Legislative Brunch

NC Retired School Personnel

Lambuth Inn, Lake Junaluska Convention Grounds, Lake Junakuska, NC

April 14, 2008   9:30 - 12:00

Call to Order

Greetings

Recognition of Guests – Sylvia Hanley, President District I

Devotional and Blessing – Thom Koch, Yancey County

Welcome  – Susie Stewart, Haywood

Brunch

Legislative Information Session – Vicky Rogers, Legislative Chair, District I

            Introduction of Committee Members: Wanda Caldwell, Joyce Elliott, Noris Gentry,

                                                                         Betty Huffman, Ken Nicholson, Tom Thomas,

                                                                         Rick Wood

Speakers:

— Bruce Goforth

Discussed ways to keep the retirement fund solvent. Mentioned repayment of the loantaken from the retirement system. Noted an excess prediction of 125-140 million dollars from taxes.

— Ray Rapp commented that requests for additional funding included 385 m. for schools, 130m for colleges,     and 343 m. for the University system. A 1% raise for teachers and state employees would cost 125 m. dollars, and there are no funds allocated to “fix” the mental health system.

            Fifty-Six percent of the state budget goes to education.

            Ray commits himself to try to raise the COLA.

            He notes that of the numbers approaching retirement, 60% are Baby Boomers, making it necessary to beg people to come back into teaching.

— Pat Smathers (Candidate for Lieutenant Governor)

He is a pro education school board lawyer. Emphasis was placed on his being from Western North Carolina, and wanting to be there for us. He declares that there is need to avoid quick fixes. In consideration of our 1/3 high-school-student and 1/3 college drop out record, he presented his 6 point plan for student success:

            1- Better trained and paid teachers

            2- Better facilities

            3- Assist parental ownership of homes

            4- Assist parental employment

            5- Encourage Parents to value education

            6- Bring Technical and Vocational training to the middle school.

— Jane Whildon (Candidate for State Legislature)

            Introduced herself as a good listener, and long-time  planner.

She is retired from the Governor’s office, and has heard constituent problems. She is a mother of three children who attended public schools, and has a vested interest in education.

— Tim Moffit (Candidate for State Legislature)

He was born and raised in Buncombe County, in business for 21 years in an international consulting firm. He is the father of three boys. He notes that parents of today are not as involved as in the past. He wants to change the negatives in education, is against “No Child Left Behind.” He declares that what he is came from his teachers. He is optimistic that changes can be made by applying heat in the right places.

— David Young (Candidate for State Treasurer)

David is from Buncombe County, and has been endorsed by NCAE. He has served as a Buncombe County Commissioner for 16 years. In addition to the large budget with the county, he has be a banker with BB&T managing debt as well as wealth. He was responsible in part for the increased supplement for teachers in Buncombe. He supports keeping teachers rather than finding new ones to replace the large number of retirees.

— Tom Thomas (Candidate for House Seat 113 - Transylvania County)

Tom served 27 years as a principal. He chose to be in Western NC. Part of his philosophy is as follows: “To be successful, you need to surround yourself with the right people.” He has served in Emergency Management. He wants to gain more money for Western North Carolina. He sees a need to form a team to keep health care for employees without cost. He noted that our COLA is made without consideration of the cost of food and gas – a situation which needs to be changed..

— Paul Gobel (Candidate for House Seat 116)

Paul wants to make school “... a haven for good – for what ought to happen “ throughout the state. He has come from Henderson High School, and loved teaching and coaching.

Lacy Presnell - Legislative Lobbyist for NCRSP

            Lacy’s remarks included a brief history of the state health plan. He reminded us of the value of our two major benefits – retirement fund and health plan. He also reminded us that only three states in the USA pay the premium for health care of it’s employees. His calculation of COLA possibilities included the estimate of 115 million dollars needed to increase the COLA to 4.1%.

Vera Taylor - Vice President NCRSP

            Vera Emphasized our need for networking, and encouraged keeping up with legislative updates.

Notes by Thom Koch, Secy. District One NCRSP

Respectfully submitted,

Thom Koch, Secretary.