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About Us
EARTA is the Elgin Area Retired Teachers Association which is a local unit of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA)
P.O. Box 5515
Elgin, Illinois 60121
Web site: http://www.earta.org
PRESIDENT: Lucy Niemeier,
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RECORDING SECRETARY: Kay Lincicome
TREASURER: Dave Wedemeyer
OUR PURPOSE IS TO:
Protect Our Pension and Benefits
Protect Our State Health Insurance Program
Maintain and improve the social, educational, economic and recreational welfare and status of retired educators
Provide an organizational framework through which retired educators can:
• continue a life of service
• provide opportunities to maintain identity with the teaching profession
• provide meaningful contact with colleagues
Keep informed of the TRS Board Activities and Legislation.
MEETINGS:
We have 5 general luncheon metings a year with a short business meeting and program.
You are welcome to bring your spouse, friend, etc. to the meetings.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
There are 5 newsletters called the “Jogger.”
In February we distribute the annual directory.
There is a Supper Club group called Epicurean Adventure.
ELGIN AREA RETIRED TEACHERS’ HISTORY
On January 8, 1958, Ruth Dalrymple, C.A. Lloyd, Glennie Morrow, Margaret Newman,
and Mary Smith met at the home of E. C. Waggoner to discuss the formation of
a local chapter of retired teachers. The purpose of the organization would be “to
keep in touch with one another and have a means of supporting beneficial legislation.” The
group wrote about 75 retirees inviting them to a dinner meeting at the local
YWCA on February 13, 1958, to hear Marjorie Cook, President of the IRTA. Thirty-two
people responded.
By-laws were approved on April 5, 1958. The name was the ELGIN AREA CHAPTER OF
THE ILLINOIS RETIRED TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION. Since then, four or five meetings
have been held each year with many programs aimed at keeping members informed
on available benefits, community services, and retired teacher legislation. In
1989, a special award was created to honor
outstanding members.
RECIPIENTS OF THE ELGIN AREA RETIRED TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
2017 Cindy Lange
2014 Barbara McGee
2013 Cliff Olson
2012 Coral Reinert
2011 Mick Williams
2010 Karen Patterson
2009 David Brown
2008 Adrienne Berna
2007 Susan Frederitzi
2006 Peggy Jurgensen
2005 Cliff Olson
2004 Jean Jederman
2003 Carol Burckle
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2002 David Brown
2001 Marilyn Foster
2000 Wanda Bather
1999 Donna & Marvin Elbert
1998 Robert Foster
1997 Jean Jederman
1996 Coral Reinert
1995 Margaret Horvath
1994 Sue Mellen
1993 Velma Walker
1992 Marie Schramm
1991 Merle Westerman
1990 Margaret Nelson
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RECENT PAST PRESIDENTS
David Wedemeyer
Irene Wedemeyer
Sändra Woolcott
Mick Williams
Adrienne Berna
Robert Skelly
Coral Reinert
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Robert Foster
Dee Houden
Carol Peek
Marilyn Foster
Carol Burckle
Peggy Jurgensen
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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
2017
$200.00 ETA Those Who Excel Scholarship Fund
2016
$300.00 IRTA Scholarship Fund
$200.00 ETA Those Who Excel Scholarship Fund
$200.00 Greater Elgin Food Bank
$100.00 District U46 Foundation
2015
$300.00 IRTA Scholarship Fund
$200.00 ETA Those Who Excel Scholarship Fund
$200.00 Greater Elgin Food Bank
$100.00 District U46 Foundation
$100.00 District 300 Foundation
2014
$300.00 IRTA Scholarship Fund
$200.00 ETA Those Who Excel Scholarship Fund
$200.00 Greater Elgin Food Bank
IRTA’s HISTORY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR RETIRED TEACHERS INCLUDES
2015 Supported state Supreme Court ruling that lawmakers couldn't unilaterally impose changes on pension benefits after someone signed up for them.
2013 A well funded legal defense fund. Negotiated a medicare advantage plan with 75% subsidized premiums. The first to file a lawsuit to protect our constitutionally protected pensions.
2012 The defeat of the proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution regarding pensions. The renegotiation of the health contracts with no sunset date for TRIP. IRTA assisted in getting the required appropriation for TRS.
2009 IRTA efforts prevented a 25 % health insurance (TRIP) premium
increase for out-of-state retirees.
2007 - 2009 IRTA grassroots efforts assisted TRS in obtaining the required
appropriation certified by the TRS Board of Trustees under the 50 year funding plan.
2005 IRTA succeeded in passing legislation (PA94-0691) which prevents
the Governor
from transferring funds from the Teacher’s Health Insurance Fund to the
General
Revenue Fund in order to help defray the State’s operating costs.
2004 Representatives of IRTA worked with the Governor to finalize
an extension of the
Teacher’s Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) with no sunset date.
2002 IRTA worked with state legislators to help resolve the retired
educators’ health
insurance crisis.
2001 Public Act 92-505 was signed into law preventing an 80% health
insurance
premium increase for retirees.
IRTA pioneered National Coalition for Repeal of Government Pension Offset and
Windfall Elimination Provision.
HB 4347 passed: 2nd elected annuitant added to the TRS Board of Trustees.
1999 IRTA helped negotiate a gubernatorial executive order improving
health insurance
benefits. Effective 7-1-2000, deductibles for both TRIP and TCHP were
drastically reduced. In addition, TCHP’s general out-of-pocket maximum
was
lowered, and coordination of Medicare benefits were improved.
1995 HB 323 increased the minimum pension from $450 per month
to $750 per month
for retirees with at least 30 years of creditable teaching service.
IRTA spearheaded legislation (public Act 88-593) which guaranteed that the
pensions would be 90% funded by 2045. |
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