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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Testifying before the Joint Fiscal Committees hearing on the Executive Budget, Jack McPadden, President of the Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA), called upon the Legislature to reject those portions of the budget which would impose significant premium increases upon State…