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Hope to see you at the Spring Luncheon!

May 21st11:30

March General Meeting

The next General Meeting is on

Wednesday, March 25 10:00 AM

Panorama RoomTalbott Event Center

ESD 101

Program: Innovations in

EducationCentral Valley School District’s PR person Marla Nunberg will inform us on what the district is doing to reach all students from K through 12th grade and beyond.

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We will have a 50/50 raffle at the March 25th general member meeting. Half of the proceeds benefit WSSRA-PAC 1and the other half to one lucky member.

May good luck be with you wherever you go, and your blessings

outnumber the Shamrocks that grow.

- Irish Blessing

WSSRA-PAC Raffle

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From our President, Brad Beal

Your SAREA Board members are an outstanding group of dedicated retirees. They continue a yearly process of implementing the goals set out in our bylaws. The board members and their committees never cease to amaze me with their desire to support our community in a manner that will help develop a healthier educational environment, as well as creating mechanisms to better meet the needs of retirees.

I’m focusing on our legislative committee comprised of Kathy and John Albi as well as Pat Anderson. They continue to work diligently, building relationships with our state legislators. The members have been faithful for many years. They travel to Olympia, face inclement weather, find lodging, then meet with the legislators during each session.

There is good news to report from Olympia. The House and Senate have both passed Plan 1 COLA legislation. They also have included funding for each bill within their budget proposals. Hopefully by the time you read this newsletter both bodies will have agreed on legislation and funding for a Plan 1 COLA.

Peter Diedrick, the WSSRA legislative director expressed his thanks to all of you that wrote to your legislators regarding the Plan 1 COLA.

Sincerely,

Brad Beal

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The photo below are the Canterbury Belles from Ferris High School. They entertained us for our holiday luncheon which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Outreach The foundation committee met on February 3, 2020 and reviewed the list of community concerns. After discussion it was decided to continue with the current list: Campfire USA, Crosswalk of Spokane, Mobius Kids, Second Harvest Food Bank, Spokane Area Children’s chorus, Spokane Valley Partners, Spokane Youth Symphony, Woman and Children’s Free Restaurant, Family Promise of Spokane, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Reach for the Future, and Heart Program (SPS). Three new agencies were added this year: Under the Bridge, Our Place Community Outreach and Heal Spokane. Each agency will receive $250.

Submitted by Jeff Hunter

The photo to the right is SGT. Michael Carr, in charge of professional standards for the Spokane Police Department. He will donate the new coats, hats and gloves we contributed to children in need.

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Scholarships

On Wednesday, March 4th the 16 members of the Scholarship Committee (3 members were from Whitman County Unit 33, including President, Linda Marler and E7 Coordinator Don Kackman, and the other 13 from Spokane Unit 25 Including President Brad Beal and Treasurer Kathy Beal and Vice President Bill Marvin and WSSRA President, Pam Francis). The Committee struggled trying to provide a $15k scholarship to all worthy applicants. It is amazing how many 4.0 Seniors there are.

Submitted by Les Francis

Legislative Report We arrived home last evening after a productive visit with our area legislators in Olympia.  As of today, February 27th, the prospects for a one-time 3% COLA for our Plan One retirees looks positive.  The House bill HB1390 passed unanimously and moved on to the Senate for their consideration.  Likewise the Senate bill SB5400 also passed unanimously and is now being debated in the House.  The fiscal difference between the two bills is not quite $3 million and is expected to be averaged out.  A final bill is expected to be passed and moved on to the governor for his signature.  Both chambers are set to keep the PEBB medical benefit at $183 per month.  There are still several more hurdles to pass in these next two weeks, but our Eastern Washington legislators were very positive about the final outcome.  We urge everyone to keep in contact with your district legislators.  The most powerful method is to actually mail a letter.  Unlike emails, all "snail mail" is logged in and recorded.  Our full time paid lobbyists tell us this is the gold standard for contacting your legislators. 

Submitted by Kathy Albi and Patrica AndersonLegislative Committee Members of WSSRA

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Other Contacts

WSSRA Office 1-800-544-5219

WSSRA Messages 1-800-544-5219

Legislative Hotline 1-800-200-1004

SAREA Contacts

SAREA Box 823 Spokane,WA 99210

Brad Beal, President 509-466-3561

SAREA Website: spokanearearetirededucators.org

Spokane Area Retired Educator Association P.O. Box 823 Spokane,Washington 99212

In Memoriam

Janet Bernhart Betty Kenna

William SchaubleJudy ThiesSarah ZuberGeorge McGarry