Rauner pension fix could backfire, experts warn

 

 

This article explains the inherent problem of Rauner using the current Tier ll as the backbone for his attempt to save the state money through pension benefit reductions. Under the plan, current Tier ll people will pay in more than they will get in benefits. There's also the chance that the new plan could fall below federal requirements, costing retirees and tax payers even more.

 

 

Rauner's plan would increase pension penalties for schools

 

Read about the Governor's plan to limit the raises of teachers ready to retire to CPI and anything over that will lead to penalty payments by school districts.

 

 

Rauner is trying to steal our voice; we won't be silenced

Paul Gamboa describes the meeting in Naperville discussing Gov. Rauner's Turnaround Agenda. The meeting included union leaders from UAW, IBEW, SEIU, operating engineers, carpenters, teamsters, ESPs, laborers, police, fire and more, all opposing the proposal. The council ultimately voted to indefinitely shelve Rauner's resolution in Naperville.

 

And, The Rauner Report keeps you updated on all of Gov. Rauner's actions.  
TRS spring newsletter

 

 

 

Spring is here! So is the TRS Spring Topics & Report newsletter, highlighting the upcoming Board of Trustees election for active members and profiling a new annuitant trustee. Legislative updates, including the on-going legal challenge to the state's new pension law, are also featured.

 

In addition to important information in the newsletter, detailed financial and statistical data about TRS also is available.

 

Some highlights:

  • The net position of TRS on June 30, 2014 was $45.8 billion.
  • During fiscal year 2014, the net position of TRS increased $6.0 billion.
  • Total investment gain was $6.8 billion, compared to an investment gain of $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2013, an increase of 2.2 billion.
  • Total TRS membership in fiscal year 2014 was 395,135 which counts active teachers, inactive teachers, retired members, disabled members and survivors of members.

You can read more about these facts in the financial report links below.

 

Spring Topics & Report

Annual Financial Report Summary

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

 

IEA hosts first ever organizing institute at the 2015 Summer Leadership Academy

 

 

School employees are facing external threats and pressures in ways we have not seen before. In states around Illinois, school employees have lost bargaining and other rights. We are at risk. What's the answer? ORGANIZE. Organize for power, strength and unity - organize for change.

 

IEA will train up to 20 members at our first ever IEA Organizing Institute at the 2015 Summer Leadership Academy (SLA), July 28 - 30 on campus at ISU in Normal.  IEA will provide registration, materials, hotel, mileage and meals for up to 20 participants for this very exciting 3-day training. For more information visit the IEA website.  

 

Social Security is a hot topic for concerned, aging boomers

A new demand by aging baby boomers has prompted financial advisors to create and develop businesses focused solely on this demographic. Some are forming practices that will focus exclusively on Social Security consulting, while others are providing much needed and in-demand specialized education and resources to their peers. 

 

CNBC takes a closer look.  

2015 NEA Retired Organizing Conference: Organize, Educate and Lead

by Linda Lucke, IEA-R member

 

Over 252 retirees from across the country gathered in Atlanta on March 24, to participate in the 2015 NEA Retired Organizing Conference.

 

Speakers, workshop sessions, and networking opportunities were provided to help participants gain the skills needed to build strong local retired associations, develop beneficial internal and external relationships, organize members, and develop the retired members' ability to enhance the cause of public education.

 

You can read a full summary of the conference here.

How to rack up savings on summertime fun

 


 

Get discounted tickets to ballgames, amusement parks and more with these savvy summer steals.

 

Going to a ballgame, movie, show, amusement park or other entertainment spot can be lots of fun-but it can get expensive quickly! For many of us, the cost of tickets, parking, food, souvenirs and other goodies spurs a serious case of sticker shock.

 

The good news: There are lots of ways to save money on "big ticket entertainment," says Kate Horrell, an Annapolis, Maryland-based financial coach who specializes in middle-income families.

 

Take time to carefully review the website of whatever attraction you want to visit. Look for special discounts, combination deals and reduced-price or free days, Horrell suggests. "Search the Internet [to] learn the tricks that other people have already discovered," she adds.

 

NEA Member Benefits shares information on how to save.

 

We'd love to share YOUR stories about the money you've saved by using NEA Member Benefits. Please send stories to IEA Retired 

 

Save the date

 

 

NEA Member Benefits offers FREE retirement guides

 


Helping secure your financial future is an important part of what we do.
 

We're happy to offer Kiplinger's Retirement Report, provided by Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine. This monthly guide is full of practical information and advice aimed to help you plan for and enjoy your retirement.
 
This $40/year, 12-issue resource is FREE to registered NEA members!
  
Sign up for our retirement e-newsletter and we'll send you monthly reminders when your next free issue of the Kiplinger's Retirement Report is available. 

 

On Facebook?

 

Do you have a Facebook account? If so, search for Illinois Education Association and like and follow IEA's page.

 

You'll get news as it happens, and some fun stuff too! Like IEA today.  

 

Connect with IEA!

IEA Connect is a new and easy way to get all your IEA questions answered in one spot. You can do it by phone, by email or by live chat with someone via the IEA website. 

  • Have you ever wondered how you can access discounts and deals?
  • Or how your dues dollars are spent?
  • Are you trying to find out more information about the new evaluation system or professional development resources?
  • Need to change your membership information?

IEA Connect is here to help. Now, you can reach an IEA Connect specialist 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

If we don't know the answer, we'll find one for you! Connect with IEA today!
 

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