Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I pay to renew or join MRSEA, what are the benefits to me?
A. One can come up with many other uses for the money. One answer relates to the times we live in. Inflation is increasing, taxes seem headed in the same direction, and we see our standard of living erode little by little. In addition to these factors, the recent downturn in the financial market and its effect on pension funds and the state budget is bringing renewed calls for an end to the defined benefit plans, even though MSRS’ plan is one of the healthiest in the country. Your membership doesn’t have a direct one on one impact, but it serves to make our legislators listen more carefully to our input. Numbers equal strength, and our organization is one way to be heard. By uniting in an organization, our voices will be clearly heard by policy makers. Retirees are respected because we learn, we vote in high percentages, and we care for our futures. United with thousands of other retirees your voice will be much stronger. We care about our future.
The Board of Directors strives to inform and educate through our newsletter, website and by our board members having personal contact with members throughout the state at our chapter meetings in greater Minnesota; and by adding a social aspect through our annual metro and outstate meetings.
As a direct result over the last seventy plus years, by retirees as yourself, believing in the power of numbers to advocate for retirees, we today are receiving benefits they worked to achieve, advocate and protect for and accomplish, not only for themselves but for future retirees-now it is your opportunity to assist with current retirees (yourself) and future retirees. Here are a few of our accomplishments and benefits to you.
A. One can come up with many other uses for the money. One answer relates to the times we live in. Inflation is increasing, taxes seem headed in the same direction, and we see our standard of living erode little by little. In addition to these factors, the recent downturn in the financial market and its effect on pension funds and the state budget is bringing renewed calls for an end to the defined benefit plans, even though MSRS’ plan is one of the healthiest in the country. Your membership doesn’t have a direct one on one impact, but it serves to make our legislators listen more carefully to our input. Numbers equal strength, and our organization is one way to be heard. By uniting in an organization, our voices will be clearly heard by policy makers. Retirees are respected because we learn, we vote in high percentages, and we care for our futures. United with thousands of other retirees your voice will be much stronger. We care about our future.
The Board of Directors strives to inform and educate through our newsletter, website and by our board members having personal contact with members throughout the state at our chapter meetings in greater Minnesota; and by adding a social aspect through our annual metro and outstate meetings.
As a direct result over the last seventy plus years, by retirees as yourself, believing in the power of numbers to advocate for retirees, we today are receiving benefits they worked to achieve, advocate and protect for and accomplish, not only for themselves but for future retirees-now it is your opportunity to assist with current retirees (yourself) and future retirees. Here are a few of our accomplishments and benefits to you.
- Our hard work has gained for retiree’s access to the long term care insurance program administered by the State.
- Sponsored legislation providing for retiree representation on the Investment Advisory Council of the State Investment Board and on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota State Retirement System.
- Advocated and supported for the “Bounce Back” provision for retirees to select at time of retirement.
- Provide members with a method for making voluntary contributions to a retired people’s political action fund which is used to make small contributions to state political campaigns of candidates for state offices, regardless of party affiliation.
- We are attempting to obtain better benefits for retirees in the area of health care. The State of Minnesota, unlike a majority of states, does not participate in paying any of the costs of health care insurance for retirees. We continue to seek solutions that will provide some assistance with our health care costs.
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Q. What is the Retired Persons Political Action Committee?
A. First, MRSEA makes no political contributions nor do we endorse political candidates. We are not allowed to under our constitution.
A Retired Peoples Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed in 1979 by members of the Retiree Association who wished to carry on a political and legislative action program designed to help the needs of Minnesota state retirees. The PAC was created as a separate and distinct entity. However, some of the members of PAC have always been members of the MRSEA Board. The PAC is composed of eight members who serve without compensation.
The PAC is funded by voluntary contributions. Each year when you renew your membership in THE MRSEA, you have the opportunity to make an additional voluntary contribution to the PAC. Many retirees choose to make a small donation to the PAC.
Second, with the voluntary contributions are made to the House and Senate Caucuses of the Democratic and Republican legislative caucuses. Contributions are financially equal to both parties.
The PAC does not contribute to an individual candidate. The PAC does not, and, in fact, as constituted, cannot contribute to campaign funds for Federal Offices.
The PAC Committee works to keep the legislative members informed of the concerns of our retired state employees and their survivors.
A. First, MRSEA makes no political contributions nor do we endorse political candidates. We are not allowed to under our constitution.
A Retired Peoples Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed in 1979 by members of the Retiree Association who wished to carry on a political and legislative action program designed to help the needs of Minnesota state retirees. The PAC was created as a separate and distinct entity. However, some of the members of PAC have always been members of the MRSEA Board. The PAC is composed of eight members who serve without compensation.
The PAC is funded by voluntary contributions. Each year when you renew your membership in THE MRSEA, you have the opportunity to make an additional voluntary contribution to the PAC. Many retirees choose to make a small donation to the PAC.
Second, with the voluntary contributions are made to the House and Senate Caucuses of the Democratic and Republican legislative caucuses. Contributions are financially equal to both parties.
The PAC does not contribute to an individual candidate. The PAC does not, and, in fact, as constituted, cannot contribute to campaign funds for Federal Offices.
The PAC Committee works to keep the legislative members informed of the concerns of our retired state employees and their survivors.