Stay Connected This Summer...
Take advantage of CTPF's social media presence to stay informed and up-to-date on important fund information.
Click here to
go directly to CTPF's online registration
page where you can register for
e-mail updates.
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CTPF JUNE E-NEWS
Quick Look
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Click on the links for more information.
Click here for a summary of recent CTPF News:
Highlights include:
- CPS Makes Full 2014 Payment.
- Legislature Authorizes $62.1
million for 2015. - CTPF Thanks Legislators for
Supporting 2014 Legislative Agenda. - Governor Quinn Signs PA-98-0641.
- June Webinar Now Online.
- 2014 Pension Payment Schedule.
Summer is the perfect time to learn more about CTPF and to meet with your local legislators. Find a list of Webinars and training to help you get started.
A schedule of pension payments through the end of 2014.
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CPS Makes Full 2014 Payment
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) received more than $585 million on June 27, 2014, completing the $612.5 million required contribution from the Chicago Board of Education (BOE) for the 2014 fiscal year.
"This is an important step. This payment marks the first time since 2010 that the BOE has made a full payment of its pension obligation," said Jay C. Rehak, CTPF president of the board of trustees and interim executive director. "Our members pay their pension obligations in full with every paycheck - every month, every year - and have never missed a payment. We appreciate the employer doing the same."
Read the complete press release here.
Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund Thanks Lawmakers for Supporting Spring Legislative Agenda
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund (CTPF) thanks the Illinois legislators who fought for equity and increased funding during the spring legislative sessions that ended May 31:
- HR 816: This resolution called for greater parity between CTPF and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS). The bill was sponsored by Rep. Esther Golar and co-sponsored by Reps. Maria Antonia Berrios, Eddie Lee Jackson Sr., Elgie R. Sims Jr., Daniel J. Burke, Monique D. Davis, Arthur Turner, Cynthia Soto, Marcus C. Evans Jr., Kenneth Dunkin, Jaime M. Andrade Jr., and Christian L. Mitchell.
- SB 3148/HB 5731: These measures sought to re-establish the CTPF contribution tax that was diverted in 1995. The bills were sponsored by Sen. Mattie Hunter and Rep. Kenneth Dunkin.
- SB 3282/HB 3899: These measures require CPS to make monthly, instead of annual, contributions to CTPF. The measures were sponsored by Sen. Donne Trotter and Rep. Elgie R. Sims Jr.
- SB 3127/HB 5334: This initiative would have increased state contributions to CTPF. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Emil Jones III and Rep. Monique D. Davis.
State of Illinois Budgets $62.1 Million for CTPF
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund will receive
 approximately $62.1 million in funding from the Illinois Legislature for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015). The State appropriated $11.9 million for CTPF in fiscal year 2014.
House Bill 3793 included $50 million (a historically budgeted amount which has not been appropriated since 2011).
House Bill 6096 authorized the statutorily required $12.1 million payment based on payroll.
Illinois lawmakers wrapped up their legislative session on Saturday, May 31, without passing legislation to "reform" CTPF or reduce the employer's required payment. Pension reform will remain at the top of legislators' agenda this fall, and we encourage our members to visit and meet with legislators in their home offices this summer. Click here for information on summer training programs and information to help educate legislators.
Governor Quinn Signs SB1922
June 9, 2014, Governor Quinn signed SB 1922, which changes pension law for Chicago's Municipal Employees and Laborers. The bill passed both the Illinois House and Senate on April 8, 2014. The new law, PA 98-0641, does NOT currently impact CTPF.
SB 1922 includes benefit changes for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 members, including a cut in COLA benefits, and increases in employee and employer contributions, and establishes an actuarially determined funding schedule for both funds.
Click here to read a summary of the law's provisions.
End of Year Webinar Now Online
The June 11, 2014, end of the fiscal year webinar is now available online. Members can view a presentation by CTPF Board of Trustees President and Interim Executive Director Jay C. Rehak, Lobbyist Steve Zahn, and CTPF Communications Specialist Jackie Umbles, which offers a summary of the fund at the end of the fiscal year, and reviews legislative events from 2014.
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Summer Ambassador Opportunities
Summer is the perfect time to visit with your local legislators. We hope you will join us to learn more about your fund and your pension.
Ambassador Training Session
CTPF will offer a hands-on Ambassador training session:
- 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 17
Click here to register for a training session.
The session will be held in the CTPF office at 203 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Information about parking and transit will be sent with your registration confirmation.
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What to do now....
Ready to make an impact? Many members have asked what they can do right now to help preserve their benefits and advocate for CTPF pensions. You can visit, call, fax, or e-mail local elected officials to share your opinions about pensions. Here are some ideas:
1. Join the Pension Fund Ambassador Program
Ambassadors reach out to elected officials to share their stories and help legislators understand that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past.
2. "Like US" on Facebook
Legislation or events that may impact your pension can happen quickly. Oftentimes the first place we post information is on Facebook. Make sure you "like" us on Facebook to stay informed and up-to-date. 
Our publication, Mistakes of the Past, gives a history of funding for CTPF and illustrates the damage that pension "holidays" have caused. Share this with a legislator.
Do you know who represents your interests in Springfield? If the answer to that question is "no" you can logon to our Legislative Action Center. The Legislative Action Center is a one-stop shop where you can find information about your elected representatives, track legislation, and e-mail legislators.
Your Pension Matters: Tell Your Legislators
CTPF's education and advocacy webpage at www.ctpf.org has other tips and documents that you can bring to a meeting, including our Economic Impact Statement and individual information sheets for each Illinois legislator. Share information and make an impact.
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Teacher Trustee Election
Friday, November 7, 2014
2014 Teacher Trustee Election
Friday, November 7, 2014, CTPF will hold an election for two Teacher Trustees to serve from November 2014-2017.
Candidate Eligibility
A candidate for Teacher Trustee must be a current contributor employed in the CPS system for a minimum of 10 years, and hold an Illinois State Teaching Certificate.
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. Completed nomination packets must be returned by 5:00 p.m., October 1, 2014.
Voting Options
The Teacher Trustee Election will be conducted in schools and at other designated polling places on Friday, November 7, 2014. Schools will have the option of voting online or with traditional paper ballots. Pension representatives will poll their staff and register their school's voting preference by September 19, 2014.
Additional Information
Election questions may be directed to the CTPF Election Team at 312.604.1400 ext. 132 or 169.
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Planning to Visit? Plan ahead...
If you are planning a visit to CTPF, it's always a good idea to schedule an appointment. Scheduled appointments with Pension Resource Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., but wait times will vary and may be lengthy during busy periods, especially at the end of the school year. Walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated after 3:00 p.m. If you arrive after 3:00 you will be asked to schedule a future appointment. Call 312.641.4464 to schedule an appointment.
CTPF is located at 203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600, Chicago, Illinois 60601-1231
Parking and Transit Information
The 203 North LaSalle building has a self-park garage. Garage entries are located on Lake Street between LaSalle Street and Clark Street and on Clark Street between Wacker Drive and Lake Street (look for self-park signs at entrances). Reduced parking vouchers, available from the CTPF office, can be bought for $18, (check only, no cash).
The 203 North LaSalle building has direct access to the CTA. The CTA's blue, green, brown, pink, purple, and orange lines all stop at Clark and Lake. Follow the signs to the 203 North LaSalle building when you exit the train.
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Find it First on Facebook
The first place we post breaking news is on Facebook.
"like us" on Facebook.....
Click the Facebook icon
Then "like us"
and follow our posts, share them with others...
Your pension matters, share the message.
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CALENDAR
Trustee meetings, held in the CTPF office, are open to the public.
Please confirm meeting times/dates at www.ctpf.org.
July
4
Independence Day observed, office closed
15 9:30 a.m., Investment Committee meeting, CTPF office
17 1:00 p.m., Ambassador Training, CTPF office
24 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
Labor Day, office closed
18 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
5:00 p.m., Trustee Election nomination petitions due to CTPF
13 Columbus Day, office closed
23 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
Teacher Trustee Election in schools.
11 Veterans Day, office closed
20 9:30 a.m., CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
27-28 Thanksgiving holiday, office closed December 25 Christmas holiday, office closed
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