CTPF E-News August 2013    

August 2013 Update            

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CTPF August E-News
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Quick Look
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No time to read? Here's a summary of the August E-News
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2013 CTPF Board of Trustee Elections  

November 8, 2013, CTPF will hold elections for 2 Teacher,
3 Pensioner, and 1 Administrator Trustee. Find additional information about elections and online voting options.      

   

Report cites CPS failure to act... new communications staff... Webinar available online for members facing layoffs... read about current CTPF events 

     
Updates on "Pension Reform" from Springfield... 

The Fall Pension Representative Breakfast will be Saturday, September 7... Webinars also available. Earn while you learn.....Register today.  

 

 

  

2013-2014 Pension Payment Scheduledirect deposit

View a schedule of 2013-2014 pension check mailing dates and direct deposit information.  

   

 

Current Calendar Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings.  

 


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Election2013 Board of Trustees Elections  


November 8, 2013, CTPF will hold elections for:  
  • Two Teacher Trustees to serve from November 2013-2016
  • One Administrator Trustee to serve from November 2013-2016
  • Three Pensioner Trustees to serve from November 2013-2015 
Pensioner and Administrator Trustee elections will be held by mail with votes tabulated on November 8. The Teacher Trustee election will be held in schools and at CTPF on November 8.  

We're Making the Leap to Online Voting  

Last year the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) piloted secure electronic balloting in the Teacher Trustee Election. Users praised the quick and easy process and the benefit of additional polling hours. This year CTPF will offer all schools the opportunity to vote online.
 
Schools Voting Online in 2013   null
Schools which voted online last
year and all charter schools will
vote online this year. Click here for a list of schools which will vote online in 2013.

Schools with the Option to Vote Online in 2013
All other schools will have the option of voting online or with traditional ballots. Your Pension Representative will register your school's choice by September 27. Schools that do not register for online voting will receive traditional ballot kits in 2013.
Click here for a list of schools which have the option of voting online in 2013.

Learn More about ONLINE Voting 
Wednesday, September 18, 4:30 p.m., CTPF will host a Webinar for all active members interested in learning more about online voting in 2013.
   

Additional Information 

Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.   

 News Briefs  
NEWSReport Cites CPS Failure to Act 

The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, a non-profit, bi-partisan research and advocacy think tank recently issued a report reviewing the Chicago Public School's 2014 Budget. The report found that CPS knew of looming pension deficits and that dramatic increases in required contributions would be needed, but failed to address the problem beyond asking for an extension of the 2010 pension "holiday."

 

The report cites a lack of contributions as the primary reason for CTPF's current funding situation, and states, "Not paying the employer normal cost even when the CTPF was well funded contributed to the dramatic decline in its funded ratio."

 

 Read the report here  

 

 

Jackie Umbles  
Joins Staff as a Communications Specialist 
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Jackie Umbles, a seven-year veteran CTPF Pension Resource Specialist, has accepted a position as a CTPF Communications Specialist. Umbles, who holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and an MBA in marketing, will coordinate the Pension Fund Ambassadors, manage internal communications and social media, and conduct training programs.

 

"We're thrilled to have Jackie join our communications staff," said Frances Radencic, CTPF director of communications. We know that she will put her expertise in marketing and communications and her extensive knowledge of the fund to good use educating our members and constituents."

  

CTPF Seminar for Members
Facing Layoffs Now Available Online null

Members facing a school closing or layoff can view a webinar about retirement and refund options. The presentation was originally offered during a live workshop for members on August 12, 2013, at the Thompson Center in Chicago.    

 

"The August workshop was very well received by our members," said Member Services Manager Sheron Banks-Fallis. "Layoffs and school closings are difficult situations, and we want to make sure our members have the information they need. The Webinar allows us to share this information with a wider audience."   

 

The Webinar runs for about 20 minutes, and outlines options for members who permanently leave employment with CPS. Click here to view the webinar.  

LEGISLATIVELegislative Update 
Illinois State Capitol
The 98th General Assembly adjourned on May 31, 2013, without taking action on pension "reform."

Governor Quinn established a 10-member committee charged with developing a comprehensive pension reform bill for the State of Illinois pension funds.  (CTPF is not a State of Illinois fund).  
 

State Pension Funds 

CTPF is carefully monitoring events in Springfield. Any agreement reached could be used as a model for our fund and others. CTPF will update members as issues or legislation develops.   

 

CTPF's Role 

The Illinois legislature determines the laws and rules that govern our fund and other public pension systems. The CTPF Board of Trustees administers the law and protects the Fund's finances to ensure retirement security for all members.  

retirees evaluate choices
HealthTime to Start Thinking About 2014 Health Insurance Needs 
 
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 2014. 

 

The annual Open Enrollment Period for retirees will be October 1 - October 31, 2013. 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, 2014.   

  

2014 Enrollment Materials and Information 

Now is a good time to analyze your health care expenses from 2013, and to begin thinking about your health care needs for 2014. 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 2014 Health Insurance Handbook and Open Enrollment Guide. Handbooks will be mailed the last week in September and include health plan comparison charts, 2014 plan rates, and the dates of 2014 Open Enrollment Seminars.    

PENSIONREPPension Representatives...
BREAKFAST

 

 

Pension Representatives are invited to Join us for an
"eye opening" morning at our 

2013 Pension Representative Seminar 
Saturday, September 7  
9:30-11:30 a.m. 
Continental Breakfast Served 
525 South State Street, Chicago

Register Today

Seminar: RSVP by September 1, 2013, to gantt@ctpf.org or
312.604.1400, ext. 132.

The event is free, but seating is limited.   
 
Webinars 
If you can't attend the seminar, you can attend one of two Webinars
where CTPF will offer the same information.

Click here to register for the September 11, 4:30 p.m. Webinar

Click here to register for the Saturday, September 14, 10:00 a.m. Webinar

Earn While You Learn 
Pension Representatives who attend a seminar or Webinar
and conduct the November 8, CTPF Teacher Trustee Election
receive a $100 stipend, paid in December.
   
2013-2014 PensPAYMENTion Payment Schedule
Click here for a copy of the 2013-2014 pension check/direct deposit schedule.

direct deposit

 

Direct Deposit 

The best way to ensure timely and secure receipt of your pension funds is to utilize direct deposit. More than 90% of CTPF members take advantage of direct deposit. Fill out this form and returning it to CTPF to get started with direct deposit.   

  calendar


CALENDAR 

CALENDAR

Trustee meetings, held in the CTPF office, are open to the public.
Please confirm meeting times/dates at www.ctpf.org.

September

2    Labor Day, office closed
7    Pension Representative Seminar at University Center
19 9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting

October
1    5:00 p.m., election nomination petitions due to CTPF
14  Columbus Day, office closed
24  9:30 a.m., trustee meeting (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

November
8    2013 Principal/Administrator and Retiree Trustee elections conducted by mail ballot
      Teacher Trustee Election conducted in schools and at other designated polling places
11  Veterans Day, office closed
21  9:30 a.m., trustee meeting
28-29  Thanksgiving holiday, office closed
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
Raymond Wohl, recording secretary
Carlos M. Azcoitia
Jeffery Blackwell
Bernie Eshoo
Walter E. Pilditch  
Mary Sharon Reilly
Jerry Travlos
James F. Ward
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.