Bryan County Retired Educators (BCRE) met for their May meeting at the Choctaw Cultural Center. After a summer break, they will resume meetings in September. However, this last spring meeting focused on a legislative update from special guests, summer opportunities from Oklahoma Retired Educators Association, and planning for autumn membership recruitment.
As the end of the Oklahoma State Legislature session draws near, Oklahoma State Representative J.J. Humphries (19th District) and Oklahoma State Representative Cody Maynard (21st District) spoke about bills of particular interest to educators and retired educators. The matter of most concern to teacher retirees is receiving a cost of living increase (COLA) in retirement benefits. The Representatives explained several bills pending before the state legislature to address the needs of Oklahoma teachers. HB2193 proposes an 8% increase for pensions and capping benefits with an annual benefit over $90,000. This bill has been referred to the Oklahoma Pension Legislative Analysis for impact information. Similar bills from the Oklahoma Senate also call for increased retirement benefits, SB 90 and SB172. These proposals have also been referred for impact analysis.
In addition to legislative guests was Sabra Tucker, Oklahoma Retired Educators Association Executive Director. Ms. Tucker voiced that OREA certainly supports a COLA and HB2288 which lifts an existing thirty-six month waiting period for retiring teachers before they may choose returning to the classroom. This new measure would help the state teacher shortage of experienced educators.
Finally, selection of BCREA officers for the coming year retained the current officers: President-Jerry Goforth, Vice-President Leslie Webster, Secretary-Phyllis Rustin, and Treasurer-Tonya Lindley.
Brenda Calahan, OREA Southeast Director and Membership Chair, gave details about OREA Summer Camps. These camps provide leadership training and informative opportunities as well as member fellowship. Dates are Monday, June 9, at the Western Technology Center in Burns Flat, Oklahoma and Thursday, June 12, at the Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada, Oklahoma.
BCREA meetings will resume September 19. Any retired educator from Oklahoma is welcome to attend. BCREA and OEA keep the needs of our retired teachers in the view of our communities and our state legislators.
