Page 2 - Retiree News Spring 2021

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan:
Spring brings hope, positivity
Sisters and Brothers:
Maybe it’s the
changing of the
seasons from
what seemed
like a very long
winter to a long-awaited spring, and the possibility of not being stuck inside.
Perhaps it’s the feeling that COVID-19 is starting to diminish its horrible stranglehold over our country, as infection rates go down, vaccines become more available, and workplaces and businesses start to reopen.
Maybe it’s the fact that after
a series of disappointments, together we finally convinced our elected officials in Washington, D.C. to provide federal stimulus aid for our states, localities
and school districts to prevent wholesale cuts to jobs and services and allow our economy to recover and our communities to reopen.
It’s probably a combination of all of those that are making some aspects of life finally start to feel more positive, after such a very difficult year behind us. For that, I am very appreciative.
I appreciate so many CSEA retiree members who took the time and effort to fight alongside me and our union leaders in advocating for the funding needed to protect jobs and services, not only in our campaign for federal funding, but also in our state
budget advocacy.
The truth is our union power
comes from union members putting pressure on our elected officials to do the right thing. Union leaders cannot do it on our own, and from my long experience I know that our retirees are
a strong political force to be reckoned with. I am so proud to say that your efforts have paid off. The federal funding our state and municipalities are receiving will bridge the huge budget gaps the pandemic created at all levels of government, and this resulted in a state budget that was much better than what was initially proposed.
I know some members believe we shouldn’t be involved
in politics, but I hope those members understand that
state budgets get decided by politicians. We don’t have the option of ignoring the budget process, not if we are doing our best to protect member jobs, benefits and services. To that extent, we all must be involved in politics to do what’s best for ourselves and our communities, and we should take a moment to congratulate ourselves for a job well done in this case.
I hope this spring season finds you safe and with things to appreciate in your life.
In solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan, President
Retiree Executive Committee Chair Millie Lucas:
A road to leave the pandemic behind
Sisters and Brothers,
Whether
you came
down
with COVID-19,
lost a loved one
due to the virus
or faced social isolation from your loved ones, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on retirees.
The pandemic has been tough for many people’s physical, emotional and mental health. Countless in-person meetings and gatherings have been canceled, including most CSEA events, due to the continued need for social distancing and safety.
It’s been a long year for us all, but the COVID-19 vaccines now provides us with a road to leave the pandemic behind and resume our lives in what we will likely know as the “new normal.”
As this edition was going to press, all adults in New York State are eligible to receive the vaccines. Many of you may have already gotten vaccinated; some of you may still be waiting for one or both doses.
Some people may be questioning the safety of the vaccines. While I would certainly urge you to educate yourself about the vaccinations
and discuss your concerns with your doctor, the vaccines have been proven to not only be safe but
provide us with the protection we need to get back to normal.
While experts also strongly
urge people to continue the use
of masks, frequent hand washing, stringent cleaning and sanitizing procedure and social distancing, vaccination is the way for us to truly end the pandemic. With most of the population vaccinated, we will be able to safely and fully reopen workplaces, businesses, schools and other places where we gather.
For so many of us, this will mean long-awaited reunions of families and friends, and a greater ability to accomplish more of our personal goals as retirees.
I also want to thank the many CSEA sisters and brothers who have been working nonstop not only to support vaccination efforts, but in providing essential services throughout the pandemic.
In recent months, many of these services were in jeopardy because the pandemic had also devastated our economy. Thanks to the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan, state and most of our local communities will receive much- needed federal aid that will allow these services to continue.
We are not done yet, but we are on our way.
In solidarity,
Millie
SFinal state budget reached
tate elected leaders recently increase health insurance costs reached agreement on the $212 for retirees, including those
billion 2021-22 New York State Budget. The enacted budget avoids the devastating cuts that were anticipated during the height of
the pandemic thanks largely to CSEA member action on the budget and federal aid. However, the final budget is not perfect, as it includes cuts to mental health spending.
CSEA members successfully fought several proposals to
that cap the Medicare Part B premium reimbursement for NYSHIP retirees, eliminate the IRMAA premium reimbursement for NYSHIP retirees, and creating a tier 2 retiree health insurance contribution for future New York State retirees; all were rejected.
Learn more about the final budget at https://cseany.org/ legislative-political-action.
Your voice at every level of government is important!
Visit CSEA’s new Legislative Action Center to take ! action on the issues important to union members.
Our elected state representatives need to hear your voice.
https://cseany.org/issues
2 CSEA RETIREE NEWS