More to do on Pension Call Tuesday. « Fred Klonsky's blog

More to do on Pension Call Tuesday. « Fred Klonsky's blog:

More to do on Pension Call Tuesday.

by Fred Klonsky

At the suggestion of a reader, I have been posting the names of some legislators, mostly members of the House Pension Committee, to call or email on Pension Call Tuesday. The response has been terrific, based on page views and clicks to the email sites.

But it is most important to call your own member of the General Assembly. Retiree and pension activist Glen Brown has made that easy for us by sending out the following message:

Pass this urgent information on to every teacher you know in the state of Illinois.

During the Fall Veto Session this October and November, some members of the Illinois General Assembly expect to push through a “pension-killing” reform bill similar to last spring’s SB 512.

It’s quick and easy for anyone to take action now!

http://www.ieanea.org/legislative/contact-your-legislators/

This link allows you to send a prewritten email to your state representative and senator.

IEA members are encouraged to meet, call, and write their state representatives.

TALKING POINTS:

• Teachers do not get social security.
• Teachers have always paid their share to TRS.
• The pension is the only source of retirement security for teachers.
• Any changes to the pensions must be constitutional, fair, protect retirement security, and maintain the ability to attract and retain quality educators.

Anything you can do to help is important, but some forms of communication are more effective than others. In order of effectiveness:

1. Hold face-to-face meetings with your state legislators to discuss pensions

2. Call your state legislators’ offices and share your position.

3. Send a hand-written original letter to your state legislators.

4. Email your state legislators.

Glen’s message was directed primarily at IEA members. But anyone can contact their representative or senator and support teachers in their fight for pension rights.