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What's New at PROFAM Please Watch Your Mail Box for Your Ballot - Complete and Return or Use the Instructions to Vote On-Line.
We encourage retirees to vote and share the information provided. Make your choice for the person you believe will best serve the interests of current and future retirees.
Ballots for the retiree representative to the PERS Board of Trustees will be mailed out on March 17, 2023. The deadline for receipt of ballots is April 21, 2023.
The candidates for RETIREE REPRESENTATIVE are Bonnie Granger and George Dale.
Having retired members on the PERS Board that support maintaining existing benefits of PERS for current and future retirees is critically essential.
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MRPEA is providing Candidate Qualifications, Candidate Surveys, and historical information about the recent vote of the PERS Board to increase employer contribute rates:
Bonnie J. Granter (Ocean Springs)
-Loyola University School of Law, Juris Doctorate
-The University of Southern Mississippi, master's
-Hattiesburg Public School District, chief financial officer
-Certified Public Accountant
-Attorney, Mississippi, and LouisianaI have vast knowledge and experience in government finance. My career began with the State Auditor's Office and transitioned into public school district finance, where I served three districts as Finance Director. I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi and my law degree from Loyola University. I am a licensed CPA and an attorney in Mississippi. My experience gives me an unparalleled advantage in understanding the PERS system. I strongly support maintaining both the health and member benefits of the PERS system for current and future retirees. Thank you for your support.
George R. Dale (Clinton)
-Mississippi College, master's
-Mississippi Department of Insurance, commissioner
-Moss Point High School: teacher, coach, and principal
-Administrative Assistant to Governor Bill WallerI am completing my first term as a member of the PERS Board. It has been an honor to serve. During my term, I have not missed a board meeting. When I started on the PERS Board, we had a cash reserve of approximately 26.5 billion dollars. That amount has increased to around 36 billion dollars. This board has been very conservative with your retirement funds. I have championed the idea that retired teachers collect their pension but be allowed to work under contract with the public school system. I would appreciate your vote.
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Recent vote of the PERS Board to increase employer contribution rates: At its meeting on December 20, 2022, the PERS Board, based on recommendations of the system’s actuaries and staff, voted to increase employer contributions to make PERS benefits sustainable now and into the future. An excerpt from the PERS Board Meeting Minutes that includes the vote of each member is below for your review.
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Minutes | Board of Trustees
Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi
December 20, 2022 | PERS Board Room
Page 4
Motion: To increase the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi employer contribution rate from 17.4 percent to 22.4 percent as of October 1, 2023.
· Made by: McCoy.
· Seconded by: Hanna.
· Discussion: None.
· Voting for: Benson, Breland, Hanna, Howard, McCoy, Rutledge, and Smith.
· Voting against: Dale, Graham, and McRae.
· Absent: None.
· Duly Passed
Candidate Surveys:
Questions
George Dale’s Answer
Bonnie Granger’s Answer
Do you philosophically support defined benefit plans vs. converting to a 401-K plan?
Yes
Yes
If elected, will you support the State maintaining the current retirement system benefits including the Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA)?
Yes, unless necessary to save the plan
Yes
Do you believe that benefits should ever be reduced for:
Existing Retirees?
No
No
Current Retirees?
No
No
Future Retirees?
No
No, unless no other option
Do you support adjusting employer contribution rates in accordance with the recommendations of the actuary and state law should that become necessary in the future to maintain the current solvency of the system?
Yes. While actuary recommendation is important, there are many factors to consider.
Yes
VOTE "NO" TO HOUSE BILL 605
Call your Mississippi House of Representatives NOW! Vote "No" on House Bill 605
If voted into law, this bill would allow the legislature to have veto power over the PERS Board. It would greatly hinder the PERS Board's ability to make fiscally responsible decisions for the system and allow the legislature to tie the Board's hands when making contribution increases.
This bill affects ACTIVE members just as much as it would retired members!
We cannot overstate how dangerous this would be for the health of the PERS retirement system. We ask you to call your legislators and let them know that, as a PERS member, you do NOT support this bill!
NOTE: The legislature already has representation on the PERS Board and this member is present when votes occur. The Legislature is completely aware of any decisions made in PERS Meetings!
Please share this with your friends and neighbors and encourage them to call as well!
Link to the Mississippi House Roster: http://www.legislature.ms.gov/legislators/house-roster/
Link to Mississippi House Bill 605: https://legiscan.com/MS/bill/HB605/2023
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June 1, 2023: UPFFA of Ct. members from across the state participated in Fire Service Day at the State Capitol, Hartford, CT.
06/03/23 - UPFFA
June 1, 2023: UPFFA of Ct. members from across the state participated in Fire Service Day at the State Capitol.Members were introduced and recognized during the opening of the House of Representatives session this morning and lobbied members of our legislature about the importance of cancer protection for firefighters.Met Life Dental Registration
06/02/23 - IAFF Local 274
Passport To Safety 2023
06/01/23 - IAFF Local 1164
Our annual Passport To Safety Event is approaching fast. Saturday June 10th at 10am at Police and Fire headquarters 15050 Farmington Rd.
06.04.2023 | Grand Old Day 2023
05/31/23 - IAFF Local 21
08.28.2023 | Local 21 Fill the Boot Golf Classic NEW DATE!!
05/31/23 - IAFF Local 21
IAFF Center of Excellence Upcoming Webinars
05/30/23 - UPFFA
Friday Update 5-26-23
05/30/23 - IAFF Local 1014
Friday Update 5-19-23
05/30/23 - IAFF Local 1014
Friday Update 5-12-23
05/30/23 - IAFF Local 1014
06.28.2023 Volunteers Needed | Local 21 Gillette Carnival
05/30/23 - IAFF Local 21
Memorial Day 2023 | Thank You
05/26/23 - IAFF Local 21
This Memorial Day, Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 honors our military members and those in Public Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you.May 25, 2023: West Haven Fire Fighters, Local 1198 Workers’ Compensation Education Seminar
05/25/23 - UPFFA
Info on HB 106-Increase in Public Employee Pension Max
05/24/23 - Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters
Dear Union Brothers and Sisters, During this year’s 2023 NM Legislative Session, Representatives Eliseo Lee Alcon, Patricia Roybal Caballero, William “Bill” R. Rehm, Harlan Vincent, Luis M. Terrazas and Alan T. Martinez sponsored House Bill 106: Increase in Public Employee Pension Max.Local 21 Regrets to Announce the Passing of Retired Firefighter Tom Bilek
05/23/23 - IAFF Local 21
Vote for Proposed Constitution & Bylaw Amendments
05/23/23 - Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters
Attention Members: The IAFF Local 244 Election Committee has called for a secret ballot vote to be held during the July General Membership meeting on July 13, 2023, beginning at 10:00a.m. to adopt proposed Bylaw Amendments.Taxpayers Unlimited - June 20, 2023 General Election Endorsements
05/23/23 - IAFF Local 42
2023 | Memorial Day Service
05/23/23 - IAFF Local 21
MDA Summer Camp
05/20/23 - Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
Happy Friday All! We hope you can join us for MDA Summer Camp, the RSVP date is rapidly approaching, please let me know if your department plans on attending: You asked for it and it’s back….Fire Fighter Day at MDA Summer Camp! I hope you all can join us at camp for some fun activities and more.
2023 Amendments to the MPFF By-Laws
05/19/23 - Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
Dear Local Officer: Pursuant to Article X, Section 2 of the MPFF By-Laws By-Law changes must be submitted to the office by the end of business no later than August 6, 2023. ARTICLE X AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS SECTION 1: This Constitution may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present at a Convention. SECTION 2: Any proposed By-Law change shall be sent to each Local no less than 30 days prior to the Convention at which the voting will be held. Any Local wishing to submit a change shall send it to the Secretary/Treasurer no less than 45 days prior to said Convention. The Constitution and By-Laws Committee may initiate and submit amendments to the By-Laws upon majority vote of the Committee with a 30-day notice to each Local. SECTION 3: Any alteration and/or amendment to these By-Laws that is proposed in accordance with Article X, Section 2, shall be offered for disposition no later than the Convention’s noon break. The proposed alteration and/or amendment may be discussed and/or amended from the floor, provided said amendment is approved by 2/3 vote of the delegates present before the vote is cast on the question. Fraternally Tom Clark Secretary-Treasure Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
2023 MALTS and Convention Save the date
05/19/23 - Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
SAVE THE DATE September 20-21, 2023 Good afternoon MPFF Members, We are excited to announce we will be having our combination MALTS & Convention again this year. Our host this year is Austin Local 598. MALTS and the Convention will be held at the Austin Holiday Inn and Convention Center. MALTS will be held on Wednesday September 20, 2023.
2023 MSCFF Robert Palmer Golf Tournament
05/18/23 - Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters
The 2023 Robert Palmer Invitational is scheduled for June 21st, 2023 at Drumm Farm Golf Club in Independence, Missouri. Here is a link to the MSCFF Golf Tournament website and Registration is NOW OPEN.Kehoe for Governor Kickoff Event
05/18/23 - Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters
MSCFF members from throughout the state were proud to attend the kickoff event for Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe’s 2024 run for Governor of Missouri.May 24, 2023 | MN Twins versus SF Giants
05/18/23 - IAFF Local 21
IAFF/BCFD TA'd CBA Article 37-Information
05/15/23 - Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters
The IAFF Local 244 County Chapter Negotiating team has reached a tentative agreement with Bernalillo County for Article 37: Compensation of the CBA as of today, May 14th, 2023. We strongly encourage all members to attend one of the upcoming scheduled in-person informational meetings for additional information.05.14.2023 | Happy Mother's Day
05/13/23 - IAFF Local 21
Your Saint Paul Firefighters would like to take a moment to recognize and honor all Mothers on this important day, and an extra special thank you to those Mothers that are part of our fire service family. Shout out to Moms that are firefighters, Mothers of firefighters and Moms that are at home when the firefighters are answering the calls for service. Thank you.05.25.2023 | Saint Paul Saints Military Night
05/13/23 - IAFF Local 21
Bennett FF L5090 Clay Shoot
05/12/23 - Colorado Professional Fire Fighters
The Bennett Firefighters Local 5090 Annual Clay shoot supporting the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Foundation is scheduled for September 23rd from 0800-1300. This year we have added an IAFF Local price with promo code "iafflocal". We will also have a top local team prize. Attached is the flyer with further information and here is the registration link.
Community Smiles Donation
05/10/23 - Waukesha Prof. Fire Fighters
May 10, 2023 – Charitable Donation Donation of $2,500.00 to the Community Smiles Dental, Waukesha Wi. The Professional Fire Fighters for Community Outreach And Safety presented a donation of $2,500 to Community Smiles Dental in Waukesha today. This is an opportunity for the PFFCOAS to achieve their mission of building a stronger and healthier Waukesha.
Local 794 Position Statement for Fire Chief
05/10/23 - Newport News Firefighter's Association
Letter of Thanks and SupportLocal 21 Regrets to Announce the Passing of Retired Fire Captain Jim Hafner
05/10/23 - IAFF Local 21
Vote results for constitution change
05/10/23 - IAFF Local F282
The results for the mail in vote to change the wording in the constitution are 19 yes votes, 2 no votes and 15 returns invalidated. Thank you for voting and supporting the change.August 28th - 29th Annual DFFA Burn Fund Golf Outing
05/09/23 - Detroit Fire Fighters Association
2024 48/48 4-8 Seven Group Calendars
05/08/23 - International Association of Firefighters
2024 group calendars are available in the Member Resources section.
Friday Update 5-5-23
05/08/23 - IAFF Local 1014
Friday Update 4-28-23
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7.10.2023 | Stop Drop and Reel
05/06/23 - IAFF Local 21
Lebanon Local 1952
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Lebanon Local 1952's CBA for 2022-2025 has been added to the contract area of the website.New CBA's posted for L4791 Wyomissing and L840 Luzern County
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New CBA's for Wyomising L4791 and Luzern County L840 departments Edwardsville, Larksville, and Kingston have been added to the contract area of the website.Local 21 Charitable Gaming Information
05/05/23 - IAFF Local 21
Brothers and Sisters. Local 21 Charitable Gaming Organization needs your help. Please read the link provided and contact your legislator to express opposition to the change. Local 21 membership will be heavily impacted if these changes go into effect.2023 Memphis Charity Golf Tournament
05/05/23 - Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association
We’re pleased to announce the 2023 MFFA Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Monday, September 25, 2023, at Mirimichi. 100% of the proceeds from this golf tournament benefit the Firefighters Burn Center at Regional One Health here in Memphis.05.09.2023 | Conway Community Center Volunteers Needed
05/05/23 - IAFF Local 21
Brothers and Sisters Briney Baker is looking for volunteers to assist at the Conway Community Center with an Athletics Event. To sign up click HERE and for more info click on the picture. Thank you.Hays Local 2119 event
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Contact Trustee Brandon Woods for more information.May 2023 | Election Results
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Please keep the Bidon family in your thoughts and prayers!
05/04/23 - IAFF Local 21
Please keep the family of Inver Grove Heights Officer Ben Bidon in our thoughts and prayers. The Bidon family and SPFD Capt. Luke Ritchie’s family are very close and grieving at this time. Click HERE if you would like to support the Bidon Family.PFFM LOTTERY
05/01/23 - Cambridge Fire Fighters
May 16th 2023 | Local 21 Motorcycle Ride
04/27/23 - IAFF Local 21
May 2nd or 3rd, 2023 | IAFF Local 21 Bylaw Change Vote
04/26/23 - IAFF Local 21
Voting on a proposed amendment to the Local 21 Constitution and Bylaws.
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