Dear RSA Members, Friends and Colleagues,
Greetings to all our members’ friends and colleagues. We are finally moving into the Summer Season with all the enjoyable activities associated with summer.
Children are out of school and family vacations will soon be taking place. Let’s all try to have a safe, enjoyable, and healthy summer.
Legislatively we are bringing our “A” game to Albany. All bills are numbered and we have several sponsors for our legislation. Our organization in conjunction with the National NYCPD 10-13 Organizations Inc., and The Alliance of New York Public Retiree Organizations (of which we are a member organization) has been lobbying our representatives in Albany. Our legislative representative Frank Martarella has worked tirelessly on behalf of our organization, and the National 10-13 he heads, to move these bills along. Of particular interest to us are the Health Insurance Protection bill, which is a no cost item, and the Veterans Supplemental bill. There are also several COLA improvement bills. Any of which we are desirous of seeing signed into law. Recently we asked our membership to make calls to various legislators asking them to support our bills. The legislative session ends on June 18th.
It seems that from time to time we must remind each other to consider the source of information we receive over the internet, before disseminating it or for that matter believing it. Too often we see information on a subject which may be incomplete or completely incorrect. People pass it along the internet without first checking its accuracy. The result is unnecessary apprehension among our members, time and energy spent correcting the record so as to calm the fears of our retirees. A recent example is an article written by a “journalist” with an incomplete set of facts and an agenda. This article alleged that New York City could face bankruptcy in part due to funding “very generous” city employee pensions. Further that this “bankruptcy” could jeopardize retirees pensions. We have been explaining to our callers and emailers that the 5 NYC Pension funds are extremely stable and well-funded. The Police Pension fund has assets in excess of $39 Billion, plus the VSF. These funds are under the control of the trustees of the funds; our union representatives and some city representatives. These funds do not “disappear”, nor are they absorbed or confiscated by some mysterious entity. If the city was to go into bankruptcy the Police Pension Fund owns $39+Billion.
Let’s look at things realistically; the City of New York is not going bankrupt, despite its extremely poor management. How many reading this recall the 1970s NYC fiscal crisis? During that event the unions loaned the city money from the pension funds and received a very handsome return via the purchase of Municipal Assistance Corporation bonds (MAC bonds). The city returned to solvency, pension funds were repaid and we all moved on.
Please, the next time you are sent one of these “sky is falling” emails, delete it and forget it!
I wish to remind you of CCW/SAFE, RSA PROTECTOR PLANS. For any of us who carry or just own firearms these protection plans are of paramount importance. This company has been carefully veted by the RSA. We have also secured a deeply discounted premium for our dues paid members. This is important protection for every retired LEO. We live in an extremely litigious society. In addition, the anti-gun radical left is becoming increasingly aggressive. Their agenda is to discourage the private ownership of firearms and eventual confiscation. For that reason should you ever find yourself defending yourself, family member or other, and we hope you never have to, be assured you will be sued, regardless of how obviously right you may be. The idea is to cause you financial ruin defending yourself in court. The CCW/SAFE plans offered prevents this at the same time providing excellent legal protection. Regardless what state you live in these plans are extremely necessary for your financial and social wellbeing. Particularly in New York State with a Governor who demands gun owners carry large fire arms insurance protection then blocks the sale of firearms insurance in New York. I urge you to consider one of the 3 plans offered to RSA members. Should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact 2nd Vice President Bob Cotumaccio or Recording Secretary Tony Nostramo.
To kick off the summer season we have two interesting and enjoyable events:
- On Wednesday, June 26th the RSA General Membership Meeting at the Lobster Box on City Island (See elsewhere in this publication for details). We will have interesting and entertaining speakers. We will be drawing the names of our three deserving scholarship winners. Reminder to our RSA widows; you are cordially invited and urged to attend. Do not stand on the registration line. Please come directly to the registration desk and introduce yourself. A board member will escort you to a special table.
- On Thursday, June 27th the SBA Family Picnic at Nansen Park, Staten Island. This is a family event with many fun activities for children and grandchildren. And an enjoyable time for adults. For those in need of directions to Nansen Park, call SBA office at 212 431 6555 ask for Scott Nicholls, he is a Staten Island resident.
The SBA, as you know, has launched a new must mail order prescription drug procedure. This plan is designed to save money for the plan as well as our members. There has been some confusion on the part of several of our members.
We do not want any of our people to miss receiving their needed prescriptions.
Simply stated; When your doctor prescribes a maintenance drug have him send the Rx to OptumRx for 90-day supply with refills. The generic will be filled at no cost to the member. Brand named drugs will be processed the same as above, however there is a cost to you in this case. Cost is according to H&W schedule. Mail order prescription refills # 888 290 9990, customer service to assist you or answer questions 877 559 2955. If you have any special needs or issue contact SBA H&W at 212 431 6555 ask for Charlene. Of course, contact the RSA any time via phone, email or through our website for assistance. For those of us who use a Brand drug which may be expensive there is the Canadian drug plan available (Please see elsewhere in this publication).
Please try to attend the RSA General meeting on City Island on the 26th. It promises to be an interesting afternoon. And join us at Nansen Park on the 27th for the SBA Family Picnic.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer. Members of the RSA Board of Officers are always available to answer questions or render service. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your President.
Fraternally,
Patsy A. Noto
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