Legislative Committee

• Annual pension increase at least equal to the percentage increase given to current experienced teachers, to become effective on July 1, 2009.
• A larger pension increase should be given to those who retired in the 1970's and 1980's -- effective July 1, 2009.
• Support yearly pre-funding for medical benefits for current and future retirees until fully pre-funded.

Tier II

• Increase the amount going to the Post Retirement Increase Fund from 2.33% of payroll to 2.45% of payroll.
• Support raising the exemption of pension benefits from $12,500 to $ 35,000 for State Income Tax purposes.
• Support the removal of the tax on prescription medications.
• Increase the life insurance benefit for retirees from $7,000 to $8,000.
• Support the DSEA Legislative Program as developed for the 144th General Assembly.*
• A retroactive recalculation of pensions based on 2.0 multiplier for current pensioners as was done in the decoupling from Social Security, or 4% for 4 years.
• Eliminate the earnings ceiling for long-term health care.

*Rational: As part of the DSEA family we participated in the development of and passage of their legislative agenda and thus support their program.