-
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
_____________
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
Paused
2023 Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut Scholarship Recipients
05/26/23 - UPFFA
We are pleased to announce the 2023 Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut Scholarship Recipients: 2023 Michael C. Osiecki Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Cassanda G. Mastroianni South Fire District, Local 3918 2023 George Crowley Memorial Scholarship Recipients: Caitlin D. Dube Southington, Local 2033 Gabrielle V.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
Tom Kiurski Retirement Party
05/22/23 - IAFF Local 1164
@media only screen and (max-width: 730px){ .pdfview{height:500px .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 Fill the Boot Golf Classic
05/19/23 - IAFF Local 21
That time of year is coming up! Snow will soon be gone, so dust off your golf clubs, grab 3 friends, and sign up for IAFF Local 21 Annual Fill The Boot Golf Classic! Spread the word, and join the fun.2023 Notice of Nomination for Office
05/19/23 - Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters
Dear Local Officer: Pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 of the MPFF By-Laws ARTICLE IV OFFICERS SECTION 3: In order to be eligible for nomination to an elected position of the MPFF, a Delegate who is a member in good standing of a Local who has maintained membership affiliation over the previous 12 months, must register their intent to seek a specific office no later than 60 days prior to the election and no earlier than 120 days prior to the election. Notice of election must be given and posted 30 days prior to the close of the registration of intent. Registration shall be considered complete by sending a signed letter of intent to the Secretary/Treasurer by US mail or other parcel service in which a time and date stamp of parcel is available or by electronic filing in which a signed copied letter is attached to the communication within the specified time period. The Secretary/Treasurer shall reply to the communication by mail, parcel, or electronic receipt. A candidate may include a fact sheet or resume for the Secretary/Treasurer to obtain information to include in a mailing to all Locals identifying the candidates. In the event no letters of intent are received within the specified time period, the MPFF Executive Board shall have the authority to determine an election procedure for those specific positions. Nomination dates are as follows; No earlier than 120 days from election (May 22, 2023) and no later than 60 days before the election (July 21, 2023) Nominations for the following MPFF offices are being accepted: Central District At-Large/Trustee 1-Year term Interim Central District Vice president 1-Year term Interim Southern District Vice President: 3 -Year term Southern District At-Large/Trustee: 3 -year term
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.
FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT FF MCVOY'S BROTHER IN LAW
05/18/23 - Cambridge Fire Fighters
Brothers and Sisters, The fundraiser below is to support FF McVoy's brother-in-law, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. He has been a Malden Firefighter for 20 years. He's married with 3 kids (1 is a freshman in high school, 1 is graduating high school and going to college, and 1 is currently in trade school). Your support would be greatly appreciated.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
Birthday
05/17/23 - IAFF Local 1164
@media only screen and (max-width: 730px){ .pdfview{height:500px .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.05.25.2023 | 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.
Donald (Pinky) Folsom
05/12/23 - IAFF Local 1164
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of the Livonia Fire Department's second member, retired Battalion Chief, Donald "Pinky" Folsom. BC Folsom passed away Thursday May 11th at the age of 100 with his family by his side. Please keep Pinky and the Folsom family in your prayers during this time of sorrow. Rest in peace. You will be missed.SAVE THE DATE 6/11/23: FIREFIGHTER'S MEMORIAL SUNDAY
05/11/23 - Cambridge Fire Fighters
All members, Firefighter’s Memorial Sunday is June 11th at the Cambridge Cemetery: Formation 0900 Procession 0915 Ceremony 0930 Gathering to follow at Conley's Pub & Grille (164 Belmont St, Watertown). On duty companies and apparatus that will be involved in the ceremony will be announced in a future official announcement.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.
05.08.2023 | Saint Paul Fire Department Promotional Exam Announcement
05/10/23 - IAFF Local 21
05.08.2023 | Saint Paul Fire Department Fire Captain Promotional Exam announcement Click HERE for full description and detailed information.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.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
05/08/23 - IAFF Local 1014
7.10.2023 | Stop Drop and Reel
05/06/23 - IAFF Local 21
Lebanon Local 1952
05/05/23 - PPFFA
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
05/05/23 - PPFFA
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
05/04/23 - Kansas State Council of Fire Fighters
Contact Trustee Brandon Woods for more information.May 2023 | Election Results
05/04/23 - IAFF Local 21
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.PFFNH Financial Seminar
04/26/23 - PFFNH
@media only screen and (max-width: 730px){ .pdfview{height:500px .Save the Date: 2023 TPFFA Convention
04/26/23 - Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association
Save the Date 2023 TPFFA Convention The 2023 TPFFA Convention will be held Wednesday, October 11th thru Friday, October 13th in Murfreesboro, TN. More information is forthcoming.2023 Bubba Jones Golf Tournament
04/26/23 - Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association
Reservations for Embassy Suites Online here.New Castle Local 160 CBA 2023-2027
04/24/23 - PPFFA
New Castle Local 160's CBA for 2023-2027 has been added to the contract area of the website.
Read More...