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 August 2012 Update |
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CTPF online
 
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References
Confused by all the alphabet soup?
Click here for a "Pension Primer" with explanations of common abbreviations and names.
Click here for a link to help you locate your elected representatives in Springfield.
E-Mail Archive |
Click here for a complete listing of past E-Mail Updates and E-Lerts.
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Principal Jerry Travlos
joins CTPF Board of Trustees
 Principal Jerry Travlos was sworn in as Principal/Administrator trustee at the CTPF Board of Trustee's Meeting on Thursday, August 16, 2012. Trustee Travlos will represent active principals and administrators through November 2013.
The appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Trustee Chris N. Kotis who had served as principal/administrator trustee since November 2007.
Trustee Travlos has been with the Chicago Public Schools for nearly 20 years, and has served as a principal at Smyser Elementary School since 2003. Travlos holds a B.S. degree from Loyola University and a M.Ed. degree in bilingual and bicultural education from Chicago State University. He has also done post-graduate work in educational leadership at DePaul University where he is an adjunct faculty member. Travlos is a member of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. A lifelong resident of Chicago, he is married and has two sons.
"I am happy to welcome Mr. Travlos to the Board of Trustees, and we all look forward to working with him," said Kevin B. Huber, CTPF executive director. "We also want to thank Mr. Kotis for his many years of service in the schools and as a CTPF Trustee. We wish him a wonderful retirement."
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CTPF Teacher Trustee Election will be held Friday, November 9, 2012
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Board of Trustees has set Friday, November 9, 2012, as the date for the 2012 Teacher Trustee Election. Teachers and other active contributors will elect two Trustees to serve three-year terms from November 2012 to November 2015.
Candidate Eligibility
Candidates for a Teacher Trustee position must hold an Illinois State Teaching Certificate, be current CTPF contributors, and have been assigned on a regular certificate in the Chicago Public or Charter schools for a minimum of 10 years.
Nomination Packets
Nomination packets are now available. Members interested in running for office should contact the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169 to request a packet. Candidate eligibility will be verified before the packet can be issued. Nominating petitions must be returned by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 1, 2012.
Election Questions
Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.
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Online or On Paper: Online Voting in 2012
Track E (year round) and Charter schools will pilot online voting in 2012
Track E (year round) and Charter schools will have the option of voting online or on paper in 2012. All other schools will vote with traditional paper ballots. Based on the success of the online program, it will be expanded to all schools within three years.
"This is a big leap forward for CTPF, and we hope schools will choose the online option for 2012," remarked Frances Radencic, election coordinator. "Voting online will streamline the election day process for our members and offer significant future cost savings.
"Pension Representatives should poll their faculty to determine if there is interest in online voting and register a voting preference by September 14."
Click here to register for online voting.
You must be a credentialed pension representative to register your school. If you have not yet turned in your 2012-2013 Credentials form, click here to download one.
More Information and Election Questions
If you want to read more about online voting, visit the Election Central page at www.ctpf.org. If you have questions or require further assistance with online voting, please contact a member of the election team at 1.312.604.1400 extension 132 or 169.
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MEDCO Medicare Prescription Plan (PDP) Changes name to Express Scripts
 If you are retiree enrolled in
the AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F (UnitedHealthcare), Blue Cross and Blue Shield Supplement to Medicare, or Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO Illinois (Medicare), your prescription drug coverage will now be provided by Express Scripts Medicare. Express Scripts Medicare (PDP) for CTPF is the new name for the prescription plan formerly known as the Medco Medicare Prescription Plan (PDP) for CTPF. While the name of the plan is changing, your prescription benefits and the way you use them remain the same. The name change occurred because of a recent merger between Medco Health Solutions and Express Scripts. If you are currently enrolled in a Medco plan, you should continue to use your current Medco prescription drug card. You will not receive a new card. You can access the same pharmacies and mail service that were used under the Medco name.
For questions, please call the toll-free customer service number on the back of your Medco/Express Scripts ID card. Customer Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English and other languages.
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Open Enrollment around the Corner
Summer is ending, fall is in the air, and health insurance open enrollment is just around the corner.
If you're a retiree, it's time to begin thinking about your health insurance needs and options for 2013. The annual Open Enrollment Period for retirees will be October 1 - October 31, 2012. During Open Enrollment, CTPF retirees may enroll in a CTPF health insurance plan for the first time, change a health insurance plan or carrier, or add a dependent to a health plan. Changes made during this period go into effect on January 1, 2013. 2013 Health Insurance Plans All the current CTPF retiree health plans will be offered in 2013. If you are currently enrolled in a CTPF plan and want to continue the same coverage in 2013, you do not need to take any action to stay enrolled. 2013 Enrollment Materials and Information Now is a good time to analyze your health care expenses from 2012, and to begin thinking about your health care needs for 2013. Understanding how you spend your health care dollars can help you make an informed choice during open enrollment. More information is on the way. Check your e-mail for September health insurance E-Lerts, and watch your mail box for a copy of the 2013 Health Insurance Handbook and Open Enrollment Guide. Handbooks will be mailed the last week in September and include health plan comparison charts, 2013 plan rates, and the dates of 2013 Open Enrollment Seminars. |
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2012-2013 Pension Payment Schedule
The schedule for mailing checks/direct deposit advices and the date for posting direct deposits can be found by clicking here.
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 Teachers Head Back to Class
for Pension Education and Advocacy Training
Advocacy Efforts
Chicago teachers and retirees went back to school this summer for an important lesson on pensions. The Chicago Teachers' Union organized and hosted four member advocacy and education seminars on August 7th and 8th in the CTU office.
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Retiree Betty Cittadine headed back to class this past August for a CTU Education and Advocacy seminar.
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The training was organized by Stacy Davis-Gates the legislative liaison for CTU and the meetings were led by Kurt Hilgendorf a CTU staff member.
More than 100 active and retired members attended the sessions.
The meetings began with a "pension primer" designed to help retirees and active members understand the key issues currently facing the pension fund, and went on to discuss options and strategies for sharing information with elected representatives.
Lobbyists for the union and CTPF both addressed the group and offered insight and strategies for reaching legislators.
Attendees received talking points and printed materials designed to help facilitate meetings with their individual legislators the week of August 13.
Members who did not attend, but would like additional information or tips on contacting legislators can find information here:
Member Education and Advocacy Web Page
This page serves as a clearinghouse for information about legislation and actions that may impact CTPF members. Click here for the webpage.
Documents for Member Education These documents are designed to educate CTPF members about the fund's current financial situation and legislative priorities. - CTPF Member Education - This document offers basic facts and information about CTPF along with an overview of the fund's legislative priorities.
- Pension Reform Comparison - This document makes a side-by-side comparison of reform plans proposed by Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel.
Documents for Advocacy Efforts These documents are designed to be shared with legislators and policy makers. - CTPF Leave Behind document for legislators and policy makers. This document offers a summary of facts about CTPF along with legislative priorities. It's designed to be used in a meeting with legislators or policy makers.
- Fair Funding Flyer - This publication illustrates the inequity in State funding and the need for fair funding for CTPF pensions.
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Legislative Update
Governor Signs Return to Work Law
Governor Pat Quinn recently signed Public Act 97-0912 which changes to the return to work portion of the Illinois statutes which regulate CTPF. The law clarifies rules for members who return to employment with a CPS employer after retirement. CTPF is currently revising forms and information in compliance with this law. Updates will be posted at on the CTPF Education and Advocacy web page.
Special Session Adjourns without Action on Pensions
A special legislative session held August 17 adjourned without taking any action on pension "reform." There are currently many plans for "reform" circulating in Springfield and additional legislative proposals will likely be considered this fall.
CTPF encourages members to take an active role in educating local lawmakers about pensions and their importance to Chicago's teachers. The resources on the Education and Advocacy web page at www.ctpf.org can help you get in touch with your local lawmakers so you can share your opinion and help protect your pension.
Constitutional Amendment question will appear on
November 6 Ballot
Illinois voters in the November 6 election will decide if a 3/5 vote of the Illinois legislature or local governments should be necessary to adopt any benefit increase for any state pension or retirement system. The Amendment would be adopted if 3/5 of voters cast yes votes on the question or if a majority of voters approve the measure.
 Law grants CTPF $10.9 million; TRS receives $2.7 billion for 2013
Public Act 097-0685 granted TRS $2.7 billion and awarded CTPF $10.9 million. Chicago's teachers receive less than a penny for every dollar the State spends on downstate and suburban teachers' pensions.
Click here to read more about fair funding.
 CTPF encourages members to contact local lawmakers to share information about fair funding for Chicago's teachers. You can find more information about the need for fair funding and links to the CTPF Education and Advocacy page above.
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CALENDAR
The Board of Trustees meetings, held in the CTPF office, are open to the public. Confirm the meeting times and dates at www.ctpf.org.
September
3
Labor Day, office closed
20
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
30
Deadline for 2011 Health Insurance Premium Subsidy (Rebate) Applications
October
1-31
Open Enrollment for CTPF Retirees.
All enrollment materials are due to CTPF at 5:00 p.m. on October 31.
1
5:00 p.m. Teacher Trustee Nomination Packets due to CTPF
14
Last day to register for online voting in the 2012 Teacher Trustee Election
(Track E and Charter schools only)
18 9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting November 9
CTPF Teacher Trustee Election
12 Veterans' Day, office closed 20 9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting 22-23 Thanksgiving Day holiday observed, office closed December 13 (tentative) 9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting (tentative) 25 Christmas Day, office closed
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CTPF MISSION STATEMENT
To provide, protect, and enhance the present and future economic well being of members, pensioners and beneficiaries through efficient and effective management of benefit programs, investment practices and customer service, and to commit to earning and keeping the respect and trust of the participants through quality service and by protecting retirement benefits, in compliance with applicable laws and standards.
CTPF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jay C. Rehak, president
Lois W. Ashford, vice president
Tina Padilla, financial secretary
James F. Ward, recording secretary
Jeffery Blackwell
Jeanne Marie Freed
Walter E. Pilditch
Mary Sharon Reilly
Rodrigo A. Sierra
Jerry Travlos
Raymond Wohl
Andrea L. Zopp
Kevin B. Huber, executive director
Office/Mailing Information
Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund
203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1231
312.641.4464 p.
312.641.7185 f.
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