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:

Fact Sheet - REAM prepared this information for use at our 3rd Annual Lobby/Advocacy Day that was held at the Statehouse on May 4. This information is useful for members when speaking to their local legislators about COLA and pension reform.

Alert: Tax Withholding for Retirees The Internal Revenue Service has issued new tax withholding tables to reflect the Making Work Pay credit on earned income that was contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Although pension benefits are not considered to be earned income and not subject to the Making Work Pay credit, your federal tax withholdings will be calculated using these tables, potentially resulting in under-withholding at the end of the year. Please contact a financial advisor or someone familiar with taxes laws to see how this change will impact you.

Spring 2009 Newsletter

Legislative Update: REAM Board Members, Chapter Presidents and Chapter Legislative Chairs met recently to coordinate some of our efforts for the coming legislative cycle. Stay tuned at the chapter level for more details about how you can help support our efforts. A number of bills have been filed on behalf of REAM that will benefit our membership. Details of certain bills including the bill numer are listed on our legislation page.

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

Pre-Retirement Seminars - REAM cordially invites all administrators and educators to a workshop on preparing for retirement. We have scheduled seven different seminar locations. For dates and times, please contact our seminar specialists at (800) 644-3422.

REAM is now offering a multi-year membership. Membership dues for the October 2008-September 2009 have increased to $30. Also available for the first time is a multi-year membership - 3 years for $80. Renewing your membership is a great way to make sure that your membership stays active in REAM for the coming year. A membership form is available online and also was included in the Summer and Fall editions of the Educators Voice.

Ream's Retirement Planning Guide

WEP/GPO Update - REAM continues to closely monitor this issue. Officials from REAM have joined with others from the affected states at a recent NRTA/AARP meeting in September. Hearings by the Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy have re-energized our members. Emails, phone calls and letters are highly encouraged to your US Congressman and US Senators. Key testimony given at the November 6 ,2007, hearing was from a retired teacher from Massachusetts. REAM is actively working with the Coalition to Preserve Retirement Security and with the fifteen other states that are negatively affected by the WEP/GPO.

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