Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to all active and retired teachers:

If you have been on the sidelines up to now on the pension crisis discussions and meetings, now is the time to make your voice heard. It appears there will not be a special session to address the issue, but it has been promised by our legislative leaders that it will be the first item of business on Jan. 2 when they convene. Committees are meeting and can bring the bill to the floor on the first day and have it as law by day five. As yet, no one seems to know anything about a new proposal, so remain vigilant. By sheer numbers alone have we been able to stop the disastrous bill that was proposed. We need you, your family and your friends to call the legislative hotline in Frankfort ((800) 373-7181) each day if possible and leave a message for your legislators or all legislators to:

• Keep defined benefits

• Keep governance of pension system under TRS (independent and non political)

• Do not freeze COLA’s (it is illegal under our contract)

P.S. Public employees can also call this number about their pension as well. You do have an influence on what happens in Frankfort.

Thank you,

Peggy Orberson

President, Lincoln County Retired Teachers