RPEA at the State Fair
At the suggestion of the Central New York Chapter Chair Dawn Bennett, RPEA will have a booth at the New York State Fair, which runs August 23rd-September 4th, in Syracuse. Our booth will be located in the Center of Progress…
2017 Legislative Session Wrap Up
RPEA Successful on Several Fronts The 2017 Legislative session produced some victories for RPEA. In April, we were successful I defeating two of Governor Cuomo’s proposals which would have hurt retirees who participate in the New York State Health Insurance…
Constitutional Convention Discussion Heating Up
During recent weeks, discussions about whether or not to convene a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) are increasing, and will certainly hit full stride after Labor Day, when traditional politicking kicks in. Last week, Governor Cuomo made clear that he opposes having…
RPEA Update: Legislature Adjourns
Legislature Adjourns: No further action on RPEA bills Late Wednesday night, the Legislature adjourned its 2017 session. There was no further action on our three bills that were in play at the end. The one bill on our agenda that passed…
Good News Regarding Social Security and Medicare
Yesterday, the trustees who oversee the Social Security program released projections that call for an increase in the cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 2.2 percent, which equates to about $30 a month for the average recipient. This would be…
RPEA Update: Legislature Returning
LEGISLATURE RETURNING After a ten day hiatus, the Legislature returns to Albany on Monday, for the stretch drive to wrap up the 2017 session on the projected June 21 adjournment date. RPEA had victories in the budget process and we…
Constitutional Convention- Spread the Word…Vote “NO”
The New York Constitution contains a provision that every twenty years the voters are asked if they want to convene a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) for the purpose of amending the constitution. That question will be on the November 2017 Ballot.…
RPEA Seeks NYSHIP Medicare Equity
Following up on our successful inquiry last year which led to the Department of Civil Service reversing the improper practice of UnitedHealthcare by which they were denying Empire Plan benefits to Medicare eligible retirees for certain covered Durable Medical Equipment,…
State Budget Adopted…NYSHIP Cuts Rejected
On Sunday, the Senate re-convened in Albany to pass the final portion of the state budget, which the Assembly had passed on Saturday. We are pleased to report that the budget does NOT include the cuts in Medicare reimbursement and…
Retirees Prevail in Budget Resolutions
Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) President Jack McPadden commended the Legislature for rejecting the Governor’s budget proposals which would have adversely impacted retirees in the New York State Health Insurance Plan (NYSHIP). The Governor had proposed to cut the Medicare…
RPEA Seeks Support in Budget Resolutions
With the new fiscal year approaching on April 1, each house of the Legislature is preparing its Budget Resolution which will serve as the basis for negotiating a final state budget. Accordingly, Retired Public Employees Association President Jack McPadden has…
2017 Legislative Agenda Taking Shape
Six weeks into the legislative session, nearly all of our agenda has been introduced in each house. For the three bills that show as introduced in only one house, we have sponsors to introduce them in the other house. It’s…