The April meeting of Bryan County Retired Educators featured Legislative Day. President Jerrie Goforth welcomed Oklahoma State Senator David Bullard and Oklahoma State Representative Cody Maynard. Mrs. Crystal Maynard accompanied Rep. Maynard as a special guest.
Sen. Bullard addressed the topic of greatest concern to Oklahoma retired educators, a cost-of-living raise. Bullard voiced hope that COLAs were not yet “dead” for this legislative session. Support from a joint committee for a 2% increase in teacher retirement benefits makes a COLA a possibility.
Rep. Maynard voiced that as the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System approaches 80% self-funding, an 8% increase in benefits seem a “not so distant” goal. In past years, the Oklahoma legislature borrowed from the OTRS and is paying back the loan. Other topics covered by the legislators were the repeal of the state grocery tax by August and a future goal of eliminating state income taxes altogether.
Brenda Calahan, Oklahoma Retired Educators Association Southeast District Director, expressed concern by Oklahoma Educators Association members concerning SB 1513. This bill would prohibit OEA leaders from meeting with teachers in public school buildings, talking with teachers, or distributing information to teachers about opportunities in joining OEA. The author of this bill, Sen. Julie Daniels (R), said the bill is to protect educators from “coercing school districts employees…” by a union. Sen. Carrie Hicks (D), a teacher and OEA member, stated that the bill made no meaningful changes to laws already existing. After passage in the Senate, the bill will go to the House of Representatives. These restrictions by the legislature follow a statement by Oklahoma State School Superintendent, Ryan Walters, that Oklahoma Educators Association is a “terrorist” organization.
BCREA will host a special meeting, Friday, May 17, at the Choctaw Cultural Center. Lunch at one’s own expense, fun, and cultural education will be the focus. Featured speaker will be Mr. Wade Bohanon.
