The first meeting of 2025 for Bryan County Retired Educators was celebrated on Main Street at Integration Station café. Members joined in resolving to continue asking the Oklahoma State Legislature to grant a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to our state’s retired teachers.
Special guest and speaker was Mrs. Paula Squires, President of Oklahoma Retired Educations Association. President Squires outlined outlined legislative goals for OREA in 2025. Retired educators will be asking for a retirement benefit adjustment to offset the rising costs of living. OREA Government Relations Committee wants to protect the defined benefit plan for current and future retirees. The organization hopes to maintain a fully funded Teacher Retirement System by opposing reduction of dedicated funds and to empower TRS to invest for the highest returns to fiduciary funds.
Other legislative goals include protecting and increasing insurance benefits as well as death benefits. The OREA Board members oppose consolidation with any other state retirement system. The Board is also asking for TRS Association representatives to have voting authority.
Perhaps the most important goal for all Oklahomans is to safeguard funding for all public education levels.
Southeastern Oklahoma OREA Membership Chairperson , Brenda Calahan, shared with members that another benefit of OREA membership is access to Connect America Medical Alert Services. Connect America offers discounted service to access emergency response 24/7 with “the press of a button.”
Calahan continued that OREA is always working to protect teacher retirement; advocating for teachers at the state Capitol; striving to increase benefits; providing over site on retirement, health insurance, and pension commission boards; representing educators at legislative committee meetings; and sponsoring social activities with fellow retirees.
February’s meeting is Friday February 21, at Integration Station. Lunch begins at 11:00 with the meeting beginning at 11:30. The 2024 Oklahoma State of the Year, Rachel Keith, will be the guest speaker with Durant Independent School District’s Teacher of the Year, Lisa Sager.
