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By: R Matheny (USPA)

(l -r): Larry LaCorte, Bob Blare, Delegate Dale Martin, and Jim Picarella.

Charleston, WV, Feb 8, 2006 - A rally was held today at the West Virginia State Capital to bring attention to the State Legislature the many years of retirees being pushed aside. Among those in attendance were several hundred retired state employees, school teachers, members of the Coalition of Retired Public Employees, and members of the United Steel Workers Local 5668's Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) group. Collectively the groups are members of the Alliance for Retired Americans with 5668's SOAR group being the first chartered chapter in the state of WV.  Representing 5668's SOAR group were Larry LaCorte - SOAR President, members Bob Blair and Jim Picarella.  Picarella is also the Secretary/Treasure of the WV Alliance for Retired Americans.

With the unfunded liability in the Public Employees Retirement System, rate increases in PEIA and Medicare premiums and the rise in the cost of living, the group is asking lawmakers to pass legislation to assist our retirees who have continued to see the buying power of their pensions shrink.

"I think most of the folks on both sides of the Legislature know what the problems are, but they don't have to live it every day," said Earnest "Spud" Terry, President of the WV Alliance for Retired Americans and organizer of the rally.

The group is urging the passage of three bills this session to help offset the higher cost of living for retirees.  Senate Bill 294 would give up to $1,200 in tax savings for some retirees by updating a 1986 law that exempts the first $2,000 of state pensions from state income taxes.  The bill would raise that amount to $20,000.

"We got a lot of positive feedback from both the House and Senate that this would be the way to go since it doesn't muddy up the unfunded liability in the pension funds," Terry said.

Several legislators spoke at the rally including Delegate Tim Manchin, D - Marion, who told the crowds, "We will not ignore the years of dedicated service you all gave to make this state great."

The others bills up before the legislature are considered a long shot by the group.  The first is a cap on PEIA premiums. Senate Bill 267 and House Bill 4332 would put a 5% cap on rate increases on PEIA premiums, which were increased 8% on January 1 and are scheduled to go up another 17% on July 1.  The second is a one-time pay supplement. Senate Bill 458 and House Bill 4372 would give a one-time supplement equal to 5% of retirees' current pensions.  In September the Legislature set aside $10 million for a one-time bonus for retirees, but has not acted on legislation this session which is needed to allocate those funds.