January 30, 2025IRTA President Jessica Hoselton Annual MessageAs my first year as the Executive Director of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) ends, I want to express how honored I feel to be in this role. I am grateful for the support, patience and guidance I received this past year from IRTA’s incredible staff, board members and leadership team. I was provided with the strength, encouragement and trust needed to navigate my first year at IRTA. This year brought challenges, successes and areas of change that we experienced together. While reflecting on the past year, I am most grateful for being surrounded by great people. Vince Paglia made a motion seconded by Lori Fairfield that the IRTA sponsor a baseball game between the
Brewers and the Cubs in Milwaukee on May 4, 2025, at an estimated cost of $220 per person which includes ticket, food, and beverages. The motion passed unanimously.
Halloween, 2024Ways to connect with IRTA:Facebook: Illinois Retired Teachers
Join us for engaging discussions, helpful resources, and a supportive community!
X (formerly Twitter): @irtaonlinex
Follow us for quick updates and real-time conversations!
LinkedIn: Illinois Retired Teachers
Connect with fellow educators and professionals as we share insights and opportunities!
August 1, 2024
IRTA announces retirement of Larry Pfeiffer from TRS Board
August 1, 2024
Dear IRTA Members,
The IRTA has been informed that the current TRS Annuitant Trustee, Larry Pfeiffer, will not seek re-election on the TRS Board of Trustees. This decision creates a vacancy for one of the elected annuitant trustee positions in 2025. IRTA is actively seeking a member who may be interested in being a candidate for the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees.
TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees. Trustees include the state superintendent of education, seven trustees appointed by the governor, five trustees elected by contributing TRS members, and two trustees elected by TRS annuitants. By law, the president of the Board of Trustees is appointed by the governor from among the sitting trustees. The Board of Trustees elects its vice president from among its members and appoints an executive director who also serves as the secretary of the Board of Trustees. The executive director is responsible for daily operations at TRS.
The ideal candidate for this elected position will be well versed in investing, will work to secure the retirement of Illinois educators and work to grasp the underlying principles in evaluating legislative proposals that may affect TRS recipients. Additionally, the ideal candidate can commit the time required to serve in this position, including attending a minimum of six in-person meetings annually, and reviewing important board meeting packets in advance of each meeting. I am seeking a candidate who can work with the other members of the TRS Board of Trustees and who is fully committed to the responsibility of protecting and growing TRS.
Please send a resume and letter of interest to the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, 828 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62704 no later than September 20, 2024. Documents may also be emailed to irta@irtaonline.org. Interviews for endorsement will take place October 8, 2024 via Zoom. If necessary, a second round of in-person interviews will take place on October 22, 2024 at the IRTA office.
If you have any questions, please call the IRTA office at 800.728.4782 or email irta@irtaonline.org.
Thank You,
Mike Schmidt
IRTA President
June 1, 2024Join Us for the 2024 IRTA Virtual Area Conferences! (June and July)We are excited to invite you to the 2024 IRTA Virtual Area Conferences, a series of fully online events designed to foster learning and engagement among all IRTA members. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, stay informed on key issues, and connect with fellow members in a convenient virtual setting. Each conference features an exciting lineup of speakers and a comprehensive agenda.
Presentations include Mike Schmidt, IRTA President & Foundation Chair, on IRTA and the IRTA Foundation; Jessica Hoselton, IRTA Executive Director, and Andrew Bodewes, Contract Lobbyist, on legislative updates; Sharon Teefey, IRTAPAC Committee Chair, on IRTAPAC; Larry Pfeiffer and Doug Strand, TRS Annuitant Trustees, with a TRS update; Bob Kaplan, Leadership Development Chair, leading a leadership development roundtable with IRTA officers; Larry Newman, AMBA Territory Distribution Leader (Midwest), on IRTA member benefits; and a presentation on IL Department on Aging community programs. The event will also include small table networking, closing remarks, and breakout rooms for area presidents’ meetings and AMBA member benefits.
To ensure a smooth experience, we encourage you to log in early to test your connection, and for the best interaction, please join using a computer or laptop. Our dedicated association staff will be available one hour before each meeting to assist with any technical issues. These virtual conferences are designed to provide timely and important information beneficial to all IRTA members. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay connected with your community and gain valuable insights. We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 IRTA Virtual Area Conferences! A special thank you to our IRTA Area Representatives for hosting these virtual events and ensuring their success. Mark your calendars for these dates and pre-register using the links provided (all meetings are central time):
Jo Anne Nelson, Area 1 Rep. June 13th, 2024: Area 1 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m.
https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eSBg6mkfQRePN07-fN4u-wWendy Wiegers, Area 2 Rep. June 20th, 2024: Area 2 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m. https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_b1xs9woLQGWzXPo65-WCow
Marjorie Sucansky, Area 3 Rep. June 27th, 2024: Area 3 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m. https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uc57mYfORgqVhiLR0SsmyQ
Jim Barr, Area 5 Rep. July 10th, 2024: Area 5 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m. https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ghrscpc2SrWDvn7yFh6gOQ
Deloris Turner, Area 4 Rep. July 17th, 2024: Area 4 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m.
Area 4 Virtual Conference Agenda
- Pledge of Allegiance, Opening Remarks & Introductions: Deloris Turner, Area 4 Representative
- IRTA & IRTA Foundation: Mike Schmidt, President & Foundation Chair
- IRTA Legislative Update: IRTA Government Affairs Team, Jessica Hoselton & Andrew Bodewes
- IRTAPAC Fundraising Effort & Endorsement Process: IRTAPAC Committee Chair, Sharon Teefey
- TRS Update: TRS Annuitant Trustees, Larry Pfeiffer & Doug Strand
- IRTA Leadership Development Round Table Discussion with IRTA Officers & Bob Kaplan, Leadership Development Committee Chair
- IRTA Member Benefits: Larry Newman, AMBA Territory Distribution Leader (Midwest)
- IL Department on Aging: Community Programs, Liz Vogt, Senior Policy Advisor
9. Closing Remarks: Deloris Turner, Area 4 Representative
https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-Td_0QV2SZ-u1eq-nOLbUg
Mary May, Area 6 Rep. July 24th, 2024: Area 6 Virtual Conference, 9:30 a.m. https://ambabenefits.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3jNIJBdvRBGwY2f98EwwLA
May 15, 2024
Q & A with IRTA Treasurer“Ask the Treasurer” – Q & A with IRTA Treasurer, Donnie Ostrom 1. What are the primary financial goals and priorities of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association? The financial goals of the Association are tied directly to the reasons the Association exists. The Association’s goals are protecting retired teachers’ pension and benefits. The Association’s Executive Director, lobbyist, and staff closely monitor proposed legislation that could affect association members’ pensions and benefits. The staff works with Local Units at a grassroots level to let legislators and the public know of our concerns with legislative action or inaction that affects retired teachers. The main priorities of the Association are to keep its members informed and up to date with issues and information that could affect their pension and benefits. The use of Voter Voice, Good Dog News, and informational online programs are used by the Association to keep members active and informed, and to provide input to legislators. The lobbyist for the Association provides our input directly to legislators on legislation that will benefit retirees.
2. Could you provide an overview of the Association’s financial standing? Each year an outside audit firm reviews the Association’s finances and expenditures. The audit for 2023 reports that the Association has total financial assets of $4,014,665. This includes the Operating Fund – $2,304,918, Life Member Fund - $1,490,105, IRTAPAC Fund – $147,916, Legal Defense Fund - $71,726. IRTAPAC and Legal Defense funds are restricted to the use for which they were established. At the end of 2023, the Operating Fund had cash on hand of $779,079. This money is used to make payroll and pay for office and building expenses. The investment total was $3,131,439. These funds include Board-designated special funds and those with donor-imposed restrictions. The designated funds can only be spent for a specific purpose, i.e., Legal defense, IRTAPAC, and the Life Fund. Together these restricted funds are $1,709,747. The donor-imposed restricted funds are scholarship monies provide by individuals and restricted to be used specific areas or Units. The remainder of the investments are in the “Life Fund”. This fund was created many years ago to house the life members one-time dues payment. The “Life Fund” and resources from the “Operations Fund” make up $2,200,771. Each year all interest and 5% of the “Life Fund” is moved to the Operations fund for yearly expenses. The Association has been frugal with its expenditures. Any funds not used at the end of the fiscal year are invested to protect the Association and its ability to react when a problem or situation arises that requires its financial or legal atention.
3. How does the Association generate revenue and what are the sources of funding?The Association has several funding sources. Its major portion of revenue comes from its members as dues income. Membership dues are collected using various categories including: • Dues Deduct Members - $3.50 is deducted each month from your TRS pension • Life Members – one-time fee of $600 • Annual Members - $46 each year (recurring) • Associate Annual Members - $35 each year (recurring, available to those not drawing a pension from TRS) • Associate Life Members – one-time fee of $200 (available to those not drawing a pension from TRS) Throughout the year, the Association receives donations from members as bequeaths or a general donation. The Association also receives funds in the form of royalties from AMBA, Amazon Prime and other sources. All investment income is reinvested back into the investments until needed by the Association.
4. What measures does the Association take to ensure transparency and accountability in its financial management?The management of the Association is by an elected Executive Commitee from its Membership. The daily operations and management of the association is the responsibility of the Executive Director of the Association. The Board is provided monthly financial statements detailing income and expenditures. At each Board meeting the Treasurer updates the Executive Commitee and Board of Directors on the Association’s finances. As a reminder, all meetings are open and all IRTA members are welcome to atend. The “Standing Rules” of the Association spell out in detail the 1.) Accounting Controls, 2.) Fiscal Controls, and 3.) Investment procedures and processes. The guidelines expressly prescribe the management of assets, asset allocation policy and investment guidelines. The association uses COZAD Investment and the Bank of Springfield to manage investments based on the guidelines in the “Standing Rules”. A quarterly report on investments is received and reviewed by the Executive Director and the Treasurer. The Association’s Executive Director and Comptroller prepare the monthly financial statements and provides them to the Executive Commitee, Treasurer, and Finance Commitee. The “Finance Commitee” is chaired by the Treasurer and is composed of one member from each of the six areas in the State and they are not members of the Board of Directors. This Commitee reviews the budget, monthly finances, and the audit report. This information is reported to the Units in their areas. The members of the Finance Committee receive training in the accounting processes and rules used by the office for financial operations of the Association. At each biennial convention, the Treasurer reports to the members the financial position of the Association. It is at this meeting that any member may ask questions about the Association’s f inances.
5. How does the Association manage its investments and assets to ensure long-term financial stability? The Association’s Constitution and Standing Rules state the objective of the investments are to provide for the stability and the continued growth of the “Association’s” assets. The “Standing Rules” provides which investment vehicles can be used and at what percentage the funds can be invested in that vehicle. Each investment vehicle (stocks and bonds) used by the fund is required to be safe and provide long-term financial stability. The Executive Director, Executive Commitee, Finance Commitee, along with the Treasurer, review the statements from the investment agencies. It is important to understand that the investments are allowed to accrue and are not spent unless it is necessary. In the past, funds from investments have been used to f ight lawsuits against the State of Illinois to protect retired teachers’ pension and benefits.
6. Can you provide insight into the Association’s budgeting process and how decisions are made regarding financial allocations.The budget process begins in-house with the Executive Director and Comptroller reviewing the previous year’s budget. They develop a new budget for the next fiscal year which will include any new programs, equipment needs, personnel requests, and requests from the Executive Board and Standing Commitees. The President and Treasurer are provided a copy of the working budget by the Executive Director. The Executive Director, Comptroller, and Treasurer meet in Springfield and review the budget and make any necessary changes. Included in the changes are requests from Standing Committees of the Association: Leadership Development, Legislative, Finance, Membership, and Members Benefits. The Finance Committee receives a copy of the new fiscal year budget. The Committee meets and reviews the budget and makes the recommendation to the Executive Commitee to adopt the budget. The Finance Commitee meets twice each year and reviews the budget and finances of the Association.
7. What financial challenges or opportunities does the Illinois Retired Teachers Association anticipate in the near future, and how does it plan to address them?The Association faces the same fiscal restraints as other associations and the members, such as increased costs for personnel and lobbying, inflation, equipment, changes in technology, and increasing membership. The Association has moved to cut costs by hosting more on-line meetings, thereby reducing travel costs. The biggest challenge that lies ahead may be our ability to continue increasing membership. This is partially due to the passage of the Tier 2 retirement package in 2010 by the State of Illinois. Tier 2 applies to new incoming teachers and has a long-term effect of reducing the number of educators coming into the field, while many others are choosing to seek other types of employment. Currently, there is legislative interest in changing Tier 2 that is being driven by both recruitment and retention issues faced by schools, as well as Tier 2’s non-compliance with federal social security requirements. IRTA remains commited to supporting benefit increases for Tier 2 participants. IRTA maintains a working relationship with the Department of Central Management Services (CMS). CMS administers retirees’ health insurance programs, TRIP and TRAIL. In 2022, changes were made to these insurance programs that resulted in the IRTA filing a lawsuit against the State of Illinois. The lawsuit was resolved with the State and moving forward, the Association and its members will be notified prior to any changes being made to their insurance. If a member has issues with their insurance and finds no resolution after speaking to the insurance
company, contact the IRTA office in Springfield
April 16, 2024
TRS UpdateTeachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois: Spring 2024 Update Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago. The System serves over 448,000 members and had assets of $69.5 billion as of Feb. 29, 2024. Next Fiscal Year State Budget is a Commitment to TRS Members Earlier this year Governor JB Pritzker delivered the State of the State, sharing his budget proposal before the General Assembly for fiscal year 25 (FY25). The Governor proposed that Illinois increase its statutory funding ratio goal to 100% by fiscal year 2048 from the current goal of 90% by fiscal year 2045, and commits to funding the full certified pension contribution to TRS in the plan. Proposed legislative changes for state-funded retirement systems: • Making additional contributions between FY30 and FY40 from retired debt service obligations to reduce the unfunded liabilities, saving an estimated $5.1 billion in future state contributions. • Preventing significant fluctuations in state contributions towards the end of the amortization period through the implementation of fixed length amortization strips, beginning in 2035. • Examination of Tier II pensionable earnings limit to the Social Security Wage Base. TRS continues to be a resource for information to the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office and will keep members updated on the status of introduced legislation. Benefit Choice Period for Health Insurance Coverage Planned in May The annual Benefit Choice Period for Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) participants is planned for May 1 – 31, 2024. Benefit Choice is the same to make changes in TRIP coverage and to enroll yourself and eligible dependents. The information about the Benefit Choice Period will be mailed to retirees currently enrolled in TRIP by the end of April and the full Benefit Choice booklet will be available at MyBenefits.illinois.gov. Improving Your Website Experience Through Recent Updates At TRS, we are always looking to improve how we communicate with you. Some of our recent changes include:
• Adding informational pages to improve how we share information.
• Improving the Search Bar functionality to make information easier to find and access.
• Making the website more accessible and user friendly. We are working on additional modifications that will be phased in periodically throughout the year. Stay tuned for information on additional ways we are improving our website.
April 16, 2024The Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82, presents a significant opportunity to right a long-standing injustice. This legislation seeks to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have unfairly reduced the retirement benefits of dedicated retired educators, police officers, firefighters and other public servants who have served our communities.
H.R. 82 has overwhelming bipartisan support in the House with over 300 co-sponsors. As a result, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 to examine the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The committee will discuss the intended purpose, shortcomings and alternatives to these policies.
As our members are aware, IRTA has actively sought the repeal of WEP and GPO since its passage. The approval of this legislation by the United States Congress would mark the culmination of IRTA's long fought battle in this arena. Now is not the time to let up - now is the time to urge Congress to support H.R. 82. Advocacy efforts remain critical to help advance discussions and bolster support for a full repeal of WEP/GPO in both chambers.
March 1, 2024"Social Security Fairness Act"(H.R.82) - will repeal the WEP AND GPODuring our recent event, Congresswoman Budzinski was quick to highlight that the Social Security Fairness Act has strong bi-partisan support in the House of Representatives. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate and is supported by leaders on both sides of the aisle. The bi-partisan support of this bill is important to note because it comes at a time when the chamber is politically divided. She also mentioned that the legislation has over 300 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The legislation also has support from other organizations that represent public workers, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. As a self-proclaimed optimist, she stated that this leads her to believe that approval of the Social Security Fairness Act will one day become a reality.
In preparation for IRTA’s meeting with Congresswoman Budzinski, many IRTA members shared personal stories outlining how they are negatively impacted by the WEP and GPO. We heard from retired teachers who are denied survivors benefits due to receiving pensions as retired educators. Others shared stories of needing to secure second jobs in retirement due to the loss of anticipated social security income because of the WEP and GPO. In response to these personal stories, Congresswoman Budzinski offered specific steps that supporters seeking the repeal of WEP and GPO should remain focused on. Her recommended steps include:
• Continuing to share personal stories with legislators. Sharing how you and your family are personally and negatively impacted by these federal policies is powerful.
• Stand in solidarity with other supporters and proponents, including but not limited to police officers, firefighters and other groups that represent public workers.
• Encourage other members of Congress to sign on as co-sponsors to H.R. 82.
February 21, 2024
Governor's Budget and TRSThe Governor gave his State of the State and Budget Address today. There was much discussion of interest to retired teachers. IRTA applauds the Governor for seeking the full certified funding amount for both TRS pensions and for the TRIP and TRAIL programs. This will ensure these programs have the funding necessary to meet their obligations to retired teachers.
February 1, 2024How to Login to your TRS Member AccountStep 1: Access the TRS Member Login Page
– Open your web browser and visit the TRS website (www.trsil.org)
– Locate the “Member Login” button at the top right corner of the page and click on it to begin the login process.
Step 2: Select “New User”
– On the opening page, you will see several options. Click on the “New User” button to initiate the account creation process.
Step 3: Complete Required Fields
– You will be prompted to fill out specific information to verify your identity. These fields include:
– The last four digits of your Social Security number.
– Your birth date.
– Your TRS Member ID.
Step 4: Find Your TRS Member ID
– Your TRS Member ID can be found on your TRS Membership Card, which TRS sends to every member. You may have received it either by mail or email.
– If you don’t have your Member ID readily available, you can contact TRS at 877-927-5877 (877-9-ASK-TRS) to obtain it.
Step 5: Verify Your Information
– After entering the last four digits of your Social Security number, birth date, and Member ID, the system will cross-check this information with what they have on file for you.
– If the provided information matches their records, a new page will open, guiding you to create a unique username and password.
Step 6: Create Your Username and Password
– Follow the instructions on the page to create a username and
password for your TRS member account.
– Your username and password will be immediately established with the proper information.
Step 7: Access the Secure Area
– Once your username and password are set up, you can enter the secure TRS member area on the same day.
– Be aware that additional sign-in screens may be part of the process to ensure security.
Step 8: Remember Your Credentials
– It’s crucial to remember your username and password for future logins.
– In case you forget your login credentials before your next sign-in, you will need to enter your Member ID to regain access to your TRS account.
Setting up your TRS member account is a straightforward process that grants you easy access to important information and services related to your retirement benefits. Ensure that you keep your login information secure to make the most of your online TRS account.
January 3, 2024
President Mike Schmidt MessageAs the Illinois Retired Teachers Association steps into the New Year, warmest wishes are extended to all our members. With the dawn of 2024, a new chapter begins, ripe with opportunities for growth, adventure, and treasured experiences. The Association looks forward to embracing this year with the same enthusiasm and dedication that have been the hallmark of its members' careers in education. The new year is anticipated to bring joy, health, and prosperity to each member. As our community continues to support and learn from one another, their collective strength and bond deepen. The Association envisions 2024 as a year brimming with new learning opportunities, meaningful connections, and abundant reasons for joy. United in spirit and purpose, we members are poised to make 2024 a year of memorable and enriching experiences for the entire community.
November 30, 20203
President's Message
Bill FunkhouserWhen I took office as IRTA President January 1, 2022, it was apparent that we were facing a time of major transition for the association. Our Executive Director had announced he would be retiring at the end of 2023. We recently had an organizational review by an outside consultant, the Executive Committee had developed a strategic plan and we had just gone through a worldwide pandemic.
I appointed an Executive Director Search Committee which with the assistance of a consultant reviewed applicants and made recommendations to the Executive Committee who decided to hire Jessica Hoselton. You can find information about her in the November 1st Good Dog News e-newsletter.
I appointed a Constitution Committee which I asked to review the entire Constitution to see what is no longer working and make recommendations for changes. Their recommendations were presented to the delegates at the convention in October where major changes were approved. I was pleased to read in the Joliet Area RTA newsletter President Ray Kaufman’s article where he said: “Speaking of IRTA, at the convention in Springfield a few weeks ago, it was voted on to bring IRTA out of the dark ages of the 1950's when communication was by letters delivered by the post office, pay phones at the gas station, or on party lines in our homes. Now, with the internet, every member of IRTA will be notified of dues increases, be able to vote for officers and area representatives, and receive current information as it is generated. Instead of just the 200 or so people attending the convention voting on those important issues, all 40,500+ members will be able to vote on things. And members who live out of state will now be able to vote too.”
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you as your president for the past two years. As I leave office, I would like to thank you all for your support and particularly the office staff who made my job easy. As our new Executive Director and officers take over, let’s all get behind them as they continue the work of protecting our benefits.
Thank you for being members of the only association whose sole purpose is protecting the benefits of retired educators.
November 30, 2023
Convention Wrap-upConcluding the events of the Convention, Jan Niccum emerged as the winner of the IRTA Foundation quilt raffle, a venture that successfully raised $2,200 for the cause. This achievement was made possible, in part, due to the commendable efforts of Kay Ostrom and Glenda Flaherty, who not only created the beautiful quilt but also managed the raffle booth effectively. As the Convention wrapped up, the organizers expressed profound gratitude to AMBA for their unwavering partnership over the years and heartfelt thanks to all the attendees whose presence and involvement ensured a successful 2023 IRTA Convention.
August 24, 2023Public Act 103-0088TRS members can accept work as teachers and administrators without affecting their pensions until June 30, 2026 with work limits at 120 days or 600 hours.
SCAMS Be aware of possible scams claiming they are TRS agents. TRS will never call or contact you to endorse any company's product or service relation to your TRS pension.
August 2, 20232023 President's Message Bill Funkhouser It has been a busy year! Our Convention will be an in-person event at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on October 16th and 17th. For those of you who have been wanting in-person meetings, this is your opportunity. This will be our first in-person convention since 2019, and I urge every unit to send delegates. Our keynote speaker will be Tom Morris, one of the most active public philosophers in the world, a former professor at Notre Dame and the author of several books including Plato’s Lemonade Stand and If Aristotle Ran General Motors. I am very pleased that Mr. Morris is going to be our keynote speaker. I hope many of you will be attending and get a chance to hear him. In looking to the future and ensuring our association remains relevant, we have been reviewing the consultants' recommendations from the organizational review, the strategic plan developed by the Executive Committee, the things we learned from what happened during the pandemic, and the fact that our Constitution was written in the 1950s, almost seven decades ago. With these things in mind, when I appointed a Constitution Committee to propose constitutional changes that would remove roadblocks to efficient operations and continued success, I asked the members to begin the process with an open mind. I will tell you that they surprised me, coming up with proposed changes that I had not thought of, with good reasons for their proposals. This ACTION will list the issues that we will be voting on. Please read them carefully, and if you cannot attend the Convention, please let your unit’s delegates know how you feel about each issue. Thank you for being members of the only organization whose sole purpose is protecting the benefits of retired educators. I look forward to seeing many of you in October,
August 2, 2023A Necessary Investment in the Future of Our Organization by Donnie C. Ostrom, TreasurerA notice of the "Dues Investment Proposal" was included in the IRTA Action newsletter of June 5, 2023. As treasurer, I recommended these increases in the dues structure starting in 2024. The recommendation was proposed, discussed, and passed by the Finance Committee and the Membership Committee. The proposal was then presented to the Executive Board, and they approved it as an item on the Convention docket. The Association's dues have not been changed in ten years and, in some cases, more than ten years. In order to maintain our viability, sustainability, meet the goals set by the IRTA Board of Directors, and be an effective organization for you, this proposal's passage is necessary. Since the proposal appeared in the Action newsletter, several individuals have asked me about the need to increase dues. The costs of operations and lobbying have been impacted by increases in salaries, inflation, mailing, travel, utilities, and technology. If the IRTA is to continue to be successful in securing our pension and insurance benefits, this proposal's passage is imperative. We have scaled back and slowed down on purchasing new technologies and some programs because of maintaining a balanced budget. We must be able to effectively communicate with members, and they with the Association, no matter where they live,
The proposal is as follows: CURRENT PROPOSED
Dues Deduct $2.50/monthly $3.50/monthly
Life Membership $400.00 $600.00
Annual $40.00 $50.00
Annual Recurring $38.00 $46.00
Associate $25.00 $35.00
Associate Life $125.00 $200.00
There will be a discussion and vote at the October Convention to approve this proposal. It should be clear that the organization has always maintained a balanced budget and has been frugal with your dues. But if we are to be successful in the future, increase membership, and communicate with our members, the passage of this proposal is necessary.
April 29, 2023Interview with Mary Byers, CAE
Investment in dues protects your retirement pension and health insurance.. Less volunteerism is prevelent. Zoom meetings have been a savior to retirees time and efficiency. New ways to communicate has been a problem for our local County. Wondering if our State Conference is the way to go. Mary Byers said to " not be afraid of change".
Legislative Update
Illinois After-School Programs at Risk because of State Error About 27,000 elementary and high school students could lose access to after-school and summer programs in the upcoming fiscal year due to an internal error causing an estimated $15 million funding gap. The programs, known as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, are federally funded through a program administered by ISBE targeting students in low-performing and high-poverty schools. An ISBE spokesperson said the funding gap is the result of a miscalculation the agency made when it tried to estimate how much federal money would be available next year. ISBE is asking the federal government for permission to use pandemic relief funds to cover the amount that was over-allocated for next year
School-Based Health Services Expansion The Biden Administration has approved a Pritzker Administration proposal to expand the Illinois School Based Health Services program, which will bring in additional federal matching funds to provide covered services for Medicaid-enrolled students across the state, including critical youth mental health services. The approval means that the state will receive federal dollars for students who receive things like behavioral health services, preventive care, physical and occupational therapy, and other services covered by Medicaid. Previously, this reimbursement was limited to students who had an Individualized Education Program. The expansion is expected to bring tens of millions of additional federal Medicaid dollars to schools
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association Foundation is making $42,000 in grant money available statewide in Illinois. This special grant will provide additional funds to public school educators (Pre-K through 12) so that their students will have the means to participate in special projects.
March 15, 2023The State of Illinois is pleased to announce that Aetna and Memorial Health Systems have reached an agreement in their contract negotiations. Members covered under any of the State of Illinois, TRIP, or TRAIL (Medicare Advantage) health plans utilizing Memorial physicians or hospitals will have no interruption in services.
IRTA Annual Convention at Crowne Plaza-Springfield: October 16 & 17, 2023Message from President Bill FunkhouserLast fall Executive Director Jim Bachman, Member Benefits Committee Chair Pat Hampton and I represented IRTA at the Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) Roundup. There were leaders of associations from all over the country attending. It was not just retired teacher associations but associations representing state employees, police, fireman, etc. It was very interesting talking with leaders of the other groups. It seems they all have basically the same concerns we do. Getting and retaining members is number one. Updating constitutions and modernizing governance is also a concern of most. It again made me appreciate how fortunate we are to have the Pension Protection Clause in the Illinois Constitution. Almost all the other association’s pensions and benefits are at the whim of their state legislatures and can be changed at any time. It was an intense 2 days with several presenters and panel discussions. Jim Bachman took part in one of the panel discussions and represented IRTA very well. I was pleasantly surprised that the focus was not on the products offered by AMBA but rather on how they can help us grow our membership. One of the sessions was on “The State of Associations.” In this session it was pointed out that one of the main problems associations are facing is insufficient volunteers. This is one of the problems we are seeing in our own association with the difficulty we are having finding volunteers for leadership positions and committee members. Another session was “Who is Your Who?” That is who are your potential members. In this presentation the population was divided into groups by age. The groups discussed were: 1. Milestone Baby Boomers 19451964. This group is just ready to enter retirement and begin participating in Medicare. 2. Gen X 1965-1979. This group is the in-between generation. They are working, raising children, and possibly taking care of parents. 3. Millennials 1980-2000. This is the generation that grew up with technology. Our target groups are Milestone Baby Boomers and Gen X who are beginning to think about retirement. Each of these groups has a different set of values and expectations. As an association we need to keep that in mind as we modify our structure to appeal to them and meet their needs. For me, the highlight of the Roundup was keynote speaker Tom Morris. He is one of the most active public philosophers in the world, a former professor at Norte Dame and the author of several books including Plato’s Lemonade Stand and If Aristotle Ran General Motors. I am very pleased that Mr. Morris is going to be the keynote speaker at our convention in October. I hope many of you will be attending and get a chance to hear him.
February 21, 2023Dear IRTA Members,
The 2023 application and current guidelines for the IRTA Foundation Scholarship is now available. Applications and current guidelines are posted on the IRTA website at www.irtaonline.org and located under the Foundation tab.
One $2,000 scholarship is available in each of the six IRTA Areas of the state. These scholarships are only available to incoming juniors or seniors in college enrolled in a certified teacher training program. The deadline to postmark or email applications is March 7, 2023.
Thanks to a generous private donation by an IRTA member, there is an additional $3,000 scholarship in Area 4 (MCRTA is an Area 4) & Area 6.
If you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining an application, please contact Susan Goetz at susan@irtaonline.org or call 1.800.728.4782
January 7, 2023Welcome from IRTA President, Bill Funkhouser, for the New Year 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FL7DuquwHADecember 22, 2022Report of Zoom meeting on 12/22:
If you are being switched over to the Aetna Health Plan, you should have receiver a letter from them containing your Aetna Number. It was suggested that you take a photo of that letter indication your number in case you have to use Aetna insurance after the 1st of the year. The United plan will change over to Aetna on January 1, 2023. Aetna cards are being mailed next week.
September 20, 2022
IRTA Members,
Central Management Services (CMS) indicated that the current Medicare Advantage Plan (MAPD) contract with United Healthcare is set to expire on December 31, 2022. During this process, CMS chose to end the State’s relationship with United and chose Aetna to become the new, sole MAPD provider. Just like United Healthcare's MAPD plan, Aetna's plan will not include vision or dental. In addition, during this process, CMS chose to no longer provide an HMO option.
Under the new contract, premiums will decrease, while out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles will stay the same. Some aspects of the program may also change such as which drugs are formulary and which doctors are considered in network. Members should discuss these changes with their healthcare team to understand how if at all, these changes could affect them.
CMS also stated that no action will be required unless a participant wants to opt out of the Aetna MAPD PPO Plan. If you and your Medicare-eligible dependent(s) are currently covered under the United Healthcare MAPD Plan or a MAPD HMO Plan, you and your Medicare-eligible dependent(s) will be automatically enrolled in the Aetna MAPD PPO Plan with coverage beginning January 1, 2023.
Sincerely,
Jim Bachman
IRTA Executive Director
11/17/22 President's Message
Bill Funkhouser PresidentOn July 28th, I received a phone call from Larry Pfeiffer telling me that, for personal reasons, he was resigning from the position of IRTA Vice-President. Section 3. C. of the constitution says: “Should a vacancy occur in any office other than that of President, the President, with Executive Committee approval, shall appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term.” So, I began thinking about members I thought would be a good choice for the position. I discussed several possibilities with Executive Director Jim Bachman. I then began calling people to see if they would be interested in the position. I went through 6 names from 3 different Areas of the state, and all turned down the position. Since the Constitution says the Vice-President shall be the Chair of the Constitution Committee and I was also appointing the Vice-President to Chair the Executive Director search committee, I felt it was very important to get the position filled quickly with a competent person. I contacted former President Roger Hampton, and he agreed to accept the position to move forward with these vital committees. Roger is very passionate about IRTA and concerned about keeping IRTA relevant in the future. I know he will do a great job. Thank you, Roger, for being willing to accept this responsibility. What happened here emphasizes one of my greatest concerns about our association. That is the lack of new people stepping up to accept positions of leadership. Every 2 years we elect new officers and half of the Area Representatives. When I first became a member of IRTA and began attending conventions, the elections were a major part of the conventions with almost every office being contested at each convention. For the last several years, with few exceptions, there has only been one candidate for each position. One of the exceptions was in 2017 when John Flaherty and I were candidates for Vice-President. Beforehand we agreed that no matter who won, we felt the association would be in good hands and that the winner would be an old guy with a gray beard. As I told John then and many times since, I think competition is good for the association as it increases interest in the elections.
Next year at the convention, we will be electing the four officers and representatives for Areas 2, 4, and 6. Any member in good standing is eligible to run for any of these positions. All you must do is have someone turn in a nomination form for you. I think it would be great for our association if we have 2 or more candidates for each position. If you know someone you think would be good in one of the positions, talk to them and encourage them to get involved. Again, thank you all for being members of the only organization whose sole purpose is protecting the benefits of retired educators.