities. If you are aware of someone or two people that are interested in serving as president/co-president, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d be happy to contact them.

Mid term elections are a few months away yet. We do need to be aware of who the candidates are and what they stand for. We must ask questions and get out to vote!

I hope to see many of you at the Fall Conference at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, September 29-30. Bring a new member and you both become eligible for a special prize drawing! It promises to be a FUN event with some new activities this year!

Co-Presidents Barb Hunter and I, John Huisman, have been assembling together important parts of the 2025 REAM Annual Conference. It’s being held on beautiful Lake Darling, at the famous Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Alexandria, on September 29 & 30. A huge shoutout to Kirk Landman, Corky Krogstad and their team for doing the local planning.

Educators being lifelong learners will enjoy breakout sessions on topics like: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Seniors; Financial Security/Social Security & Fraud; the Birthplace of America, Alexandria, by a local historian, and more.

In addition to the meeting room sessions, we are offering an activity breakout session that is participating in a Putting Tournament – 18 holes of Mini Golf.

Also, if REAM members are interested, we can provide a round of golf on Sunday afternoon, September 28th. If this idea interests you, contact me at jjq@bevcomm.net

Another great member benefit is the Monthly Webinar from Associated Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) The last Tuesday of the month, at 10:30 AM, there are presentations just for seniors. Topics range from Basics of Medicare, Dental & Vision plans, Summer Discounts for Travel, to December’s Holiday Discounts just for members. Webinars are FREE, but you must register. Go to our web page (mnream.org) and look on the lower right to register. The upcoming webinars are:

April 29 The Basics of Medicare
May 27 Summer Discounts plus
June 24 All About Dental % Vision Plans
July 29 All About Long Term Care
Aug. 26 Protecting Your Nest Egg
Sept. 30 Life 101
Oct. 28 The Basics of Medicare
Nov. 18 ALL About Long Term Care
Dec. 8 Holiday Discounts

Co-President John Huisman

Co-Presidents John Huisman and I, Barb Hunter, have been busy this month. We have been working on the 2025 REAM conference to be held September 29-30 at Arrowood Resort in Alexandria. The Alexandria local unit has been a huge help with this conference. They are working hard on lining up presentations as well as some fun activities. We will begin planning for the 2026 Fall Conference to be held at Jackpot Junction in Morton in the next few months.

February took us to the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association (MESPA) conference as a vendor. This was initiated by our Communications Director, Sally Mays. MESPA is an association for elementary and middle school principals whose mission is to be a leadership resource. It also has a retired membership. Being a vendor was a great way to promote REAM to school staff. A special membership promotion was done in hopes of gaining new members. John and I, along with Sally, manned the booth and visited with potential members informing them of the benefits of joining REAM. REAM works to maintain and improve our pensions. As a member of REAM, you are eligible to partake in various insurance programs that AMBA offers. Have you checked out the insurance programs available through AMBA? A passport discount program is also offered through AMBA. Take some time to check it out.

We would like to congratulate Tim Maurer as the new TRA Executive Director. Tim has been acting as the interim executive director since Jay Stoffel retired last fall. We wish Tim well in his new position.

There have been all kinds of things going on in the federal government. We need to keep an eye on things as best we can, search for the truth, and stay positive.

If you like Minnesota winters, I hope you enjoy the snow. If you have chosen to find a warmer climate during this time, enjoy the warmth. Winter is on the downhill now and our days are getting longer!

Co-president Barb Hunter

Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I am John Huisman, one of your new co-presidents, along with Barb Hunter. We are ready to get started and volunteer our time and energy to work for all retired educators of Minnesota.

I have been a student, a teacher, and a principal in Minnesota’s public schools my entire life.

Public schools helped educate and build the middle class in this great country.

I taught history and government for three years, then moved into school administration for 31 years.

A fellow educator introduced me to REAM about 5 years ago. I quickly learned that dedicated people have already stepped up to volunteer to work hard, to not only improve our pensions, but to fight hard to preserve them. Barb Hunter and I look forward to working hard with your board of directors for the next two years.

I am excited to begin my term as co-president of REAM along with John Huisman. We are REAM’s first co-presidents. In the future, we plan on taking turns writing the President’s column. We hope to make more people aware of REAM while increasing membership.

I started my career as an elementary school teacher in a parochial school environment. After my husband and I started our family, I chose to stay home with our three children before returning to teaching. I retired seven years ago after being a special education teacher in the Austin area for 18 years. When I retired, I slowly became involved with REAM. Initially, I agreed to be a representative to SEREAM, Southeast Retired Educators Association. I have now agreed to begin my second two-year term as their president. Then I was asked to be a board member on REAM about five years ago. I was looking for something I could do to help my fellow retired colleagues as well as future retirees. Pensions are vitally important, and we must work to preserve and increase our pensions for those currently retired and future retirees.

As you read this issue, I hope you have sent your registration in for our REAM Conference September 30 and October 1 in St. Cloud at the Holiday Inn. If you haven’t, don’t forget to send it soon. We are looking forward to a wonderful get-together with opportunities to learn about issues that affect us as retired educators.

For room reservations: Call (320) 253-9000 Option 0 before August 30th. Ask for the REAM Conference rate ($129 plus tax). This was in the July/August issue.

Full Conference Registration: $130.00 (Fee after 9/10/2023 is $145.00).

Also, recheck the July/August issue of REAM for information about the historical bus trip that will be led by Mayor Dave Kleis, who is very knowledgeable about St. Cloud history. Trobec Bus Service is offering this historical bus tour experience for only $10.00 if you sign up by September 15th.

Retirement is wonderful if we’re able to be out doing many of the things we enjoy and meeting other people. We must work together for the benefit of our age group.

At our annual meeting, we will be installing Co-presidents for the next two years. Barb Hunter and John Huisman have agreed to do this president’s job together. More organizations are open to co-presidents as retirees today are busy and unfortunately, we wear out faster. A group we started in Northfield meets in the morning. When we asked for a vote on morning, afternoon, or evening, of the fifty-plus voting, only two voted for afternoon, none for evening. The morning time won. As a committee, we all laughed and pointed out that we just don’t want to give up our nap time!

Join us for a great fall get together.

Mark your calendar for September 30 and October 1, 2024, for our REAM Conference in St. Cloud at the Holiday Inn. Lots more information is in this newsletter.

I remember going to my first REAM Conference. That was about twenty years ago. It wasn’t what I expected. I guess I was thinking about the workshops I had been to as a teacher. Those were always about what I should do to help my students. This conference was about ME. The breakout sessions were about books I could read–for me, not for my students. The sessions were about issues that would affect MY lifestyle in retirement such as MY pension.

We now include trips that are sponsored by REAM. Isn’t it wonderful that we are able to do so many things during this time in our lives? I enjoyed teaching, but I’m loving retirement. Hope you are, too.

The conference is a good way to get away from home for a couple of days. Meet new people, see and learn new things, things that can affect OUR lives. Some folks don’t like to drive long distances. Invite them to ride with you.

Come! Learn! Enjoy!

Mark your calendars for September 30 and October 1, 2024, for our REAM Conference. This Conference will be at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud. Why come?

• to find out what is going on with our pensions and what you could do
• to get ideas for engaging younger retirees into joining REAM
• to meet and visit with other retirees you’ve met in the past
• to meet new retirees or folks who are coming to our conference for the first time
• to experience a historical bus tour of St. Cloud with Mayor Dave Kleis
• to enjoy breakout sessions with a chance to hear two of the following:
  • Dr. James Tuorila: Viet Nam Veteran and Freedom Fight Balloon author of The Day I Died
  • Dr. Patrick Zook: Dementia Prevention
  • John Maciejny: Natural Images Slide presentation on flower and garden photography
  • Dr. Eric Guthrie, State Demographer
  • Frank Weber: Forensic Psychologist- Author of MN Mystery Books
  • Jesse Nelson: AMBA benefits presentation

The whole idea of our conference is to learn more about what is going on with our pensions, to meet other retired educators, and to share ideas for our locals. Our pensions are important because teachers have never made enough money to save for a good retirement. We have worked on the cheap for years and we need a good pension to help us live well in our retirement years.

Mixing with people like us is also important. Since COVID, many folks are not getting out and doing things with others. This is not good for one’s mental health. Mixing with others is healthy. Meeting new people is healthy. Learning something new is healthy. Going to a different place is healthy. I could go on… Conferences are a good time to get together with others and keep our minds active by learning something new, something we maybe hadn’t even thought about.

St. Cloud’s location is a fairly easy access for people from most areas of our state. Mark your calendar and be ready to fill out the form when the July issue of REAM comes out. It will contain more information about the conference and the form for you to fill out for coming to the conference. Let other retired teachers know about the conference. You do not have to be a REAM member to come. This is a good way to get non-REAM members involved and signed up to be a REAM Member. Copy your form from the July issue and give it out.

I’m looking forward to meeting you at the Conference!

The reality is that spring is here and…

The weather may seem as though it has been spring for months. The reality is that spring is here or soon here and with it comes the list of the teachers who are retiring in your school board minutes. This is a good time to invite them to an after-school coffee party and give them information about REAM and applications for joining.

I’m always dumbfounded by the number of teachers who have never heard of REAM. How do you advertise in your locals? Do you just use the local name? Add REAM with it so we get the name out into our communities. The Ethel Percy Andrus story is a good one. Ethel started NRTA (National Retired Teacher’s Association) and later AARP to help people get medical insurance in retirement. You can find her full story on google. Quality of life in retirement is important, but unfortunately, we must always be working on it. REAM is working for us.

Locals can bring in speakers and invite the public. I’ve pushed this idea before. It works. We are educators so let’s educate the public. In Northfield, we just had AARP’s Jay Hapaala speak on fraud. The public was invited. Lots of older folks are being singled out, sometimes with what is thought to be a grandchild calling for money for some emergency. We’ve had that call and so have lots of others in our area.

REAM sponsors trips. You can have printed brochures out at your meetings and let people know that anyone can go on these trips. People like traveling with people they know. Forms are on the REAM Website: “mnream.org” under “Travel”. Lots of people enjoy traveling, traveling, so get the word out to the folks in your communities.

As we look back over the past three years and the adjustments we’ve all had to make in our personal lives and organizations, the view has taught us that we can’t know the future, but we can live moving forward by looking at the future with hope. We can make the changes that are needed to embrace the future and the new retirees who are joining us. While teaching has never been an easy job, it has been especially difficult for teachers in the last few years.

Are we looking at our state organization as well as our local groups to embrace new ideas and new systems that will help us move forward? Doing things, the same old way won’t work. The REAM Newsletter is one big change. Color and pictures pull in the eye, and I can believe most of you are liking it.

Zoom meetings have become more popular and I’m guessing they will not go away. The first one I attended was a committee meeting. We had six members. All were on zoom. It was February and I didn’t have to go out and drive to the meeting in the cold and dark. The meeting took about sixty minutes. Nice.

Zoom has also been used to bring in speakers for a local women’s organization. It has worked very well. Now, the organization is going back to in-person, but they are also going to zoom the meeting so those who have trouble getting to the meetings can still participate.

The REAM Strategic Planning Committee has been busy. We can expect changes to our website and membership drive; a dues structure which will make it easier for members to pay their dues; and recruiting an Executive Director. A big thank you to Tim Moynihan, Barbara Hunter, Mary Broderick, Henry Carbone, and Curt Hutchens for the time and energy they are putting into this project.

How are your locals handling the changes that the last years have brought us? We would like to know what you are doing to get your locals back on board and moving forward. We can share those ideas with others. Working together and sharing ideas helps all of us. If you have pictures of things you are doing in your locals, send them to Kathy for the Newsletter.

Why join REAM? How do you interest new retirees to join your group? What talking points energize retirees into saying, “I’ll join.”

Having a speaker that might be of interest to the public and inviting the public to come gets the REAM name out into our communities. Please let your members know that if they want to go on a REAM trip, they can invite non- REAM members to go with them. These trips are available to anyone who wants to go. One of the benefits of belonging to REAM is that we have access to AMBA benefits. A few of those benefits are:

Dental/Vision: Freedom to use any dentist and no network required. Vision Service Plan (VSP) is the largest national eye care company and offers one-stop shopping and discounts for all your eye care needs.

Start Hearing, Inc.: Start Hearing, Inc. offers members a complete hearing evaluation, warranty on digital technology aids in any style, loss and damage protection and batteries with a complete benefit package.

MASA: Domestic and International Emergency Air Travel to hospitals. If you are hospitalized more than 100 miles from home and have your treating physician’s approval, MASA will transfer you to your local hospital to recuperate.

AMBA is willing to work with us and meet with us. There are many more Member Benefits with AMBA. Invite nonmembers to your meeting.

We are in a new time.

Let’s be creative and make the most of it.

Share your ideas.

A big Thank You to Mary Sawatsky, to all of you retired educators in Willmar, and to our Board Members who helped with the Willmar Conference. I heard many good comments about our days in Willmar. Now, mark your calendars for the Conference in St. Cloud on September 30 and October 1, 2024. We have been working on it and many of the items are done. We’re looking forward to another good Conference. If you haven’t contacted those who retired last spring to join REAM, now is a good time to do it. Many of our local groups get things going in the fall. The school district in Northfield has a retired teachers luncheon every fall. We haven’t had it since the Covid shutdown, so we’re looking forward to getting together with other retired teachers. We are invited even though we didn’t teach here. Nice! During this next year, we have a group of retirees that will be meeting to talk about and figure out ways our organization can help our local units. We are looking forward to ideas that your group might have.

• How are you recruiting newly retired teachers?
• What ideas are working in your locals that keep your units active and moving forward?
• What are you doing in the community to get your name and REAM’s name into the public?
• How can our REAM organization help your local group?

It’s time to share ideas with each other so we can all be successful. All ideas will not necessarily work in all units, but some might, so let’s start sharing. School districts that have merged with other districts haven’t made local units an easy way to go. The same old isn’t going to work. We need suggestions from you as to what you would like to see your locals doing. You can send your ideas to my email or in a letter. Thanks for your information. ahellie66@gmail.com or 1129 Heritage Dr., Northfield, MN 55057

Our Wilmar Conference is coming soon! We hope you have registered and are joining us for a good get-together in many ways. Not only do we connect with people we’ve met in the past, we meet new folks and enjoy learning from them. We also have many good speakers to educate us on a variety of topics.

Our new Executive Director Bruce Locklear is doing a session on engaging nonmembers to become members, especially many of those younger folks who have recently retired. If you attend this session your mileage to and from the conference will be reimbursed.

The July issue is about our REAM Conference which is in September. This year it is September 25 and 26 in Willmar. Mark your calendar and send in your registration information.

Conferences are always a great way to meet new people, connect with folks you’ve met at past conferences, learn something new from the breakout sessions, and get up to date on what is going on with our pensions and our lives as retirees. Our lives cannot be taken for granted. How can we live better?

Encourage younger retirees to come. I remember my first conference. It was in Mankato, roughly twenty plus years ago. I was in my fifties. I was impressed! It wasn’t anything like the conferences I had gone to as an educator. This one had good conversations at meetings and dinner tables, interesting small group sessions, and wonderful entertainment after the Monday evening dinner. I didn’t have to take notes or try to remember what I had learned so I could pass it on to my students. Everything was just for me and what I wanted to get out of it. Another thing we have enjoyed are the trips in the local areas. Minnesota is a wonderful state in more ways than one. I don’t remember learning about the beautiful countryside in my sixth grade Minnesota history class. Both Chuck and I have gone every year since.

COME! We all want to meet fellow retired educators. Listen, talk, laugh, eat. Boost your energy level. We’ve all been on a downside with COVID. It’s time for change.

Welcome Spring! It is wonderful watching all the kids on bikes, parents pushing strollers, and older folks out with walking sticks. Hope it continues. We’ve had a long, cold winter.

What upbeat and exciting ideas have your locals come up with for spring and summer? Northfield is having the police speak about biking rules and letting walkers and car drivers know what rules bikers need to follow. Do you know the bike rules? I was surprised when I heard a few of them. Also, bikers themselves need to know and follow these rules. Car drivers also need to know the rules. This is an area that many of our cities and towns need updated information about. Your local units can sponsor a police speech on bike safety in your community. What is working? What isn’t working? What do we all need to know and not just think we know.

Mark your calendar for our Fall Conference in Willmar. Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26 are the dates. Willmar is not a hard place to get to for most Minnesotans. It may be a distance, but not heavy traffic on most of the roads. Plan to come. The Willmar Retirees have been putting in a lot of time and energy to make this a wonderful conference for all of us. Let’s join them.

If you have been to one of our conferences, come again. If you’ve never been to one of our conferences, this is a good year to give our Conference a try. If you know teachers who are retiring, get them to join REAM and come with you to the conference. Watch for more information about the conference in the July issue.

Dues increase. When I first heard about the dues increase, I thought I had heard wrong. When I began to realize all the things our dues need to cover and will need to cover as we move into a new time for our organization, I started thinking differently. Then came the eye opener. I was telling a fellow member of REAM, who was visiting with us about the increase. He looked at me and said, “Thirty-six dollars a year is $3.00 a month. That’s a cup of coffee! Bingo!! Guess I can handle it.

Do you have teachers retiring from your school district this year? If so, send them a note of congratulations and a copy of the REAM Membership form. Encourage them to join REAM. Several of you could sign one card and pay the membership fee for one year as a retirement gift.

Trips: People like to travel with folks they know. Promote the REAM trips, but if you know that someone is interested in a particular trip, let others in your community know. They can all travel together. You might be surprised how many others will join you. We planned to go to China several years ago. The agent suggested we see if anyone in our community would be interested in going with us. We didn’t think anyone would, but we put out the information. We had 27 people go with us. With that number we took a bus to the airport.

As we look back over the past three years and the adjustments, we’ve all had to make in our personal lives and organizations, has taught us that we can’t know the future. However, we can live moving forward with hope and making the changes that are needed to embrace the future and the new retirees who are joining us. While teaching has never been an easy job, it has been especially difficult for teachers in the last few years.

How are we looking at our state organization as well as our local groups to embrace new ideas and new systems that will help us move forward? Doing things the same old way won’t work. The REAM Newsletter is one big change. Color and pictures pull in the eye, and I can believe most of you are liking it. Zoom meetings have become more popular, and I’m guessing they will not go away. The first one I attended was a committee meeting. We had six members. All were on Zoom. It was February and I didn’t have to go out and drive to the meeting in the cold and dark. The meeting took about sixty minutes. Nice!

Zoom has also been used to bring in speakers for a local women’s organization. It has worked very well. Now, the organization is going back to in person, but they are also going to Zoom the meeting so folks who have trouble getting to the meetings can still participate.

The REAM Strategic Planning Committee has been busy. We can expect changes with our website, membership drive, a dues structure which will make it easier for folks to pay their dues and get an Executive Director. A big thank you to Tim Moynihan, Barbara Hunter, Mary Broderick, Henry Carbone, and Curt Hutchens for the time and energy they are putting into this project.

How are your locals handling the changes that the last years have brought us? We would like to know what you are doing to get your locals back on board and moving forward. We can share those ideas with others. Working together and sharing ideas helps all of us.

If you have pictures of things you are doing in your locals, send them to Kathy for the Newsletter.

Why join REAM? How do you interest new retirees to join your group? What talking points energize folk into saying, “I’ll join.” Having a speaker that might be of interest to the public and inviting the public to come gets the REAM name out into our communities. Also, let your members know that if they want to go on a REAM trip, they can invite non-REAM members to go with them. These trips are available to anyone who wants to go.

One of the benefits of belonging to REAM is that we have access to AMBA benefits. A few of those benefits are:

Dental/Vision: Freedom to use any dentist and no network required. Vision Service Plan (VSP) is the largest national eye care company and offers one-stop shopping and discounts for all your eye care needs.

Start Hearing, Inc.: Start Hearing, Inc. offers members a complete hearing evaluation, warranty on digital technology aids in any style, loss and damage protection and batteries with a complete benefit package.

MASA: Domestic and International Emergency Air Travel to hospitals. If you are hospitalized more than 100 miles from home and have your treating physician’s approval, MASA will transfer you to your local hospital to recuperate.

AMBA is willing to work with us and meet with us. There are many more Member Benefits with AMBA. Invite nonmembers to your meeting.

We are in a new time. Let’s be creative and make the most of it. Share your ideas.

As I write this, I’ll share some change ideas. When we finished our December REAM Board Meeting on Zoom, I got up and pushed the floor lamp back to where it belonged. As I stepped back, I tripped over the bottom of the rocking/glider chair. It went over backwards and so did I. I fell flat on my back. My buttocks hit the floor. Down some more, and my head hit the hardwood floor.

I quickly found out that a concussion makes doing something very difficult. I’m working at it. It’s hard to think. Getting “thinking and actions” together to get something done is difficult. The brain doesn’t cooperate.

A great number of our “Out’n About” folks who came to the meeting in October really enjoyed it and hoped we’d continue. They said, “We need speakers like this”. They also liked the idea of getting the community together. This is probably very important after all we’ve gone through with COVID.

One speaker for January will be from the Minnesota Supreme Court, which was mentioned last time in the Newsletter. The other speaker will be about “Mindful Eating”. We don’t just eat to have something to do. How should we think about the food we eat while eating? What is it doing for me? I’m guessing it will be interesting.

The whole idea is to get folks together, to learn something they maybe hadn’t even thought about before, to meet new people and just have a good time.

In the coming years, look for changes in how locals, districts, and our state REAM Board does meetings. Zoom has caught on. The Strategic Planning Committee has been working on how we need to come up to the 21st century. Its already 2023. They have lots of good ideas. Some changes are on the way.

AMBA is going to play a bigger part in helping us with our memberships. Watch for it. Encourage retired teachers to join. We need each other and we need to work together.

Take a close look at the travel list. If you know people who like to go on trips, they can go on one of our REAM sponsored trips. They do not have to be REAM Members. They need to register through REAM-call Chuck Hellie. Maybe you and some friends would like to go, or you and your family would like to take a trip. Go! Have fun! We’re not getting any younger, so we might as well go and enjoy!

It’s the fall of 2022 and, like many other organizations, we are likely having to re-think our local REAM organizations as well as our state organization after living through these COVID times. How do we get folks back on board and get new retirees to join us? The same “old” will probably not work the way we hope it will. We’ve all discovered and survived new ways of life. So, how do we move forward? We will have to be creative and willing to try new ideas and new ways of doing things.

Here are a few ideas and we are looking for more, so please share with us what is working for your local REAM group. Also, be willing to try something new.

*Getting new members: How many teachers retired during the last three years in your area? Christmas is coming. Each REAM member could give a membership to one teacher who has recently retired and invite him/her to your meetings. The membership of $15.00 isn’t going to break the bank. Add your local membership into the gift as well. Our membership could be doubled overnight.

*Speakers on “Courageous Conversations”. Here are some speaker ideas that might work for your group. Invite the public. It gets our name out that we are doing something for our community.

“Native Indigenous Communities and Environmental Justice”.

“Unconscious Bias: Owning It”.

“Human Trafficking in (your county), What YOU Need to Know Now.

*Out-n-About is an idea that includes a local REAM organization and a church group. The church provides the space for the meeting, and the REAM group takes care of the money. The planning group is composed of members from each group. The first speaker for the first meeting was Edna Thayer on “Laughter for the Health of It”, then a coffee break. The second speaker was Packy Mader, a retired teacher, who has written a book on Olympians from Minnesota. The meeting finished with a box lunch. These Out-n-About meetings are planned for four times a year. These are meetings for the public. Its purpose is to get people together to learn something and to enjoy meeting new people. It also gets the REAM name out into the public. *How do we use technology? Technology is not going away. How can we more fully use it? Email all members for your meeting, but also send an email inviting nonmembers to come to your meetings. Be ready to collect dues and have REAM membership forms available. Younger folks use their iPhones and computers.

What ideas do you have or has your unit used? What is working in your association? How are you getting new members? What do you see that needs to be changed to attract those teachers who just retired? Let’s help each other’s units grow. We are in this together!

REAM has had several committees working during the interim from our last Board meeting to the present. Karna Brewer and Anita Hellie have been working on the structure of REAM which includes:

1. The contact information for every REAM local unit.

2. A contact person for every REAM local unit.

3. Locating the name and contact information for each local unit President, if there is one.

4. Finding the name and contact information for the Legislative and Membership Chairpersons in each local unit.

5. It is extremely important that we secure this information so as to be able to contact Local units to keep them informed about important goings on with their pensions.

The legislature is now in session. The Supreme Court appointed panel has released the new maps for Minnesota’s Congressional and state legislative districts. Please let your unit REAM contact know if your area has changed. We need updated information going forward so when we ask you to contact your legislative representatives to lobby for REAM objectives on your behalf it all goes well.

It is essential that when contacted, please cooperate with these hard-working committee members. With their work, and your cooperation, we hope that REAM will even be a better organized working unit.

On January 10, 2022 @ 9 AM, I was privileged to give a short talk to the Owatonna, MN REAM unit at its Monthly breakfast meeting. I was greeted by 24 early morning REAM members and their leader, Gary Schwartz at downtown Owatonna’s “The Kitchen Corner.” WOW, was I overwhelmed to say the least. The outside temperature was – 9 so I was very surprised to see so many REAM members turn out. The Owatonna unit has 70+ members. What they have been doing with the UNIT PROJECT money REAM allocated to them, is spectacular. See pictures and explanations of their exploits on page 5 of this publication. You will also be amazed. Congratulations to Gary and the rest of the Owatonna REAM membership, this is what REAM is all about.

Hold the presses!!!! Make sure to read the great news in REAM’s Legislative Chairman, Tim Moynahan’s column.

My article will be shorter than usual for this issue (no applause, please) as we have decided to print the letter from the Public Employees’ Pension Coalition (PEPC) which deals with several topics that are very close to the hearts of all REAM members, but also all MN State retirees. With the large surplus that the State has, it is imperative that we pursue methods of recouping the money that was lost (1% Cola) in the 2018 Omnibus Pension Bill. There are other problems that PEPC is looking into like, investment return assumption, the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) Principles of Pension Policy.

My personal suggestion is that the Legislature eliminate the tax on Social Security. MN is only one of 13 states that presently taxes most taxpayers SS income. With nine of those states offering limited tax credit offsets. I can’t believe it, but some groups in PEPC do not favor this method. The next PEPC meeting is January 3rd. REAM members will be attending and keep you updated on the results.

Karna Brewer, our secretary, and Anita Hellie, our president-elect, are contacting REAM’s district & local units to secure contact persons in each unit. Please cooperate with this project if asked, as it is crucial to our ability to involve REAM members throughout the state to disseminate information about protecting YOUR pensions.

Please remember that MEMBERSHIP IS THE BACKBONE OF REAM. We see some nice gains in membership from the North Star & Waseca groups & others. In order to remain strong, membership should be an ongoing project. STRATEGY WITHOUT EXECUTION IS A DEAD END.

When you receive this edition of the REAM News, we will be into year 2022. REAM had a strong 2021 highlighted by constructive use of YOUR MEMBERSHIP (YM), progress on expanding memberships and a great CONFERENCE. REAM was also front and center on several projects in the protection of pensions through the legislature and TRA. Many of us have gone to great lengths working on your behalf. We hope to not only continue but expand this work.

It is my fervent wish that you had a good 2021 and let’s have an even better 2022.