Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
RPEC Weekly Newsflash, March 3, 2023
Register today for Health Care Authority’s Virtual and In-person Listening Sessions and Public Forums – Space is Limited
The Health Care Authority (HCA) will be hosting virtual and in-person listening sessions and public forums to hear from public sector retirees like you who receive your healthcare benefits from the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB). Register here. Registration is required and space is limited. Sign up today!
After you register to participate on the HCA website, please email the Council Office at info@rpecwa.org. We will need your full name and the date of the listening session you plan to attend.
Register today to attend an All-member Strategic Planning Listening Session, April 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
As part of the strategic planning process, AFSCME Retiree Council will be facilitating a virtual listening session for all members-at-large and RPEC leaders on Friday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This virtual listening session is another way you can provide input to the Executive Board to help inform the development of RPEC’s strategic plan.
If you are new to RPEC or a Plan 2/3 member, we especially want to hear from you. Register through this link: https://rpecwa.org/strategic-planning-listening-session-registration/
Meeting link information will be sent to all registered attendees prior to the listening session.
Plan 1 COLA Bill Passes House
On Wednesday, March 1, the Washington State House of Representatives passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1057 to grant PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees a one-time 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2023 not to exceed $110 per month.
Rep. Drew Stokesbary (R, Auburn), the bill’s primary sponsor, spoke to Plan 1 retiree’s great need for a COLA due to inflation and said he hoped that the legislature could find a way to help those in need on “more than just a one year at a time basis”. Rep. Steve Bergquist (D, Renton) also spoke in support of the bill.
Senate Passes Plan 1 COLA
On the afternoon of Monday, February 27, the Washington State Senate unanimously passed two bills that grant a one-time cost of living adjustment (COLA) to Plan 1 retirees and lay the groundwork for a recurring COLA.
Senate Bill 5350 provides PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees with a 3% COLA in July 2023 not to exceed $110 per month. The bill also directs the Select Committee on Pension Policy (SCPP) to study and recommend to the legislature a recurring COLA proposal for Plan 1 retirees.
Represent RPEC at Legislator Town Hall Meetings
In the coming weeks, many state legislators will hold town hall meetings, either in their districts or virtually. These meetings are occasions for constituents to provide feedback to legislators about their work in Olympia. They are also ideal opportunities for RPEC members to advance our legislative priorities. Please consider attending to move our priorities forward.
Click here to see a list of upcoming House Democratic town halls and click here to see House Republican press releases, including town hall announcements. Click here to determine which legislative district you live in.
Accessing the Monthly Leadership Call Archive
Each month, the RPEC Council Office hosts a Monthly Leadership Call covering valuable information and training that applies directly to the Executive Board, standing committees, chapter leaders, as well as anyone who may be interested in serving in a leadership position in the future. These calls are an opportunity to voice your chapter’s challenges and successes, garner tips from and collaborate with other leaders, and provide new ideas to the council.
All Monthly Leadership Calls are recorded and posted to the RPEC website. To access the archive, follow these steps or click here:
- On the RPEC website home screen, hover your mouse cursor over “Chapter Information.”
- From the dropdown menu, select “Leadership Calls Archive.”
Do not miss these valuable learning opportunities!
Chapter Elections
March marks the beginning of nominations for most RPEC chapters around the state. Nominations at the March membership meetings will be followed by elections at the April membership meetings where new chapter leaders will be sworn into office upon the election’s completion.
This is an opportunity for members considering leadership to further support their chapter and work more closely with the council and its affiliates to achieve new heights for the benefit of public sector retirees. Members of the professional team will support new officers in their roles by providing continuous training and resources. Please contact your chapter president for details on your chapter’s elections cycle and the leadership positions are open for nominations.
Upcoming Events Through March:
Please refer to our calendar page for more information for each event, including links to Zoom meetings, if available.
- March 3rd – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- March 9th – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
- March 9th – PEBB meeting (9:00 am)
- March 10th – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- March 17th – Legislative Committee meeting (10:00 am)
- March 17th – Monthly Leadership Call (1:00 pm)
- March 17th – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- March 20th – Senior Lobby (10:00 am)
- March 23rd – Healthcare Workgroup (3:30 pm)
- March 24th – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
- March 31st – Legislative Update Call (2:00 pm)
Health Care Authority Listening Sessions & Public Forums
- March 14th – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
- March 16th – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
- March 21st – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
- March 22nd – HCA Virtual Public Forum (10:00 am)
- March 23rd – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
- March 28th – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
- March 29th – HCA In-person Listening Session, Tumwater (10:00 am)
- March 30th – HCA Virtual Listening Session (10:00 am)
