Dec 2021-Jan 2022_Advisor

CEA-RETIRED

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 CEA ADVISOR 11

BIG NEWS FOR TEACHERS AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Celebrating the announcement of a landmark Social Security bill are Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, CEA President Kate Dias, Rep. John Larson, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, and CEA Executive Director Donald Williams.

A landmark bill long championed by NEA and CEA promises to bring significant retirement benefits to millions of teachers. Introduced by U.S. Congressman John Larson, Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust would repeal Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provisions (WEP), which have penalized educators, nurses, first responders, and others by reducing the earned Social Security benefits of public employees and their surviving spouses. “For too long, nearly three million educators and other public servants have been hit with these unfair provisions, depriving them of the Social Security benefits they have earned,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “NEA is proud to Every day, public school teachers reach into their own pockets to support their students. The Henry Barnard Memorial Fund (HBMF) offers the same helping hand to retired teachers facing hardships due to disability or other financial stressors. This charitable fund— made possible through the generosity of Connecticut’s active and retired teachers, as well as bequests from estates—helps preserve teachers’

support legislation that would fix this issue and help our members retire with dignity.” “This bill helps shore up the solvency of Social Security, protecting it for generations to come,” says CEA President Kate Dias. “Congressman Larson’s efforts are greatly appreciated and are an important step toward ensuring our members receive their full Social Security benefits.” Larson, who chairs the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, unveiled his bill at a press conference November 1, where he praised CEA’s longstanding advocacy. “This is what is going to get it across the finish line,” he said. “Now teachers and municipal employees under our bill will be able to receive the benefits they’ve dignity and independence by offering financial assistance to those in need. Established in 1953, the HBMF was named after the third president of CEA, in honor of his dedication to the teaching profession. Barnard devoted his life to securing the best education for everyone through a system of public schools. The main goal of the HBMF is to help teachers stay independent—with an adequate standard of living—and

earned, because we will repeal WEP and GPO in this bill.” Noting strong support for the initiative from labor leaders, he added, “It’s the choir that leads the singing, and we have a lot to sing about.” With similarly broad support in the White House and both chambers of Congress, Larson said, the time to pass this legislation

is now. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal also acknowledged CEA’s role in fighting for the benefits educators deserve. “Teachers right now are shortchanged,” he said of the current system, adding, “We are all better off when we are all better off.”

ARE YOU A RETIRED TEACHER IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

maintain pride in themselves. The fund preserves the dignity of teachers by offering financial and other assistance in a private, professional manner. The need has changed over the years due to better salaries, but there is still a need. In this pandemic time, unforeseen problems have arisen for many. If you find yourself in need, apply today. HBMF assistance is available

only to retired teachers who are receiving benefits from the Connecticut State Teachers’ Retirement System. Applications may be obtained by writing to the HBMF, c/o Andrea Yukna, 76 Chatham Rd., Kensington, CT 06037, or Janice Grodski, 33 Canborne Way, Madison, CT

06443. You may also email ayhbmf@yahoo.com or call 860-223-5260.