Chair Talk

March 2012

On Tuesday, February 14, 2012 SERA CC signed an agreement (approved/amended by CC delegates) with VBS and APSA to start a new member recruitment drive. State retirees that are not SERA members will be offered a free one-year membership in one of our 21 SERA Chapters. In order to qualify for the free one-year membership the application must be processed by APSA initially. Chapter Presidents will be receiving a copy of the signed agreement and a listing of APSA representatives that have been assigned to each Chapter. The APSA representative will be calling Chapter Presidents to introduce themselves and attend Chapter meetings to answer any questions the members may have about the new recruitment program. They will also be able to respond to current SERA members about the benefits that are currently being offered. I would encourage Chapter Presidents to educate themselves in the benefits that are being offered to current SERA members. I have already utilized some of the benefits offered and will probably do more in the future.

We have requested a meeting with Jeremy Stephens (State Personnel Director)and Jan Winters (Director of the Office of the State Employer) to discuss issues that may effect retirees in the future.

We have also scheduled meetings with Senators and Representatives about legislation that may also have an effect on retirees and senior citizens in Michigan.

If you have not already submitted your income taxes for 2011 it is not too late to have your taxes prepared free this year by APSA. If you are interested in this offer of free tax preparation call 1-855-318-2286 for more information.

Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380.