Recent Blogs
- Pension Funding By Jerry Taylor| 05/23/2010
- Quiet Legislature By Jerry Taylor| 01/24/2010
- Pension Health By Jerry Taylor| 01/5/2010
Recent News
Politics at Work
- Published 06/23/2010
We note that Bill Hanson who was formally with WACOPS and recently the Executive Director of the FOP has accepted Governor Gregiore’s appointment as the Lottery Director. Bill has had a long and positive relationship with the Governor, so the appoint is really no surprise. While many people have disagreed with Bill over the years has served honorably as a lobbyist in protection the interests of both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members. He is well respected in the legislature, so his moving to the other side is a loss of us all. We wish him the best in his new position. (Our apologies for listing Bill as Bob in our email. Mea culpa.)
Jim Justin, the long time Association of Washington Cites lobbyist has just been appointed by Governor Gregorire to be her Legislative Liaison. This has to be big loss for the AWC and, in a sense, a loss to LEOFF 1 members as well. Even though the AWC is often at odds with our position on issues we have been able to work effectively with Jim. He has always been open and straightforward in his dealings. We have always been able to trust Jim’s word even if we disagreed. I sure he will serve the Governor effectively.
Jim Justin, the long time Association of Washington Cites lobbyist has just been appointed by Governor Gregorire to be her Legislative Liaison. This has to be big loss for the AWC and, in a sense, a loss to LEOFF 1 members as well. Even though the AWC is often at odds with our position on issues we have been able to work effectively with Jim. He has always been open and straightforward in his dealings. We have always been able to trust Jim’s word even if we disagreed. I sure he will serve the Governor effectively.
Featured Articles
DO NOT SEND MONEY TO THE COALITION!
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 06/23/2010
- LEOFF I Coalition
Many of you have probably received the latest mailing from the Coalition. I have had a slew of telephone calls and emails expressing disappointment at the lack of information in that document. Specifically people are concerned to see that they spent over $49,000 of your money and provided little other information to provide any understanding of where they are spending the money.
Recent Articles
Payback Time
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 06/23/2010
- Pension Watch
The New York Times has been running a series of article dealing with the financial challenges facing local and state governments. They make for interesting reading as they point out some of dangers facing us. Fortunately, Washington State’s pension system remains in good health. See the full article for reviews of this series and links to the articles.
State Actuary Review as of May 2010
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 05/17/2010
- Pension Watch
On May 7th Matt Smith, the Washington State Actuary presented a review of the status of the LEOFF 1 Pension Plan at the the Washington State LEOFF 1 Education Association Conference. We were disappointed beause our schedule did not permit us to remain for the last day of this conference and Matt's presentation. It turns out we did not miss much.
New Report on Funded Status of State and Local Pension Plans
- By Jerry Taylor
- Published 04/13/2010
- Pension Watch
This is a general article about pension funding that was produced by Boston College. It really does not apply to LEOFF 1, at least not specifically but the article does provide a good deal of in-depth pension funding information for those who are interested in following the issue.
RFFOW President's Message for April 2010
- By Dick Warbrouck
- Published 03/24/2010
- RFFOW
Medical insurance coverage is now available through the Seattle Fire Fighters Health- Care Trust, sponsored by Seattle Fire Fighters Local 27. Recently Local 27 decided, after many years, to close the in-house office, hire an outside broker and a third party administrator, Benefit Solutions, (BSI). This caused a great concern to our members due to the short notice and the lack of an explanation, the closing of the in-house office and the dismissal of the Family Medical staff.
MEETING NOTICE: Next RFFOW meeting will be Wednesday, April 14, at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, at 11:00 am.
MEETING NOTICE: Next RFFOW meeting will be Wednesday, April 14, at the Ballard Elks, 6411 Seaview Avenue NW, Seattle, at 11:00 am.