Retiree News

Union retirees resume regular meetings, cover important issues

By Lotty Blumenthal and Marybeth Foley

On March 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Merchandise Mart Headquarters in suite 400, Jackie Mooney, Chairperson, welcomed the monthly retiree meeting to order. Sweet rolls, coffee and tea were served. She announced and introduced all 31 newly elected delegates of retirees to the CTU House of Delegates. The newly elected delegates, from both major caucuses of the union, were in high spirits following one of the most exciting elections in union history.

Future meetings for April, May and June. Ms. Mooney announced the future dates for meetings of April 23 and May 14. She said that June 12 would be for the retiree luncheon, to be held in the beautiful Wolf Point Ballroom overlooking the bend in the Chicago River. Reduced parking will be available at the Holiday Inn both for meetings and the luncheon. Shopping is available across the street in the Mart. For more information call 312-329-9100.

Lobby Day is April 30. Next, Chairwoman Mooney announced a lobby day for Springfield for retirees in alliance with other retiree groups on April 30 to further the senior drug discount bill and other issues. The trip will include lunch in Springfield and roundtrip bus for free. For more information or registration call 312-243 -6296 or 800 842 6938. The bus will leave about 6:00 a.m.

Defending the pension fund. Next, Ms. Mooney called on James Ward, both a new CTU delegate and an officer in the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago. He brought up the issue that news had reached him that Arne Duncan had ideas of getting a bill presented to merge our pension fund (which is solvent) with the state teachers fund (which is usually not and rated 48th out of 50 for state’s pension funds). Obviously, we are against this idea. Ward read his letter to the Editor of the CTU paper. It mentioned how downstate pensions are manipulated to give “Big raises in the last few years to retiring big shots.” The “Pro-Plan” (which is what the Board’s plan to merge the two funds was called) calls for merging our 96.51%-funded fund with the Illinois System (which is 51.96% funded). Ward noted that if passed, the Pro Plan could eliminate Chicago from pension involvement and “$10 billion” from the Chicago Economy. “We consider the Pro-Plan an outrage!” said Ward. Chair Mooney and Ward asked all to return on April 23 with five 23 cent post card stamps, and they’d supply appropriately worded postcards to mail.

Sustaining the integrity of union elections. Then Jerry Adler, no longer a delegate, apparently did not know that the CTU Executive Board had already passed policy that future retiree elections with be conducted by an outside body. He introduced a motion to that end. John Jasionowski spoke against it. It was voted down and Chair Mooney said if people wish to be on the agenda they should call her instead causing an interruption.

She then spoke of the successful trip to St. Louis, churches and casinos.

Tax planning.

The main speakers were introduced: Bill Blyth, Certified Financial Planner, with Patricia Jablonski, Consultant with Blyth and Co. Their main topic was the preparing of taxes and tax planning. For income tax they discussed individual, partnership, corporate, fiduciary and estate taxes. In terms of tax preparation they talked about finding someone, the criteria for paying them and the reason is that tax rules are both complex and change each year. They specifically handed out charts for 2002 IRS Tax Rate Schedules, explaining the difference between exemptions and deductions and standards for those who don’t itemize. They covered tax tips as “Bunching” deductions, Filing Status, and Portfolio Management. Special Concerns for Retirees cited were Social Security and IRA issues. Then they distributed the chart of new rules for new Minimum Distributions from IRA’s and TSA’s. In gifting, they cited effects of charity, family, and “Smart Gifting.” Under “Healthcare” the escalating costs were cited, Medicare, Medicaid which does not apply to most of us, and long term care. They explained new estate tax changes. Under Estate Planning, they told of beneficiaries, charity and taxes, stretch IRA’s and savings bonds. A question and answer period followed. Those who wish can contact Blyth and Co. at 312-986-9500.

Tours, trips, and cruises.

At the end of the meeting, Chairwoman Mooney mentioned future trips for the group. April 23 is Germany, Belgium and Holland. July 22 will find some on a cool Alaska Cruise; September tours of Scandinavia, Cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest; October on the Yangtze River; Southern California, and 9 days in Poland, October to Nov. for two Jazz Cruises, Re-Opening of “Wesley’s Chapel,” and Nov. 5 day motor coach to Branson Mo.

For more information call Dorothy Mesch at 708-448-6936 or www.brightside travel.com or E-mail: travel@ brightsidetravel.com. It was hard to believe so much was covered by 12:30’s adjournment.