Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts

The Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts is an organization committed to serving the needs and interests of its members based on democratic principles. We encourage the use of our members' collective power to promote their economic and social well being while utilizing their professional background and collegiality to develop a sense of community. As an organization devoted specifically to retired educational personnel, the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts stands as their advocate and is committed to taking any necessary action to promote and protect the interest of its members.

ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Spring 2012 Newsletter

Save the Date: REAM will be sponsoring its Sixth Annual Advocacy Day at the MA Statehouse on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Registration begins at 9:30 AM in Nurse's Hall. Please see a registration form in the Spring 2012 Newsletter for a registration form. Pre-Registration is strongly advised for planning purposes.

Register your thoughts with AARP - here's your chance to let your thoughts on the repeal of WEP/GPO be known to NRTA: AARP's Educator Community. AARP-MA is sponsoring an event in Springfield, MA on March 19. Use the website or attend the event and let AARP know the value of your earned benefit. Information on 3/19 event can be found here.

Pension reform lesgislation was signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick on Friday, November 18. Significant changes to the law will affect not only new hires but many currently vested in the system and also retirees. Highlights include raising the COLA base; increasing the minimum pension and maternity service buy back credits. More detailed information will be posted on our legislation page.

Retirement Planning Seminars: we cordially invite all educators, administrators and guest to a complimentary workshop on preparing for retirement. This seminar is done in conjunction with one of our business partners. Please visit ptaainfo.com for locations and times and to pre-register. More information is available by calling (800) 644-3422.

Lowell Sun Letter to Editor - President John Hassan and Legislative Chair Bill Nolan

REAM President John Hassan and Board Member Steve Cozzaglio were featured on Springfield, MA local NBC affiliate, WWLP as a part of a news feature being done at the Statehouse on May 17, 2011 - our annual advocacy day.

CPRS Testimony on Social Secuirty - Tim Lee, Coalition to Preserve Retirement Security Board Member and Executive Director for the Texas Retired Teachers Association presented testimony to the US House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security. Tim's testimony addressed issues related to mandating social security for all new public sector hires and the solvency of state and local pension plans.

Preparing for Retirement: REAM is sponsoring Pre-Retirement Seminars in conjunction with Boston Hill Advisors and the Patriot Financial Group during the months of July and August. Seminar information, including times/locations, can be found at http://www.ptaainfo.com or by calling (800) 644-3422. These seminars are free of charge and geared toward teachers who are within 2-5 years of retirement.

New travel opportunities are available to REAM members through Collette Vacations & Durgan Travel. Details are listed under travel opportunities.

MTRS Springfield Office has a new address: The office has moved from State Street to Main Street. Please make a note of the new address for correspondence with that office. MTRS Western Regional Office, 1414 Main Street, Suite 510, Springfield, MA 01144-0510. Phone: (413) 784-1711 Fax: (413) 784-1707. Many of the MTRS's forms and information is available online at http://www.mass.gov/mtrs.

Membership Renewal for 2011-12: Membership renewal is a continual process for REAM. Members can easily renew their membership through our Summer & Fall newsletters. Membership applications can be used for renewal or new memberships.

Volunteer Opportunities: REAM partners with other organizations to help provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for members who desire to continue to give back. Please check our Volunteer Opportunities to find ways of supporting local charities and specific campaigns geared toward helping those less fortunate.

Pension Study Commission Report: attached is the report filed on behalf of the Public Pension Study Commission

REAM is now offering a multi-year membership. Membership is currently $30 per year or $80 for three years. Membership with REAM includes a local chapter affiliation.

Ream's Retirement Planning Guide

WEP/GPO Update - REAM continues to closely monitor this issue. Officials from REAM have joined with other retiree gourps from the affected states as well as other interested parties and groups to help coordinate a more concerted effort on behalf of repealing and/or revising the language of Windfall Elimination Provision/Goverment Pension Offset. Important information regarding bill numbers and important advances in getting our message heard can be found on the WEP/GPO information section of our website.

For any questions regarding the Association or any information found on this website, please contact Executive Director Hillari Wennerstrom.