We apologize for the inconsistency of fonts etc. on this page. Many of the news items and information we receive is copied and pasted on this site to save time and money.

NEWS REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PENSIONS

2012 may be year of change in Farmington
(Farmington - This Week Live © 01/05/2012)

... That relief was short-lived, because by February, the city was forced to deplete its hard-won $45,841 contingency to cover losses in the firefighters’ Pension fund. In March, some council members discussed the possibility of seeking pay concessions from some senior staff members, including Herlofsky. Under Herlofsky’s contract, which was up for

TRA leader helped spearhead reform to save pension fund
(Finance and Commerce © 01/04/2012)

In one sense, you could say that Laurie Fiori Hacking, executive director of the state Teachers Retirement Association (TRA), was born to her work. Hacking, 59, says she was a “late child.” Her fathe

 There is hope for 2012, if there is change in November
(Faribault Daily News © 01/05/2012)

l was that taxes were not increased. (Thank you, Senator Parry for keeping your word). The Republican legislature passed major changes that reduced the growth rate in state employee health care and Pension costs, and many other reforms. The governor caved in and agreed quietly. The result was the $5 billion biennium deficit has become an $800 million surplus, now going to replenish the reserve f

Merger ends Minneapolis pension feud
Minneapolis Star Tribune

The two pension funds that have been closed to new members for 31 years also merged Friday into a statewide public safety pension plan. They're the last of four closed city pension plans that have merged into state funds in the past six years. ... 

Minneapolis fire chief candidate is a double-dipper
(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 01/05/2012)

Fire Chief nominee John Fruetel Newly nominated Fire Chief John Fruetel is an experienced hand when it comes to double-dipping -- the fully legal practice of collecting both a pension and a publi

The Republicans promised significant change in the 2010 elections. 36 members of the MN House of Representatives are new to the chamber, while the MN Senate has 24 new members.

The new majorities in both chambers appear to have the goal of significantly reducing the influence of unions in the MN economy.  There was a proposal to submit to the MN voters a constitutional amendment to make MN a ‘Right to Work State’. 

There is proposed legislation introduced by Republicans in the MN House to have new teacher hires be paced in a Defined Contribution plan rather than a Defined Benefit plan as provided for current active and retired teachers. 

 REAM will follow the proposed legislation and inform you, via you REAM  directors of the latest developments including dates and times of
legislative hearings

* There is a move to broaden the membership on the LCPR. (Legislative Commission on Pension & Retirement.)  Currently there are 5 Members from each chamber (MN House & MN Senate).  The majority party has had 4 members and the minority has had 1.  The legislation would change the membership to 7 from each chamber, with the minority party receiving 2 seats.

Currently the senate has selected its members and they are:

a)      Senator Roger C. Chamberlain       District 53      R-Lino Lakes

b)      Senator Theodore Daley                 District 38      R-Eagan

c)      Senator Julie Rosen                        District 24      R-Fairmont

d)      Senator Scott D. Dibble                   District 59      DFL-Minneapolis

e)      Senator Sandra Pappas                  District 65      DFL-St Paul

There may be more to come from the new legislature REAM MUST act to protect our pensions and our profession.  We must look on this as an opportunity for us as REAM members to inform
legislators, new and returning the impact pensions have on the Minnesota economy.

Contact your legislators in the MN house and senate, tell them your story about
the need for your TRA benefits, they need to hear from YOU, their
constituents. Call, write, send e-mails or attend legislative meetings when they are
scheduled in your community. See top for link for Minnesota office
holders for contact information.