RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA NEWS

www.mnream.org

Volume 55, No.4 July 2017

2017 REAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Monday and Tuesday, September 25 and 26

Grand Casino Hinckley

Schedule

Monday, September 25

8:00 a.m.-11:30 Board of Directors Meeting Birch/Ash Rooms

All are welcome to attend.

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. REGISTRATION Foyer

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 Historical Bus Tour to St. Croix State Park. Load near Hotel Lobby. If rain, tour switches to

Pine County Historical Museum in Askov.

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 Three Simultaneous Breakout Sessions. AMBA & REAM Member Benefits Ballroom 1

Legislative Committee – Representative Mary Murphy Ballroom 2 Sister Amata: The Lumberjack Nun Ballroom 3

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 Three more Simultaneous Breakout Sessions. Poor Farms of Hinckley – Kathleen Gray Ballroom 1

REAM Membership – Paul Ehrhard Ballroom 2

Sister Amata: The Lumberjack Nun Ballroom 3

5:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony Ballroom 4

6:00 p.m. Dinner Ballroom 4

7:00 p.m. Entertainment: “Sarah Mae & the Birkeland Boys” Ballroom 4

Tuesday, September 26

7:00 a.m. Breakfast Ballroom 4

8:00 a.m. REGISTRATION Foyer

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 Annual REAM Business Meeting Ballroom 4

9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Exhibits Open Foyer

Continued on pg 2

REAM Executive Committee

President: Lonnie Duberstein Exec. Director: Chuck Hellie Legislative Co-Chairperson: Tim Moynihan

491 South Oak Drive 1129 Heritage Drive 3670 Gettysburg Avenue S. Apt. 93

Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 Northfield, MN 55057 St. Louis Park, MN 55426

© 651-328-1094 507-301-3609 612-619-0494

651-429-8009 cchellie@charter.net tmoynie@gmail.com

duberlnm@q.com

Vice President: Paul Ehrhard Secretary: Karna Brewer Membership Co-Chair: Merrie Zakaras

2743 Rushmore Rd. 431 Fremont St. Ream Membership 612-234-1145

Hastings, MN 55033 Anoka, MN 55303 reammembership@gmail.com

651-319-0777 763-427-8595

pehrhard@gmail.com brewer.com2@juno.com

President Elect: Treasurer: Gordon Wagner Editor: Anita Hellie

317-Waite Avenue S. 507-301-3609

Past President: John Fisher St. Cloud, MN 56301 ahellie@charter.net 1766 Linden Cove 320-249-2719

White Bear Lake, MN 55110 gmkwagner2@gmail.com

651-653-9498

johnffisher@hotmail.com

Dear REAM Members,

This President's Message sends my thoughts in so many different directions, that a nice, finely blended narrative doesn't seem possible. Along with that, my space in the July issue is limited because of important Annual Conference information. I am going to leave the current news for others to share. Instead, I plan to acknowledge

several people for their contributions made for the benefit of REAM members.

The first thing that needs to be written is, Thank you, to our Legislative Committee: Tim Moynihan, Henry Carbone, and John Fisher. They are the front line defensive team for us all. As they work on our behalf, they embody the REAM motto - "Protecting Pensions. Serving Members." By interacting with TRA, the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, and elected officials, they have been instrumental in bringing our voices to those discussions. Thank you gentlemen. Also, on the front line, are four others that need to be recognized for their contributions: Paul Ehrhard, Curt Hutchens, Don Zwach, and Don Leathers. Thank you gentlemen. Thank you also needs to be shared with the rest of the Board, particularly the Division Directors who helped to get the word out to their locals. I do want to call your attention to two fine legislative articles that will appear in the next TRA TRIB Newsletter. Marti Zins, TRA Board President, wrote an article, "Another year, no pension bill," that highlights the current situation from the TRA perspective. The cover article, "TRA financial remedies fail at legislature," does not name an author, but I'm guessing Laurie Hacking. I encourage everyone to read

the REAM NEWS, and the TRIB, for a sense of the frustration resulting from the last two legislative sessions.

Finally, I would like to recognize Chuck Hellie, REAM's Executive Director, for his dedication and work on the Annual Conference. His planning for that event should not go unnoticed. Thank you, Chuck.

Unfortunately, it seems that for the retirees, and actives, the public pension funds have become hostages in the political arena.

Lonnie

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Continued from pg 1

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 Joe Schmit, KSTP Television, Featured Speaker. “Silent Impact: Influence through Purpose, Persistence, and Passion”

Ballroom 4

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 Visit the Exhibits Foyer 12:00 Noon Luncheon Ballroom 4

1:00 p.m. – Executive Directors: Laurie Hacking (TRA), Doug 2:30 p.m. Anderson (PERA), Mansco Perry (SBI) and State

Director Will Phillips (AARP). Ballroom 4

2:30 P.M. – 3:00 Coffee, Cookies and Drawing for Door Prizes.

REAM Legislative Report Tim Moyihan REAM Legislative Co-Chair

The Legislature closed its Session after working overtime in “Special Session” to complete its work. The resulting legislation has left the watchers of Pension Policy feeling as Seinfeld once said, “It is much to do about Nothing”. No Legislation updates for TRA or PERA were passed.

The Much to Do…started in the fall of 2016 when stakeholders, including REAM, were asked for and gave input to the TRA staff and Board of Trustees. It was contentious. Many REAM Board members were involved and spoke in opposition to COLA

provisions in particular. In the END…We were heard. Adjustments were made in the proposal that would go before the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) for their consideration.

We waited to hear who would be selected by the Republican majority to sit on the LCPR, hoping on hope that relationships could be formed prior to the January 2017 Legislative Session. In the meantime, we hosted our semi-annual Legislative Conference on February 8. It was attended by forty plus persons from EdMn Retired and REAM. There were three Legislators who were invited and agreed to come. The eventual Chair of the LCPR canceled five days prior. A second Republican member did not show with no apology. Only the lone Democrat came to speak with us. Commission members were finally announced four days before the first meeting of the LCPR.

It was the Spector of things to come. At LCPR meetings, well attended by REAM and other stakeholders, testimony was elicited by the Commission. Four REAM leaders signed up. Only two would be allowed to speak due to last minute time limitation rules. A relationship was becoming evident. It was a time with meetings cancelled, no agenda items involving the TRA proposal, and directives from Republican House members to research “Pension Cost Saving” measures. A report by staff on possible measures had no connection, were not a part of the TRA proposal, and had several provisions that represent benefit reductions for present and future retirees.

Prior to entering the final month of the session, (May), many of us were asking, “What will the commission be bringing forward to include in the Omnibus Pension Bill. TRA staff informed us that a Bill had been constructed that was in No Way a measure that addressed ANY part of the TRA proposal…Something new had been crafted without a costing, without TRA input, without any testimony from anyone!! We found ourselves in a position that was UNLIKE anything we had experience before.

There was another call for testimony and again we signed up. EdMN Retired, REAM, the Committee of 13, MSBA, MMSA all gave testimony in opposition to the Bill. The common points made were no funding, no consensus, no goodness for any of the stakeholders. In the context of a billion dollar surplus, it made no sense at all. On May 3rd, the Bill went on to the Senate and the House on a 9-4 party line vote! It was the first time, in my experience, where something other than a “unanimous” vote passed the Omnibus Bill out of the LCPR.

After running its course in the Senate and the House committees, TRA was removed entirely from the Bill. That same Bill was vetoed by the Governor as it contained “Pre-emption Policy” he had promised to reject. Much was done, nothing was the result. This is the Second consecutive Session where we received absolutely no help for the health and well- being of our Pensions.

It is important to note, that there were occasions in the last hours of this process, where we put out a call for involvement to REAM leaders and members. Thank you to those who made a trip to Rally at the Capitol, despite the fact that strong thunderstorms were making

that trip difficult. Thank you, too, for those of you who made phone calls and wrote letters to the persons who represent you.

In retrospect, I would say, that the need for more active involvement has clearly arrived. It is my hope that as we look forward, we can plan for and implement new ways to propose, advocate for, and bring to fruition positive Pension Policy. We will be asking for your input to formulate these plans. We will likewise have some ideas to bring to the conversation. The Pension Landscape has changed. We need to adjust to that change!

Please note the 2017 REAM Annual Conference this year is at Grand Casino Hinckley. The Registration form is in this REAM News with deadlines for Hotel Reservations of September 3 and Conference Registration of September 10.

It looks like you will get your same COLA on January 1, 2018 as you received in 2017. The legislature voted to lower the COLA, increase the employee and employer contributions at the same rate and refused to put in the Governor’s budget increase for public pensions. The Governor vetoed the bill.

My wife, Anita and I, spent the last two weeks of May in Norway and Sweden visiting the places where our grandparents and great grandparents lived before coming to the U.S. We visited Eidsvoll where my great-great grandfather signed the Norwegian Constitution in 1814; and also his farm, near Valle, which is now a museum. We enjoy genealogy and travel and are happy we can still do it.

REAM Executive Director’s Report Chuck Hellie

2017 REAM CONFERENCE HOTEL ROOM RESERVATIONS

1. Call Grand Casino Hinckley @ 1-800-468-3517.

2. Request REAM Block of Rooms – REA9024.

3. Room Rates: $75.20 + tax (9.875%) = $82.63.

4. Have Credit Card Number ready.

5. REAM Block Rooms not booked by Sunday, September 3, 2017 are released to the public.

After September 3 any reservations will be subject to availability and at the best prevailing

rate at the time the reservation is made.

6. Room check-in is 4 p.m. Check-out is 11 a.m.

REAM LOCAL UNITS

All local REAM Units are asked to donate

a door prize

for the 2017 REAM Annual Conference

at Grand Casino Hinckley.

REAM CONFERENCE BUS TOUR

At this year’s REAM Conference at Grand Casino Hinckley there will be a Historical Bus Tour of the Hinckley area. The tour will be to St. Croix State Park where a Park Ranger will serve as a guide. However, if the weather is rainy the tour will go to the Pine County History Museum in Askov. The cost is $10.00 including bus ride and entrance

fee. Sign-up on the 2017 REAM Annual Conference

Registration Form. The bus tour departs near the hotel registration desk at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25.

Rooms are Standard King or

two Queen Beds

Memorials—July 2017

In Memory of: From:

Alan Moen Mario De Matteis $10.00

Bob Heimerl Anonymous $25.00

Denis Henry Haines Richard Fawver, Bloomington $100.00

Doris Waltz-Palmer Faribault Area Retired Educators $10.00

Dorothy Marty Stillwater Area Retired Educators $10.00

Ed Robb Anonymous $25.00

James Kittelson Faribault Area Retired Educators $10.00

Jean M. Hoisington Robert Hoisington, Shoreview $50.00

Hazel Bonse Stillwater Area Retired Educators $10.00

Lloyd Swenson Clair/Pauline Coughlin, Osseo $50.00

Maxine Rafteseth Duane Rafteseth, Hawley $25.00

Raymond Loyda Stillwater Area Retired Educators $10.00

Vi Holbrook D. Jo Gascoigne $20.00

William Tidmarsh Mario De Matteis $10.00

Gifts: Anonymous $100.00

Ben/Sharon Baratto Winona $50.00

Kevin Green New Prague $20.00

Linda Bergherr Shakopee $20.00

Sheila Mcauley Forest Lake $25.00

Memorial and Gift form on the back page.

California Rail Discovery – September 15 – 21, 2017 $2,695 Space Available

Cape Cod & the Islands – September 24 – 30, 2017 $2,195 Some Space

Spotlight on New York City Holiday – December 4-8, 2017 $3,199 Some Space

Discover Panama – February 23 – March 2, 2018 $2,895 Space Available

Great Trains & Grand Canyons – March 18 – 6 days $2,150 Stay in Sedona

Cuba – April 4, 2018 Check mnream.org for information.

Rome & Roads of Tuscany – November 6 – November 15, 2018 $3,295 double.

Featuring Rome, Florence and five nights in Tuscany.

For more information visit mnream.org or call 507-301-3609 for a brochure.

REAM CONFERENCE MEALS

Monday, September 25

Dinner – Beef Prime Rib, Slow-roasted and served au jus or Canadian Walleye, Lightly seasoned, baked and served

with lemon hollandaise.

Both Dinner Entrees are served with mixed greens, spiced walnuts, craisins, raspberry vinaigrette, potato, garden

vegetables, house-baked dinner rolls, freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee, iced tea, milk upon request, and fresh strawberry shortcake.

Tuesday, September 26

Breakfast – Country Breakfast consisting of two freshly scrambled eggs, carved pit ham with breakfast potatoes plus assorted breakfast breads, freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee, assorted teas and milk upon request.

Lunch – Sliced Roast Beef or Turkey Breast Deli Sandwich with traditional condiments and the Chef’s choice of salad. All luncheon entrees are served with freshly brewed regular and

decaffeinated coffee, iced tea and milk upon request.

Afternoon Break – Freshly baked

cookies, bars or fudge brownies plus freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Corrections Last Issue 2017 REAM UNIT CONTACTS

WINONAJane Habeck’s Phone Number is

507-450-7324

AUSTIN

Change Ramona Swenson to

Dorran Rickert 507-433-2992

2017 REAM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM *NAME (A)_______________________________ *NAME (B)_________________________________

*ADDRESS_______________________________ *ADDRESS________________________________

*CITY/STATE/ZIP________________________ *CITY/STATE/ZIP__________________________

*PHONE_________________________________ *PHONE___________________________________

*EMAIL__________________________________ *EMAIL __________________________________

Please PRINT how you want your name badge to appear !

FULL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION;

Full conference includes: registration, all meals, breakout sessions , taxes, service fees, and gratuities (not rooms)

for $95.00 . Fee after 9/10/2017 $110.00 A $ ___________ B $___________

Meal choice selection:

Monday dinner: #1 Prime Rib A________ B_________

#2 Canadian Walleye (i.e.: Person A wants #2 Canadian Walleye—Person B wants #1 Prime Rib)

Tuesday Lunch: #3 Roast Beef or #4 Turkey Breast Sandwich. A________ B ________

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: REAM TOTAL: A $__________B $___________

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PARTIAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: Partial conference includes either Monday and/or Tuesday, but does not include meals. It does include registration, breakout sessions, taxes, service fees, gratuities, and Tuesday’s snacks and door prize drawings. Fee before 9/10/2017, is $30.00. Fee after 9/10/2017 is $35.00 .

REGISTRATION A$ ___________ B$ _________ Monday dinner: $38.00 ea #1 Prime Rib A______ B______

or #2 Canadian Walleye

Tuesday Breakfast: $13.00 ea. A $ ____________ B$ __________

Tuesday Lunch: $14.00 ea #3 Roast Beef A_______ B______ A $ ____________ B$ __________

or #4 Turkey Breast

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: REAM TOTAL: A $ __________ B $__________

************************************************************************************ Photos will be taken at the 2017 Conference. Please sign that your image may appear in the REAM NEWSLETTER,

REAM Website and/or REAM’s Facebook Page.

Signature ____________________________________

____________________________________

MAIL REGISTRATIONS & CHECK TO: Kathy Ehrhard

2743 Rushmore Rd

Hastings, MN 55033- 3752

email: ms.kathye@gmail.com phone: 651-319-0777

*NAME ________________________________ *NAME _______________________________

CITY/UNIT ____________________________ CITY/UNIT_____________________________

*Required

REGISTRATION FOR HISTORICAL BUS TOUR ON MONDAY 9/25/17

Coach bus loads at 12:15 from south hotel entrance – departs at 12:30 Coach bus tour $10.00 per person.

(Cost includes coach bus, guide & admissions) A $ __________ B $__________

Conferences! I can identify with many of

you who don’t get overly fired up about going

to conferences. I suspect some of you have

never gone to one or perhaps even know all

the reasons why organizations have them.

My husband, on the other hand, signs up and

goes. I usually tag along. Over the years I’ve

really learned to enjoy the blessings of

going with him. I’ve learned a lot, met many

interesting people, and enjoy seeing them again the next year. Our state is loaded with talent and the

conferences have been one place where I’ve enjoyed such a great variety of talent on all kinds of topics

from all the different locations where the conferences have been held. The break-out sessions have

always exceeded my expectations. Again, it’s about the variety of talent. It must be because of the

good teachers these people had when they were kids in our classrooms.

I encourage you to attend our fall conference in Hinckley. Come and be an active part of an organization that is working for you. Learn

what it is doing. Show your support and learn how you can help in your community. Here’s something you might consider. This year

you might enjoy extending the days before or after the conference to a trip up the North Shore. Duluth, Two Harbors, and the Split Rock

Lighthouse and up on the North Shore are always interesting and should be getting really colorful this time of the year. Haven’t been there

recently? Go!

Come. Connect. Learn. Enjoy. It’s about you, not what you can take back to a classroom. Make it a mini-vacation.

You deserve it!

Anita Hellie

Representative Mary Murphy from Hermantown will be speaking at the REAM Conference on Monday, September 25, at 2:45pm at the Legislative Break-out Session. She is a long time member of the Legislative Commission on Pensions & Retirement (LCPR).

Sara Breeze playing Sister Amata—The Lumberjack Nun. Sara speaks at 2:45pm and 4pm in two Break-out Sessions on Monday, September 25 at the REAM Annual Conference

at Grand Hinkley Casino. Sara discusses how Sister Amata traveled Minnesota’s Northwoods to sell hospital tickets and bring medical services to lumberjacks in the early 1900’s. Kathleen Grey will speak Monday, September 25, at 4pm in a

Breakout Session on the Poor Farms of Hinkley at the Ream Annual Conference at Grand Casino.

REAM MEMORIAL/GIFT DONATION

I’m happy to enclose a $________________ gift to be used by REAM to carry forward the objectives of my organization, namely, the improvement of the civic, cultural, social, economic and professional status of its members; (and/or)

I’ve enclosed a $________________ memorial in abiding memory of __________________________________________

of the______________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter.

My Name _______________________________________or Name of Chapter____________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________________________

City State Zip

_____ Please do not print my name with Mail to REAM TREASURER, Gordon Wagner

this gift/memorial in the REAM News 317 Waite Ave. S., St. Cloud, MN 56301