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FREA/LWREA—Who
are We?
Introduction/Why
I’m here: We have an identity crisis…many educators, don’t know we exist. LWREA goal the next two years is to speak with all school faculties. Why Become a Member?
Retirement
Security:How many of you belong to organizations that support and protect the future of your profession? When you retire, there is also an organization that looks out for your interests as a retiree. The Florida Retired Educators Association and LWREA are the ONLY organizations of retirees working to improve benefits and services for those who have retired. FREA, as a unified organization, uses the skills of the State Legislative Committee and the support of local Units to insure retired educators' security. They also supports Community Service activities, Retirement Planning Seminars (like the one offered each year for LCS employees), Informative/Protective Services, Literacy programs & Cultural Affairs. Health
Insurance Subsidy:
In 1999,
retirees began receiving $5 for each year (up to 30 years) worked as
an extra sum to help pay for health insurance. This subsidy was proposed and fought for by FREA. It was named the Fay Kirtland Act, a retiree who chaired the FREA Legislative Committee at the time. This is not guaranteed and we must keep our eye on it. Cost of Living Increases: A guaranteed 3% increase is paid to each retiree each year as a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This important part of your retirement benefit was, in part, the result of FREA lobbying. FREA monitors all activities relative to the Florida Retirement System, particularly the management of the Trust Fund, which now totals $105-$107 billion, and the operations of the Division of Retirement. Legislative Advocacy: The State Legislative Committee organizes advocacy on retirement issues and meets in Tallahassee during Session to discuss current issues and meet with legislators. Scholarships: The FREA STATE scholarship program is sponsored by all Units through the Florida Retired Educator's Foundation. In addition, our local unit, LWREA, gives scholarships to local students going into education. FREA and the Department of Elder Affairs: FREA works w/Department of Elder Affairs, Active Educators and AARP to provide leadership for needed legislation. A variety of Insurance Programs, Benefits and Services are offered to members. (See brochure) FREA Members provide input into decisions regarding benefits—two examples are Pet Insurance and Auto/Homeowners Insurance that were recently added to insurance offered. Community Service: Social contacts with other professionals and State leaders provide intellectual and emotional benefits to our members. Many of our approximately 12,500 FREA members serve as volunteers in adult literacy programs, school mentoring programs, hospitals and other service groups. Low Cost of Membership: $40 ($30 FREA and $10 LWREA); meeting times-2pm 1st or 2nd Tuesday, September through May. We need all retired educators to join us; the larger the representation, the more we are heard. "Every Retired Educator Needs to Join FREA and LWREA-- Not to Preserve the Past, But to Secure the Future" Suggestions for Presenters:
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