The Idaho Education Association is a member of the Public Employee Retirement Coalition (PERC). This group consists of organizations representing the vast majority of public employees, both active and retired, who contribute to and benefit from the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). We all have a vested interest in being sure that the state has a high quality pension plan that helps retirees live with dignity and security throughout their senior years.
But public pension plans are under attack all across the nation. In Idaho, although we've so far managed to avoid some of the more virulent attacks on our state pension system, we got a taste of what could be ahead of us last legislative session when the House State Affairs Committee attempted to end cost-of-living-adjustment payments for retirees. Due mainly to the organizing efforts of PERC, the Senate refused to play along with the House and retirees received their partial COLA, as recommended by the PERSI Board.
PERSI is a vital part of Idaho's economy. Each taxpayer dollar put into PERSI supports more than $5 in economic activity in the state, and each dollar paid to beneficiaries supports $1.29 in economic activity. As we approach the 2011 session of the Idaho Legislature, the IEA and others in the PERC have organized meetings across the state to further educate our members about pension plan issues and to answer questions. Please come to the meeting nearest you to learn more about this important topic, and what you can do to be sure a strong PERSI continues to help Idaho's economy.
COEUR d'ALENE
Where? CdA Police Department Training Room, 3818 Schreiber Way (off Kathleen Ave.)
When? Monday, November 8, 6:30-8:00 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Donna Yule, Idaho Public Employees Association
Please park on the street, not in their parking lot. The training room is inside the main door on the right.
LEWISTON
Where? Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street
When? Tuesday, November 9, 5:30-7:30 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Alex Neiwirth, SEIU/ IAGE
MOSCOW
Where? Moscow Jr. High School Band Room, 1410 East D Street
When? Tuesday, November 9, 5:30- 7:30 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Donna Yule, IPEA
TREASURE VALLEY
Where? J.A. Shackelford Building, 620 N. 6th Street, Boise
When? Wednesday, November 10, 6:30-7:30 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Bert Marley, IEA; Charlie Brown and Jim Coleman from REA will assist
IDAHO FALLS
Where? O.E. Bell Building, 151 North Ridge Ave., in the conference room
When? Monday, November 15 6:30-8:00 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Bert Marley, IEA
POCATELLO
Where? Varsity Contractors, 315 South 5th, in the conference room in the basement
When? Tuesday, November 16, 6:30 -8:00PM
Who is leading the presentation? Bert Marley, IEA
TWIN FALLS
Where? Canyon Ridge High School Auditorium, 300 N College Rd. W
When? Wednesday, November 17 7:00- 8:30 PM
Who is leading the presentation? Bert Marley and Robin Nettinga, IEA
