Greetings SUAA Members!
We’re excited to announce the 2024 SUAA Annual Meeting is just around the corner, June 19-20th. I am looking forward to this opportunity for us to come together, reflect on our achievements, and plan for the future. Please join me in saving the date and staying tuned for the details.
Dates
Wednesday, June 19th – Evening Welcome Reception
Thursday, June 20th, 2024 – SUAA Annual MeetingRegistration will begin NEXT Wednesday, May 8th. Please keep an eye on your inbox as an email will be sent containing all the registration and hotel information. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing you at the SUAA 2024 Annual Meeting. Have a great weekend.
W. Bryan Soady
Executive Director/CEO
State Universities Annuitants Association
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Save the Date: SUAA Annual Meeting in June – Registration Details Coming Soon!
A Special Offer for SUAA Members and Family!
A Free Guide and Money-Saving Discounts
Long-Term Care Insurance Offered Through SUAA
This discounted program is now available to all SUAA members and their families and offers special discounts not available to the general public.
Most people don’t realize how expensive Long-Term Care can be. Contrary to what many people believe, the majority of care is not covered by most private health insurance plans or by Medicare.
Considering the high cost of Long-Term Care, this program is designed to help protect you, your family, and your retirement security. Protection is available should you need care at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home facility.
It’s never too soon to start planning, so we have partnered with American Senior Benefits to help you explore your options without obligation.
Click here to request free information on Long-Term Care Plans and protect your retirement savings.
Thank you,
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Thomas@SUAA.org
217-523-4040
Reminder: SUAA Q&A Edition: If you could ask Rep. Katie Stuart, Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, a question, what would it be?
Please join us in welcoming State Rep. and Chair of the Illinois House Committee on Higher Education, Katie Stuart, to a virtual “Q & A” session.
Background on Rep. Stuart can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Please send in your questions by the end of Friday, April 26! SUAA Staff will process and consolidate the questions in advance to avoid duplications, etc.
Anything goes… would you like to know more about what to expect in the closing weeks of the Spring Legislative Session…how will your institution be impacted? What ambitions and goals does Rep. Stuart have for Illinois Higher Education? What made her pursue her prior career as a professor of mathematics at SIUE? Or what is Representative Stuart’s favorite meal? She will be available to answer YOUR questions in a recorded interview later made available to our SUAA Members.
You can ask 1-3 questions right now by clicking here:
https://form.jotform.com/241075481034147
Please provide us with ALL the questions and concerns on your mind as a College and University employee or retiree/future retiree. ALL SUAA Members are welcome and encouraged to participate. It’s not required but, if you would like, please feel free to write down your name and SUAA chapter at the end of your question(s).
Thank you —
P.S.- A few ground rules: SUAA will collect and aggregate these questions. If there are multiple Members with the same question, we will consolidate these into a single question and paraphrase as needed to ask it only once. This is *not* a live-stream Q & A session. Once completed, a transcript and a link to the video of the discussion will be provided/distributed to SUAA Members.
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Thomas@SUAA.org
217-523-4040
Tomorrow: SURS Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting on April 25
SUAA members,
On Thursday, April 25th, from 11:00am to 12:00pm central time, SURS will hold their semi-annual webinar. The Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting will feature presentations from the SURS Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer, and Director of Legislative and Stakeholder Relations on recent updates regarding SURS benefits, investments, legislation, and funding, followed by a brief question and answer period.
Admission to attend the webinar is free, though registration for the webinar is required. A recording of the webinar will be posted to the SURS website within 48 hours of the meeting for public access.
If you would like to register for the webinar, please CLICK HERE.
Sincerely,
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Thomas@SUAA.org
217-523-4040
A Special Offer for SUAA Members and Family!
A Free Guide and Money-Saving Discounts
Long-Term Care Insurance Offered Through SUAA
This discounted program is now available to all SUAA members and their families and offers special discounts not available to the general public.
Most people don’t realize how expensive Long-Term Care can be. Contrary to what many people believe, the majority of care is not covered by most private health insurance plans or by Medicare.
Considering the high cost of Long-Term Care, this program is designed to help protect you, your family, and your retirement security. Protection is available should you need care at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home facility.
It’s never too soon to start planning, so we have partnered with American Senior Benefits to help you explore your options without obligation.
Click here to request free information on Long-Term Care Plans and protect your retirement savings.
Thank you,
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Thomas@SUAA.org
217-523-4040
Article: Pritzker says state ‘obviously’ needs to change 2010 law that shrunk pension benefits
SUAA Members,
Hannah Meisel, with Capitol News Illinois, wrote the following article, titled “Pritzker says state ‘obviously’ needs to change 2010 law that shrunk pension benefits,”
from Thursday, April 18.
A brief snippet:
“With a month-and-a-half left in the General Assembly’s spring session, Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration is readying its proposal to address Illinois’ chronically underfunded pension system.
But the governor this week also acknowledged in the strongest terms yet that any plans to finally get the state on track toward fully funding retirement plans for public school teachers, university employees and state workers could be derailed by a looming legal fight over a 14-year-old law.
Pritzker’s comments came as Illinois’ two influential statewide teachers unions were wrapping up a “week of action,” encouraging their members to call and email lawmakers and urge them to essentially “undo” a 2010 law that created a new less generous pension system for those who began their jobs after Jan. 1, 2011.”
The full article can be read by CLICKING HERE.
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Thomas@SUAA.org
217-523-4040
SUAA Costa Rica Zoom Meeting-Sign up now!
Join us for a ZOOM meeting on Costa Rica this Friday.
When: Apr 26, 2024 03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this informational Costa Rica ZOOM meeting:
https://collette.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqcemorjMoHtbhinOMghHfZOFA8j3VrJ4F#/registration
There’s still room for more SUAA members, family, and friends, so email Debi@suaa.org for more information.
Some of what is included is below:
1. 9 days and 14 meals
2. Double room rate is $3,199 per person (early bird savings of $100) (and this includes airfare!!)
3. Airfare, taxes, and transfers are included. Round trip Air from O’hare International Airport. Other airports can be arranged if needed
4. There is an option to add a 3 day trip to travel to Tortuguero National Park before the Costa Rica tour begins.
5. There are also optional tours for special experiences – for example, an afternoon cruise to dolphin watch for $65.00
6. Open to all SUAA members and their family and friends.I have traveled with Collete Tours before to Spain and Morocco and they are a first-rate travel company.
You can find all the details about the Costa Rica Adventure at the link below
Click Here
Even More Information on the Costa Rica Adventure
Brief Summary of the trip
Day 1: Thursday, December 5, 2024 San Jose, Costa Rica – Tour Begins Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.
Day 2: Friday, December 6, 2024 San Jose – Coffee Plantation – Arenal Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. (B, D)
Day 3: Saturday, December 7, 2024 Arenal – Cano Negro – Arenal Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga (don’t worry it’s more like a large pontoon boat). These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort. (B)
Day 4: Sunday, December 8, 2024 Arenal Today, explore a familyowned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farmto-table lunch. (B, L)
Day 5: Monday, December 9, 2024 Arenal – Lake Arenal Cruise – Monteverde Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. (B, D)
Day 6: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Monteverde It’s your choice! This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. No matter what you choose, we all come together to explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens before lunch. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. (B, D)
Day 7: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Monteverde – Guanacaste Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views. (B, D)
Day 8: Thursday, December 12, 2024 Guanacaste Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner. (B, D)
Day 9: Friday, December 13, 2024 Guanacaste – Tour Ends Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure. (B)
Report: House Committee on Personnel and Pensions: 4/18/24
The House Personnel and Pensions Committee met today at 9 a.m. to hold a subject matter hearing on the Governor’s budget proposal for funding state pensions and any possible proposals the Governor’s office may have for improving Tier 2 pensions. The Governor’s office offered no Tier 2 proposals.
At a previous committee meeting, Rep. Steven Reick, the Republican Spokesperson for the committee, requested representatives of the Governor’s office testify to the committee on the budget ramifications of the FY25 pensions funding plan. He asked to hear directly from the Governor’s office about any “pensions sweeteners” the Governor’s office would recommend to increase Tier 2 pension benefits further.
Today, a representative of the Governor’s office addressed the committee.
Alexis Sturm, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for Governor Pritzker, reviewed the Governor’s proposed budget and the pension funding plan presented on 2/21 (details found by CLICKING HERE).
Director Sturm reiterated what the Governor’s office has expressed before, a plan for state pensions to be 100% funded by FY 2048.
Rep. Reick, who previously expressed concerns that the Governor’s office may try to add Tier 2 improvements to a BIMP bill, asked Director Sturm if the Governor’s office had any intention of adding pension enhancements to the Governor’s original budget proposal.
Director Sturm stated, “There is no language drafted in the Governor’s pension plan related to Tier 2 pensions. There’s no intent to offer ‘pension sweetening’ in the Governor’s budget proposal.”
Rep. Reick: “There may be no ‘intent’ right now, but how do we know you won’t add it into a budget bill at the last second at three in the morning for us to vote on?”
Director Sturm responded to Rep. Reick that it is the General Assembly that will ultimately draft and vote on a budget and that the Governor’s office is merely advocating for their budget proposal to be passed. She then re-stated that the Governor’s budget proposal offers no “broad-based Tier 2 improvements.”
Pat Devaney, the Secretary Treasurer with Illinois AFL-CIO, spoke next to the committee.
Echoing what he told the audience at SUAA’s last fall meeting when he was a keynote speaker, Devaney spoke of how Tier 2 pensions will need to be reformed to prevent them from violating the Safe Harbor Provision, but further improvements to the overall benefits of Tier 2 pensions will need to be made to attract and retain state employees.
Devaney remarked on how many Tier 2 employees, who make up 50% of state employees, and approximately the same percentage as found in colleges and universities, are angered to find out just how little in benefits they’ll receive for doing the same work as their Tier 1 colleagues.
Rep. Reick and Rep. McLaughlin (R-Barrington), a committee member and small business owner specializing in pension management, both acknowledged the need to address the issue of the Safe Harbor Provision relating to Tier 2 pensions, but said that when it comes to improving the overall benefits of Tier 2 pensions, the issue always comes back to where’s the money to do so? Rep. Reick encouraged Pat Devaney, and other stakeholders in the state pension system, to get together and discuss the pension system at length so they can work together to create a solution.
The last speaker to address the committee was David Greising, the President and CEO of the Better Government Association. Greising, after stating that the state’s unfunded pension liability is at $142 billion, expressed concerns that improving Tier 2 pensions to the same benefits as Tier 1, would dramatically increase the state’s unfunded pension liability, and undo the budget improvements that led to the creation of Tier 2 in the first place.
Greising encouraged the committee, and the legislature in general, to wait six months to a year for more actuarial information to be completed before addressing the Safe Harbor provision.
This concluded the subject matter hearing on the Governor’s pension budget proposal.
BILL TO REQUIRE CMS TO INFORM ANNUITANTS OF BENEFIT CHANGES.
The Committee’s next order of business was a vote on an amendment to HB 4972, sponsored by Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville).
SUAA has previously discussed this bill. It provides that:
“at least 120 days prior to making any changes to the health benefits for TRS benefit recipients, the Department of Central Management Services shall post those changes on its website and shall submit the planned changes to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability. Provides that at least 120 days prior to making any changes to funding for the Teacher Health Insurance Security Fund, the Department shall post those changes on its website and shall submit the planned changes to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.”
The amendment to his bill, proposed by Rep. Schweizer after he consulted with the Central Management Services (CMS), would change the language from 120 days to 60 days. The committee passed the amendment unanimously and it was favorably reported to the House floor.
The relevance of the bill to SUAA members is that in previous discussions with Rep. Schweizer, should his bill pass the House and move to the Senate, Rep. Schweizer has agreed to support the addition of SURS to the language of the bill.
This would allow more time for SUAA members to be aware of any changes made to their health benefits by CMS.
SUAA will inform you of any updates regarding the funding or reform of state pensions.
Stay tuned and thank you for reading!
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
Reminder: SURS Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting on April 25
SUAA members,
On Thursday, April 25th, from 11:00am to 12:00pm central time, SURS will hold its semi-annual webinar. The Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting will feature presentations from the SURS Executive Director, Chief Investment Officer, and Director of Legislative and Stakeholder Relations on recent updates regarding SURS benefits, investments, legislation, and funding, followed by a brief question and answer period.
Admission to attend the webinar is free, though registration for the webinar is required. A recording of the webinar will be posted to the SURS website within 48 hours of the meeting for public access.
If you would like to register for the webinar, please CLICK HERE.
Sincerely,
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
SUAA MEMBER UPDATE – Q&A Edition: If you could ask Rep. Katie Stuart, Chair of the House Higher Education Committee, a question, what would it be?
-Please join us in welcoming State Rep. and Chair of the Illinois House Committee on Higher Education, Katie Stuart, to a virtual “Q & A” session.
Background on Rep. Stuart can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Please send in your questions by the end of Wednesday, April 24! SUAA Staff will process and consolidate the questions in advance to avoid duplications, etc.
Anything goes… would you like to know more about what to expect in the closing weeks of the Spring Legislative Session…how will your institution be impacted? What ambitions and goals does Rep. Stuart have for Illinois Higher Education? What made her pursue her prior career as a professor of mathematics at SIUE? Or what is Representative Stuart’s favorite meal? She will be available to answer YOUR questions in a recorded interview later made available to our SUAA Members.
You can ask 1-3 questions right now by clicking here:
https://form.jotform.com/241075481034147
Please provide us with ALL the questions and concerns on your mind as a College and University employee or retiree/future retiree. ALL SUAA Members are welcome and encouraged to participate. It’s not required but, if you would like, please feel free to write down your name and SUAA chapter at the end of your question(s).
Thank you —
P.S.- A few ground rules: SUAA will collect and aggregate these questions. If there are multiple Members with the same question, we will consolidate these into a single question and paraphrase as needed to ask it only once. This is *not* a live-stream Q & A session. Once completed, a transcript and a link to the video of the discussion will be provided/distributed to SUAA Members.
Thomas Martin
Director of Strategic Partnerships, SUAA
GSU SUAA News 