Judge John Belz Ruling on Pension Reform Bill

“Judge John Belz of the Sangamon County Circuit Court ruled today that Illinois’ pension reform bill – Senate Bill 1 – is unconstitutional.

Belz’s ruling is the first step in what likely will be a long legal process to determine whether that law can be implemented and what types of pension reform will withstand a court challenge in the future. The case will now head to the Illinois Supreme Court, where the final decision will be made on this law…” READ MORE

Title: “Circuit court rules Illinois pension bill unconstitutional”

Source: Illinois Policy

Author: Benjamin VanMetre

Date Published: November 21, 2014

Court Rules Pension Law Unconstitutional

"An Illinois judge has ruled that a law intended to fix the nation's worst state employee pension crisis violates the state Constitution.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said she would immediately appeal the ruling to the state supreme court and ask it to rule on the matter on an expedited basis.

Sangamon County Circuit Judge John Belz ruled Friday in favor of state employees and retirees who sued to block the state's landmark pension overhaul..." READ MORE

Title: "Illinois pension reform law is unconstitutional, judge rules"

Source: Sun-Times Wires

Date Published: November 21, 2014

Sangamon County Pension Litigation Ruling

Click here to read the ruling from the Circuit Court for the Seventh Judicial Circuit - Sangamon County on the Pension Litigation.

State Senator Rose Addresses Pension Ruling

"...I always try to get you information as soon as possible. This afternoon, the Illinois circuit court in Sangamon County struck down Senate Bill 1, so the so called Pension Reform Law. He ruled it was unconstitutional…” READ MORE

Title: “51^st District Report”

Source: State Senator Chapin Rose

Author: State Senator Chapin Rose

Date Published: November 21, 2014

Illinois to Benefit from Bank of America Settlement

"A clutch of states including California, New York and Illinois will share in a mini-bonanza from the $16.65 billion settlement agreed by Bank of America Corp on Thursday.

The settlement announced by the U.S. Department of Justice calls for the second-largest U.S. bank to pay a $9.65 billion cash penalty on charges that it misled investors into buying troubled mortgage-backed securities, and provide $7 billion of relief to struggling homeowners and communities.

Six states will reap nearly $1 billion between them as well as benefiting from cash for consumer relief credits - to be put towards items such as principal reductions for certain types of Federal Housing Administration mortgages..." READ MORE

Tile: "New York, California reap mini-bonanza from Bank of America settlement"

Author: Megan Davies

Source: Reuters

Date Published: August 21, 2014

Appeals Court Ruling in Maryland Favorable for Illinois

“The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit upheld a major reform made to Baltimore's police and firefighter pension plan on Wednesday, shedding light on how judges may view the recent raft of changes in public retirement funds around the country.

The court vacated a previous decision that the reform had violated the U.S. Constitution's contract clause, and also decided the change was permissible under Maryland's state constitution…” READ MORE

Tile: "U.S. appeals court says Baltimore pension reform legal"

Author: Lisa Lambert

Source: Reuters

Date Published: August 6, 2014

Unions File Motion in Sangamon County

"Yesterday, the We Are One Illinois coalition, along with other plaintiffs, filed a motion in Sangamon County urging the Circuit Court to enter judgment in the plaintiffs’ favor on the State’s affirmative defense in light of the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of Kanerva v. Weems. The We Are One Illinois coalition and other plaintiffs assert that the Kanerva decision confirms that the Pension Protection Clause in the Illinois Constitution is absolute and without exception, even with respect to the fiscal circumstances alleged by the State in its defense..." READ MORE

Title: "This just in...Unions file motion to 'gut' the state's pension case"
Author: Rich Miller
Source: Capitol Fax
Date Published: August 22, 2014

Pension Reform May Require Change in Illinois Constitution

“If the state's new pension law is found unconstitutional, which looks more likely in light of a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision, one obvious remedy is to amend the constitution.

“’We need that flexibility,” said Rep. Joseph Sosnowski, R-Rockford, who introduced a constitutional amendment proposal last year that died in committee. “Now, based off this court ruling, this may be our last ability to look at trying to modify pensions.”’ He plans to re-introduce his proposed amendment in the spring, “’especially in light of the court's decision.”’ READ MORE

Title: “Amending the Illinois Constitution a tough path for pension reform”

Author: Paul Merrion

Source: Crain’s Chicago Business

Date Published: July 16, 2014

Full Text Supreme Court Ruling July 3, 2014

For full text of the Illinois Supreme Court Ruling Opinion filed on July 3, 2014:
click here. 

Court Ruling May Prove Favorablefor Pension Lawsuit

“The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the state cannot diminish or impair health insurance premium subsidies for retired state employees.

Government and union officials disagree about how the ruling, which says the subsidies are “a benefit of membership in a pension or retirement system” and as a result “are constitutionally protected from any diminishment or impairment,” will impact the state’s pending pension reform litigation, if at all. The law that enabled the state to charge retirees for insurance premiums was passed in 2012.” READ MORE

Title: “Illinois Supreme Court ruling could be omen for pension reform lawsuit”

Author: Meaghan Kilroy

Source: Pensions & Investments

Date Published: July 3, 2014

Victory for Members of State Retirement Systems

"Pension reform, RIP?

In a case with ominous implications for the state's pension reform law, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled today that the state constitution prevents any diminishment of health care benefits for retired state employees.

According to the 6-1 decision, the pension protection clause -- which says that retirement benefits are a contractual agreement that “cannot be diminished or impaired” -- applies to other retirement benefits, not just pensions. That overrode the state's argument that its emergency powers, in dealing with its budget crisis, justified an increase in what retirees must pay for their health benefits." READ MORE

Title: "Pension reform dealt blow by Illinois Supreme Court"

Author: Paul Merrion

Source: Crain's Chicago Business

Date Published: July 3, 2014

Court Ruling Favors Public Employees

"No escaping the consequences of a high court ruling that puts public employees in driver's seat.

The Illinois Supreme Court didn't say so specifically, but the import of two recent decisions (one by the high court itself and the other by a trial judge citing precedent) is clear: the Illinois Constitution is a political and financial suicide pact in which all state citizens are a party.

Ten days ago, Cook County Circuit Judge Mary Mikva blocked citizen initiatives aimed at creating competitive legislative elections or putting limits on how long our legislators can serve. The decision leaves the state's powers-that-be free to pursue the policies that have led to financial ruin and laughingstock status." READ MORE

Title: "Court ruling is a real killer"

Author: Editorial

Source: The News-Gazette

Date Published: July 6, 2014

UIC President Addresses Pension Law Error

“I write today out of concern over an unintended glitch in the wording of the state’s public pension funding law that would significantly reduce pension benefits under the “money purchase” option if retirement-eligible employees continue working beyond June 30, 2014.

The wording was actually meant to preserve (or “hold harmless”) employee benefits when the new pension law lowers the interest rate used to calculate monthly annuities under “money purchase,” effective July 1, 2014. It sought to lock in annuities for retirement-eligible employees to the level they would receive on June 30, 2014, even if they retired months or years later. “ READ MORE

Title: “Pension update re money purchase”

Author: Robert A. Easter

Source: Office of the University President

Date Published: April 24 2014

Pension Law Makes for "Devastated" University

“Suslick, Gordon and Cahill are just three of the 3,500 to 4,000 University employees who will lose significant benefits if they do not retire by July 1, a result of pension reform legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in December.

The reform made sweeping changes for state employees, including cutting cost-of-living adjustments and raising the retirement age for many younger employees, to help save the state’s massively underfunded pension system.

But one unintentional effect the bill had was significantly cutting the retirement benefits of those already eligible to retire if they do not retire by the time the bill goes into effect on July 1.” READ MORE

Title: “Pension reform typo leaves thousands hanging in the balance”

Author: Jonathan Hettinger

Source: The Daily Illini

Date Published: April 21, 2014

Push to Fix Pension Bill Error

“When Illinois legislators finally pushed through a large and complicated pension reform bill last December, they generally agreed that revisions would be off-limits until the courts had a chance to rule on the constitutionality of their handiwork. Follow-up tweaks to bills are common, but lawmakers were wisely loath to reopen a bill that required so many deals and compromises to get done in the first place.

But one error in the bill is so serious and pressing that it must be fixed, and quickly. The error — a drafting mistake that set a key date in 2013 instead of 2014 as intended — would trim university pensions so severely that top professors might begin fleeing in droves before the end of June.” READ MORE

Title: “For sake of higher education, fix pension bill error now”

Author: Editorial Staff

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Date Published: April 22, 2014

U of I Considers Supplemental Pension Program

“The University of Illinois is moving toward a supplemental pension program that would contribute money to a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for thousands of employees stung by the state's recent pension reform.

The package under consideration also would include matching contributions for employees who put money into their 403(B) retirement accounts, as well as additional help for prominent faculty and others affected by a new salary cap on pension benefits.” READ MORE

Title: “UI group looking at pension supplement”

Author: Julie Wurth

Source: The News Gazette

Date Published: April 11, 2014

Flaw in Pension Law Wording

“Flaw in law's wording means some employees will lose major benefits unless they retire before July 1.

A wording glitch in a new state pension law is prompting hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of professors and other state university employees in Illinois to consider retiring before July 1 to avoid significant benefit cuts.

The cost of waiting could amount to several thousand dollars a year for individual retirees, on top of other cuts in pension benefits, according to official estimates.” READ MORE

Title: “Pension ‘fix’ may spark an exodus”

Author: Julie Wurth

Source: The News Gazette

Date Published: April 18, 2014

Quinn Open Minded About Pension Reform Law

“The first face-to-face meeting of the general election campaign featured Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn likened his opponent to a “virus” who attacks union rights and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner countering that the governor repeatedly had misled teachers, taxpayers and school children. The joint appearance Friday at the annual meeting of the Illinois Education Association presented challenges for both candidates.

Quinn faced an audience of teachers union representatives whose retirement benefits he just cut by signing a pension bill. The union is now suing the governor to try to overturn the new law. Seeking to heal the rift, Quinn said he was “open minded” about seeking a stay of the law until it worked its way through the courts.” READ MORE

Title: “Quinn, Rauner scrap on education in first debate”

Authors: Rick Pearson and Monique Garcia

Source: Chicago Tribune
Date Published: April 11, 2014

Pension Confusion Persists

"Senior UI employees who are considering retirement face a dearth of information about their state pensions.

Uncertainty over state financial support and pension reform make for trying times at the University of Illinois and other campuses across the state.

Of immediate concern is pension reform, which is roiling the UI campus now. The pension reform bill passed by the General Assembly last December takes effect June 1 and affects everyone covered by the State Universities Retirement System, as well as four other state pension systems, but is most pressing for senior faculty and staff members who soon need to make decisions on whether to stay or retire by June 30, the end of the fiscal year." READ MORE

Title: "Pension confusion reigns"

Author: The News-Gazette

Source: The News-Gazette

Date Published: March 23, 2014

Predicted Tax Hikes, Even With Pension Reform

'"I will be forthright and specific," declared Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday in the prelude to his budget address, which was anything but that.

The Democratic governor, who assumed office in January 2009 in the wake of his predecessor Rod Blagojevich's impeachment, is up for re-election this year. So naturally, his budget speech is really a stump speech. Hence, Mr. Quinn omitted references to the state's income and corporate tax hikes in January 2011, which will are slated to sunset at the end of the year.

Instead, he noted that "the issue of expiring revenue this year is a real challenge" because "extreme and radical cuts will be imposed on education and critical public services" if "action is not taken to stabilize our revenue code."' READ MORE

Title: "Brace for Tax Hikes, Illinois"

Author: Allysia Finley

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Date Published: March 28, 2014

Pension Lawsuits Combined

“SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Supreme Court today consolidated the four lawsuits challenging the state’s new pension overhaul and assigned the matter to Sangamon County for hearings.

The lawsuits are brought by groups of employees, laborers and retired teachers who sought to have the pension law found unconstitutional. The lawsuits contend that scaling back cost-of-living increases, increasing the retirement age and other changes violated a constitutional provision that government worker pensions should not be diminished or impaired.” READ MORE

Title: "Illinois pension lawsuits will be combined, heard in Springfield"

Author: Ray Long

Source: The Chicago Tribune

Date Published: March 3, 2014

SURS Letter Regarding PA 98-599

Reprinted with permission:

Dear Colleagues,

As you probably are aware, many features of the retirement programs administered by the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) may change as a result of the enactment of PA 98-599, a comprehensive overhaul of public pension funding for the state of Illinois. Although the new law is being challenged in court as unconstitutional, it will become effective on June 1 unless a judicial stay is granted.

The changes mandated by the law will significantly impact faculty and staff retirement benefits, especially for those hired prior to January 1, 2011. SURS has prepared several informative resources to assist in understanding the impact of the new law. I encourage you to read http://www.surs.org/news-article/021314/learn-facts-about-pension-reform and an upcoming special edition of the SURS “Advocate” newsletter. SURS is also providing expanded counseling services for individual members. A list of available informational resources is provided later in this communication.

We are keenly aware of the adverse impact of the pension funding changes in the new law for members of the University community. The Board of Trustees has directed the University to explore potential options, including supplementary programs, to ensure that our retirement system is competitive with those of our peers.

While we explore those options and confer with SURS and elected officials in Springfield, many employees are assessing the law’s impact on them. It is important to make informed decisions based on facts, which is why I urge you to utilize the resources listed here.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Easter
President

On-Campus SURS Seminars
SURS will present pension seminars for faculty and staff. Some sessions have already been held on-campus, but a few additional dates are still available. Registration is required at
http://nessie.uihr.uillinois.edu/retirementseminar.

Counseling
If you are eligible to retire by June 30, 2014, and considering retiring within the next 1 to 2 years, then you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with SURS at http://surs.org/life-events/retirement/counseling. SURS will be offering group counseling sessions (where your individual calculation will be provided) in order to assist more employees before the Act’s effective date.

If you are eligible to retire June 30, 2014, or earlier, and have received an estimate from SURS prior to January 2014, then your estimate does NOT reflect the provisions of PA98-599. You may be eligible to receive a second estimate or counseling appointment. You must call SURS at 800-275-7877 to make this request.

Questions
If you have questions about your personal situation and pension law changes, please contact SURS at 800-ASK-SURS (800-275-7877) or 217-378-8800.

For other assistance, please contact your Human Resources office. Please note that the Human Resources office can provide information about your dates of employment, vacation/sick leave balances, and separation procedures. Only SURS representatives can answer your specific retirement questions.

• Urbana Academic HR: ahr@illinois.edu or 217-333-6747
• Urbana Staff HR: shr@illinois.edu or 217-333-2143
• Chicago: uichrhelpdesk@uillinois.edu or 312-413-4848
• Springfield: 217-206-6652
• University Administration: erhr@uillinois.edu or 217-333-2600

More Information
Please continue to follow information provided by SURS (http://www.surs.org/) and the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) (http://www.suaa.org/). See also the NESSIE home page for news and seminars at https://nessie.uihr.uillinois.edu/.

SURS updates website with Life Events Section

SURS announces the addition of a new section of their website called Life Events. The tab is easily found on the SURS homepage on the left-hand side of the tool bar. The Life Events section provides easy access to information members may need as they move through their work life. Members can access information on selecting a retirement plan, enhancing benefits, family changes, disability, retirement, returning to work after retirement and death benefits.  Each section provides a guide to  the application process and a timeline for completion.

SUAA Lawsuit Filed in Champaign County

On Thursday, March 6, 2014 SUAA filed a lawsuit in regards to the pension reform in Champaign County. 

Click Here to read the Complaint

Click Here to read the Press Release

SURS and SUAA Updates

SURS is overwhelmed with appointment requests. SURS individual counseling sessions are booked through May 15. Instead SURS is scheduling groups if 10 people. Each person will get their individual packet with their numbers estimated just as they would for individual counseling sessions

The old SURS estimator has been removed from the website and new one should be up next week.

SURS webinars hold 500 guests, and the ones listed below are filling up fast! Click here to download the pdf of the slides used in the presentations, which have useful information.  

Webinars are scheduled at the following days/times:

1. Wednesday, March 5th, 9:30am-11:00am  is FULL
2. Tuesday, March 18th, 2:00pm-3:30pm
3. Friday, April 4th, 9:30am-11:00am

Please join SUAA so we can help to watch out for your pensions and benefits, at only $3:50 per month:

1. Download an application on the website and mail it to the SUAA office.
2. Enroll online at the SUAA website.

UIC SUAA President Answers Timely Questions

From Brenda Russell, UIC SUAA Chapter President: 

SUAA Chapter President, Brenda Russell

I am receiving many questions from mid-career faculty and professionals about the long-term prospects at UIC. They express concerns about the pension changes along with union strike and the financial issues in the state of Illinois.  Morale is very low.  Let me cheer you up on this cold February Friday.

Should you stay at UIC?  I say YES.   I love UIC because we care about higher education, research and service in the best way possible.

Unintended consequences of pension "reform" may work in your favor!  The pension changes affect those nearing retirement most and judging from the crush on information requests about pensions to SURS my best guess is that will be many unexpected opportunities for promotion for mid-career folk.

Every place I know has strengths and weaknesses, but they differ from the devil you know to the devil you don't.

Before you consider jumping ship you should think very carefully.  Consider what matters most to you.  For most academics it is not only about money but the ability to make a difference in their chosen field, and to make the world a better place. That is the mission of UIC. Chicago is a modern, cosmopolitan city. UIC always feels to me to be ahead and living in 21st century. UIUC is in the wrong place and UIC will increasingly be the #1 choice of the top Illinois students.

At any career step you need to ask what next? What are your goals, and can UIC meet them?   Then you can look at UIC again and decide what it has to offer you.

Illinois may seem to have a gloomy financial situation but, in fact, Illinois is one of the wealthier states.  It could easily increase taxes or revenue streams just as California did.  I believe that Illinois will turn itself around and be as good as or better than most other states.

Having said all that, you should decide where you will be and what to do based on the attainable goals you are most passionate about.

It might be a tougher choice for those who are eligible and close to retirement because the new pension Law might cost you a reduction in your expected pension.  I am following it all closely and there will be probably be a few tweaks to the law this session, but I don't expect anything major to change.  Court cases are filed, but nothing in court yet.  You cannot count on a court to stop the clock by an injunction before the deadline of June 30 2014 under old law.  I expect much of this new Law to be allowed eventually, although I think we can overturn some items and be compensated for losses.  This will all take two or more years or so those retiring in that time window have a degree of uncertainty that is tough to manage.

I hope you choose UIC.

SURS Announces Presentations and Webinars

SURS Outreach Department is hosting on-campus pension reform presentations beginning February 26, 2014.The information presented will provide an overview of the changes to SURS benefits based on PA 98-599 (SB1).

To find out if your school has scheduled a presentation, contact your HR Department.

SURS is also providing pension reform webinars for those who cannot attend the presentations.

Webinar dates are March 5, March 18 and April 4, 2014

Click here for more information and to register.

Summary of Pension Reform Law

SURS provided a summary of Public Act 98-599 (Pension Reform) which includes information on the following topics:

• Automatic Annual Increase
• Retirement Age
• Pensionable Earnings Limitation
• Tier 1 Employee Contribution Decrease
• Money Purchase Formula Changes
• Optional Defined Contribution Plan
• State Funding

Click here to learn about how the law effects these issues and more. 

SURS Temporarily Waives Appointment Limit

"University faculty and staff who are considering retirement may need help making important decisions given the recently passed pension reform law. Eligible employees who already received a counseling appointment may request a second appointment if needed...

For more information about SURS counseling appointments, see the SURS website at
http://surs.org/life-events/retirement/counseling. Please note that the SURS online application will not allow you to request the second appointment, unless you have already called SURS Member Services first at 800-275-7877." READ MORE

Title: "SURS temporarily waives counseling appointment limit"

Author: N/A

Source: University Human Resources

Date Published: February 13, 2014

State's Employee Unions Ban Together

"The state's public employee unions are warning Illinois lawmakers that they oppose cuts being imposed on the deficit-ridden state retirement system.

City employee unions, including those representing teachers, police and firefighters, have drawn their line in the sand. They will not accept the same pension reform deal imposed on state workers." READ MORE

Title: "Unions oppose pension reform cuts"

Author: Charles Thomas

Source: ABC Local 

Date Published: February 17, 2014

How Big is Illinois' Pension Problem?

source

"The controversial changes to Illinois’ public pension systems enacted in December came after years of fierce debate. And one of the key points of contention among academics and fund leaders was 

this fundamental question: Exactly how bad is the pension shortfall?

The number kicked around by politicians and reporters is usually around $100 billion, based one estimate from the state’s five retirement systems.

That is what is known as the state’s 'unfunded liability'—a fancy way of saying the amount Illinois will owe state workers in future retirement benefits but will not be able to pay if the systems’ finances do not change." READ MORE

Title: "Illinois' pension problem: How big is it, really?"

Author: Alex Keefe

Source: WBEZ91.5

Date Published: February 7, 2014

More Sue to Overturn Pension Reform Law

"A coalition of public worker labor unions filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to overturn a new Illinois law aimed at reducing a $100 billion unfunded pension liability.

The class-action lawsuit, filed by the We Are One Illinois coalition in Sangamon County Circuit Court in the state capital of Springfield, claims the law violates the Illinois Constitution, which stipulates that public worker pensions are contracts that the state cannot diminish or impair." READ MORE

Title: UPDATE 1 - Union group sues to overturn Illinois pension reform law"

Author: N/A

Source: Reuters

Date Published: January 28, 2014

APAC and SUAA Pension SURS Town Hall Recap

On January 29, 2014 APAC and SUAA hosted a pension town hall. Presenters Jeff Houch, Legislative Liaison SURS (State Universities Retirement System of Illinois) and Brenda Russell, President of the UIC Chapter of SUAA (State Universities Annuitants Association) presented on the SURS retirement plan design change details as provided by Senate Bill 1 (Public Act 98-599) and what it means for SURS members (both current employees and retirees), legislative challenges trying to overturn SB1 and retiree health insurance issues.

To view presentation documents, please click on the following links:

• Jeff Houch, Legislative Liaison SURS (State UniversitiesRetirement System of Illinois)
• Brenda Russell, President of the UIC Chapter of SUAA (State Universities Annuitants Association)

To view videos of the presentation, please see below:

• Presentation by Jeff Houch:

• Presentation by Brenda Russell

• Question and Answer Session with Jeff Houch and Brenda Russell

APAC Hosted Event 01/29/2014

APAC and SUAA are hosting "Illinois Pension Reform: How it Impacts You Now and After You Retire" on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm.  Details are below.  

Date: January 29, 2014, Wednesday
Time: 11.30 am to 1.00 pm
Location: Student Center West, Michelle Thompson Room A & B, 828 S. Wolcott
Presenters: Jeff Houch, Legislative Liaison SURS (State Universities Retirement System of Illinois), Brenda Russell, President of the UIC Chapter of SUAA (State Universities Annuitants Association)                        
           
Panelists will address SURS retirement plan design change details as provided by Senate Bill 1 (Public Act 98-599), and what it means for SURS members (both current employees and retirees), legislative challenges trying to overturn SB1 and retiree health insurance issues.

The presenters will address questions submitted via the registration form. They will also allow time at the end of the presentation to answer the audience's questions. Registration is required, please register as soon as possible.

Registration:  https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/4045729

SUAA Updates 01/27/2014

To All SUAA Members and Readers:
 

• Governor Quinn will be making his State of the State Address at NOON on Wednesday, January 29^th before the General Assembly.  According to the media his focus will be on his victories (cutting YOUR pension benefits), job creation, raising the minimum wage and the financial challenges that the State is facing.  Check your local TV and radio listings and the General Assembly’s website to hear the speech.

• For those of you who signed up for the State sponsored Medicare Advantage Health Insurance Plan remember that it goes into effect on Saturday, February 1^st.  No changes to those who are currently working.

• CIGNA’s recent exit of networks, especially in Southern Illinois and other places around the State, sent many clients into a frenzy. CIGNA’s responsibility ended on December 31, 2013.  This departure outwardly had nothing to do with changes to the Medicare eligible retirees health insurance; it actually affected all ages.  Unfortunately, CIGNA and/or CMS neglected to get the message out to those who needed to have this information.  Re-scheduling of medical treatments were of consequence.  Some of you might have gotten stuck with out-of-network costs, therefore, making your personal financial responsibility much higher.

• Look for SUAA’s Pension Lawsuit to be filed in February.  SUAA is still seeking contributions.  Goal is $500,000. Please send your contributions to SUAA Legal Fund; c/o SUAA; 217 East Monroe Street, Suite 100; Springfield, IL 62701.  All contributions pay for the costs associated with the lawsuit.  Check out the SUAA website for making a credit card contribution.  All contributions are important, regardless of the size. Click Here to make a contribution

• SUAA will be scheduling Regional Meetings throughout the State to discuss PA 98-0599, the lawsuit and proposed changes to the SUAA constitution and by-laws.  SURS will be assisting with the PA 98-0599 wherever they can. The campus Human Resource departments will schedule seminars for those who are currently working.  I will be providing assistance and be in attendance whenever I can.  The Regional Meetings and the HR Campus Meetings will have different content; both working to meet the needs of the audience. 

• Watch for a schedule of events!  Check the SUAA website often – www.suaa.org