Today, a defined benefit pension with a COLA is a luxury. The retirement benefits that you currently enjoy were basically paid for by you, however, these benefits are controlled by the Legislature and managed by the Teachers’ Retirement Board. The contributions you made to your retirement fund and to your insurance fund were automatically deducted from every earned paycheck during your professional career. Today, contributions are being made by active teachers.
ARTC Legislative Committee’s mission is to protect and to improve our earned retirement benefits by initiating legislation and advocating for retiree benefits that will foster our mission for both retirees and future retirees.
Achieving benefits for retired teachers takes consistent active persistence. Over the years, with perseverance and conviction, the Legislative Committee, with the support of ARTC members, achieved the following:
1) Connecticut State income tax on your pension has been reduced by 50%.
2) Retirees who must purchase their insurance from local boards of education had their contribution from the State doubled.
3) Retiree representatives on the TRB has been increased by two representatives elected solely by retirees, reflecting a more democratic representation system.
4) An act concerning Adequate Funding of the Teachers Retirement Fund through the Pension Obligation Bonds was passed.
5) ARTC joined many national efforts over 20 years to repeal the WEP/GPO. Two years ago, our ARTC Legislative Subcommittee, along with the Alliance for Retired Americans, was recognized in Washington as a major contributor to the success of the repeal.
ARTC’s membership consists solely of retired teachers, however, ARTC continues to join active teachers in support of and in advocating for all legislative initiatives that will enhance our profession. Our primary focus, however, is on retired teacher issues. This coming year, unless an unforeseen legislative issue arises, we will be focusing on the following:
- Restoring the promised proportionate 1/3 subsidy from the State toward the cost of the Medicare Supplement Plan. Presently, only the Advantage Plan receives the full 1/3 supplement.
- Updating the Teachers’ Retirement Board election process. We propose a constituent-based election system where the four retired teacher representatives on the Board are nominated and elected solely by retirees, and active teacher representatives are nominated and elected by active members.
The election of many State legislators takes place this November. It is important that we elect State senators and representatives who best represent the concerns of Connecticut retired teachers and who will support ARTC’s Legislative Committee’s goals.
The Legislative Committee is only as strong as ARTC and its members. We thank you for your support.
The Legislative Committee maintains its meeting agenda via virtual Zoom meetings. The Committee Chairs, with the assistance of Executive Director will continue to keep members informed by emails, Facebook and Webpage. Thank you for your support.