Despite policy changes propelled by a Democratic Congress and a looming presidential election, retirees must remain vigilant about changes in health insurance, pensions and the threatened privatization of Medicare.

That was the message NYSUT retirees heard Oct. 9-10 as they gathered at NYSUT headquarters for the annual Retiree Contiguous Election District meeting. At the annual governance meeting, retirees set priorities for resolutions that may be forwarded to the NYSUT Representative Assembly next April in New York City.

"It's been an eventful year since we last met," said Ruth Dworkin, NYSUT at-large director, E.D. 51-52-53. "On the plus side, the Democrats did take control of Congress, but unfortunately not with enough strength to overcome President Bush's veto."

Pensions and health insurance were hot topics. Amid concerns about how the rest of the Bush administration may play out, attendees spoke of worries about inflation eroding pensions and restrictions on the purchase of prescription drugs.

NYSUT retirees are skilled in meeting these challenges, NYSUT officers said.

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi addressed the retirees, "NYSUT can go around and talk about how powerful we all are because of you and the people you represent and all the doors you knock on."

"Our retirees are really the backbone of this organization," Executive Vice President Alan Lubin added.

Many retiree members are experienced at organizing petition drives and phone banks and will do so this fall in support of candidates who support positions important to NYSUT.

NYSUT retirees are not only looking out for their own futures — they act to further the future of the working people who will follow them into retirement, Vice President Kathleen Donahue said.

"They are retirees, but they are active people," said Donahue. "They're not afraid to approach politicians and positions, and they have the wisdom to know what to ask."

State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a Rensselaer County Republican, delivered remarks. He said the audience that the Senate "has always prioritized education because it's the most important thing that happens in anyone's life."

With protecting health insurance and pensions, Bruno said, the challenge is to ensure "that promises made are promises kept." New York state, he added, has one of the best pension plans in the country, but the Senate wants to do more for retirees, such as add money for STAR, the School Tax Relief program.

"We look forward to working with Sen. Bruno, other legislators and the governor on these ideas," said Lubin.

Dworkin said, "Sen. Bruno has always been a friend of NYSUT and a friend of education."

— Darryl McGrath