On Thursday April 14, 2011 the Michigan Senate passed House Bill 4135 by a 38 to 0 Vote. The Bill is now sent back to the House for a concurrence vote and then on to the Governor. 

I want to Thank everyone that has assisted with this legislation by writing, calling and e-mailing your legislators. Without your assistance this would not have been possible. We know that we reached this same point last year, but things are different this time. Last year we were told by the Governors staff that they were going to recommend that the Governor veto the Bill. Also a number of labor unions were requesting that the Governor veto the Bill. This time when the final vote in the Senate took place yesterday there were no organizations or Unions still actively opposing the Bill. We have also been informed by Governor Snyder's staff that he has no problem with the legislation. So we expect a different outcome this time around.

We have also been working on other issues in Lansing that affect our members. We are all aware of the proposals that are in Lansing to Tax pensions. The latest;

Under 62, your total pension would be taxed,

Age 62 to 67 if single after 20,000 if joint after 40,000 would be taxed

Age 67 and above pensions would not be subject to tax.

In addition to above all Social Security income is excluded from retirement tax

As we have been meeting with legislators regarding taxing of pensions, we found that a large number of them, including the Governor were not aware that a majority of Police & Fire retirees do not qualify for social security and those that do only receive a fraction of the amount they have earned because of the Federal Windfall Elimination and Pension Offset passed in 1985. This was not taken into account in any of the current proposals. We have been informed that this is now being looked into, and currently Senator Mike Nofs (R) Battle Creek (Retired from MSP) is working on legislation which would address the issue of Social Security and WEP as it relates to Police & Fire Retirees and the question of fairness regarding the taxing of pensions. We will continue to meet with legislators and attend the Committee Hearings to ensure that our concerns are heard.    

We have also been attending the Hearings regarding the legislation that would require all Public Employees to pay a minimum of 20% of the total cost of Healthcare. The Chairman of the committee (Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing) and the sponsor of the Bill, is Senator Jansen. I have spoken with him, and he has ensured me that Retirees are not included in the legislation and will not be affected. I did bring up our Healthcare Settlement agreement just so that he would be aware of it. Senator Jansen and Senator Colbeck asked for copies of the Settlement Agreement, which I have provided them with along with other documents. We will continue to monitor this issue as it works it way through the system.

There are a number of other pieces of legislation that may affect Retirees and Public employees that we are monitoring; these are just a few of the main ones. This is going be a difficult and interesting year with the financial condition of the State and the City of Detroit.          

As our issue regarding HB4135 comes to an end and with all active opposition by the Local Unions to our legislation having ended, I believe that it is in the best interest of our members and our association what we put the differences that we had in regards to our legislation behind us and move foreword in a joint effort in regards to the other issues in Lansing that may affect Retirees and Public Employees.            

Please sign up now if you plan on attending

Crystal Mountain Golf & Ski Resort

The RDPFFA has scheduled the annual convention arriving May 24 and departing  May 27, 2011 at Crystal Mountain Resort located at 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive Thompsonville, MI 49683 (near Traverse City). This event is a great opportunity for members to spend a little time socializing with fellow retirees, friends and family.  We will host a hospitality room each day which will include snacks and beverages along with a game room which members will be able to partake in some friendly games of chance. (cards) Each evening we will gather in the area located in the center of the Mountain Top Townhomes, for some beverages and a cookout.(We ask that you consider this area first for your accommodations) The area has a private pool and picnic area. On Wednesday we will have a short meeting with speakers that includes representatives from our healthcare providers, dental, investments and other areas of interest.

You can now go on line and book your reservation, at www.crystalmountain.com/grouplodging enter group code 45i63M (3 item letter I)we have special lodging and golf rates for our group as follows;

Guest Room $109, Hotel $119, One Bedroom Condo $169, Two Bedroom Condo $209, Two Bedroom Cottage $259, Two Bedroom Mountain Top $259, three Bedroom Bungalow $319, Four Bedroom Bungalow $369, and five Bedroom Mountainside $369, these prices are per night and do not include tax and fees. Some of these accommodations sleep up to 16 people. So gather your friends and family and share a home to reduce the overall cost.  The homes and townhouses come completely equipped with dishes, pots and pans, everything you need is for the most part provided. If you have questions call the office or call the resort at 231-378-2000 or just check out the web-site www.crystalmountain.com .

Activities on site, Golf 18 holes $40 or $35 depending on course (W/cart), 10 acre Golf learning center, indoor &  outdoor pools, Fitness Center, Tennis, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Spa, Chairlift Rides, Hiking Trails, Crystal Coaster (Michigan's only alpine slide), Mountain Bike Rental.

Nearby, Charter Fishing, Horseback Riding, Lake Michigan & Crystal Lake Beaches, Winery Tours, Canoeing, shopping, sleeping Bear Dunes Boat Cruise, and Casinos.

Rates are valid for pre and post stays, rates are for single/double for Hotel or Suite, and for single/quad for the two bedrooms or larger accommodations. Additional charge per person after the allotted number of guest.   

Only  limited accommodations were held, so you need to make your reservations as soon as possible. Space is very limited.   

There is no cost for those that live in the area and are just attending the events, but we need the names and number of guest.

On Wednesday March 23, 2011 The Senate Appropriations Voted in support of HB 4135  with a favorable recommendation,  

Twelve Senators voted in support

No one Voted in opposition

Four Senators passed. (Did not Vote)

Speaking in opposition was just one Representative from the State Fighters Fighters Assoc.

The Bill is now before the full Senate, which is on break until April 12, 2011. We expect the Bill to be brought up once the Senators return.

We need everyone to contact your State Senator and ask for their support on HB 4135. It is important that everyone contact the Leadership and ask for their support and that they move the Bill forward.      

Senate Majority Leader, Randy Richardville 517-373-3543, Fax 517-373-0927   SenRichardvile@senate.michigan.gov  P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536.

You may also want to go the senate web-site www.senate.michigan.gov and look up your Senators  additional information including e-mail addresses..

On Tuesday March 15, 2011 The Senate Appropriation Sub-Committee on Retirement Voted in support of HB 4135  with a favorable recommendation. Three Senators voted in support and one Senator passed.

Voting in Support Senators; Jansen, Caswell and Colbeck, passing Senator Hood

House Bill 4135 now will move on to the full committee on Appropriation. We need you to contact the members of the committee and the Leadership in the Senate, and ask for their support on HB4135. If we are going to be successful we must have your assistance. Those in opposition are not letting up, so we must continue our efforts. You only need to pick-up a newspaper to realize that our pension is in need of greater oversight and accountability. We must attain a voice to insure that your Pensions remain safe, and put an end to those back room deals, using your pension money.

Speaking in opposition was Representatives from the Detroit Fire Fighters Assoc and the State Fire Fighters Assoc. They referred to the DFFA current contract Act 312 arbitration, and attempted to convince the Senators that the issue could be resolved in the arbitration. We countered with the fact that all four contracts must have the same language and only the DFFA asked that a retiree to be added, the others asked for Status quo. I had a letter circulated in the House of Representatives which explains the problem with what they are saying. A copy of this letter is posted above.