Retired educators hear state updates
Retired educators met at the Russellville First Methodist Church Ministry Center for the last meeting for the Franklin County Retired Educators Association until Oct. 21.
Dr. Delania Greene, District I director of the Alabama Education Retirees Association (AERA), presented the program. She highlighted information from the Alabama legislative session that affected educators. The good news she shared was that there are no changes in the Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP).
PEEHIP is very appreciative of the funding received and recognizes the financial limitation of the Education Trust Fund budget. According to “The Advisor” publication for teachers, employees, and judicial personnel, participants should make it through 2026 and 2027 without plan changes, but in the fall of 2026, PEEHIP will begin discussions with the new governor’s staff as to how to fund PEEHIP’s 2028 costs.
Health care is expensive and costs continue to increase. The PEEHIP board and staff have no direct control over costs by hospitals, doctors, drug companies or over member utilization.
The Alabama legislative session concluded April 9. Legislators reported this year was a difficult year for funding in 2027 due to increased funding for the school choice program, reduced federal funding and state tax cuts over the last three years.
The Legislature approved retiree bonuses for state and education employees equal to $1 per month of service credit. Local governments have until Aug. 31 to adopt bonuses for their retirees. Retirees are encouraged to thank their legislators and the retiree association whose advocacy helped make these bonuses possible.
Greene gave a brief review of the AERA Leadership workshop that took place in Montgomery. The theme was “Sock It to Me!” Participants wore crazy socks and winners won prizes for the craziest and most creative socks.
The morning session included a presentation from marketing professionals. Members also heard from AERA President Peggy Mobley and AERA Executive Director Wendy Lang.
Members also attended three break-out sessions for presidents, program chairs and membership chairs. It was a fun and productive day.
Greene is an experienced Alabama educator and mathematics teacher associated with Lawrence County Schools. She has a background in mathematics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has sponsored student groups like the Junior Civitans. This is Greene’s first year as District I director, which covers Lauderdale, Limestone, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Marion, Winston, and Cullman counties.
Sandy Gibson, FCERA president, presided over the meeting. Gayle McAlister gave the devotion on the season of Easter based on “The Front Porch” books. Easter is intended to be a joyful time of hope celebrating the presence of the risen Christ.
The meeting featured a luncheon hosted by CB&S Bank. Bank employees worked with the caterer in selecting the menu and preparing the meal for the retirees.
A mug from CB&S was given to each retiree as their favor in recognition of the many years of service as an educator.
Members were reminded to turn in their community hours and to continue donating to the food bank and to keep collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.
