Three area retired teachers Ilene Howard, Kay Horn and Kaleen Krom attended the 48th annual Representative Assembly of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association held June 19, 2013 at the Primo Banquet Center in Indianapolis.

   Robert Kraft, president called the meeting to order and Area #3 director Jim Lund, Peru gave the invocation.  Arnold Ross led in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Nancy Tolson CEO gave remarks as did Don Metsger, chairman of the assembly and election rules.  The budget for 2013-14 was presented by Dennis Bourquein, secretary-treasurer.  Nancy Tolson gave the financial statement through August 31, 2012 and this statement was in the black after some cuts and careful planning had taken place this past year.

The Community Services committee report was given by Cynthia Hiott, chairperson.  Karmin Reeves from Rochester was the recipient of an Outstanding Volunteer Award for Fulton County in Area #3.

The 2012 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Clock Award for Area #3 went to David L. Kelly from White County.  The 2012 Community service volunteer hours amounted to 8,721 hours for Fulton County.  There were 111,480 volunteer hours for all Area 3 counties which include: Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Miami, Tipton, Wabash, and White counties.

The Legislative Committee gave their report which stated the 2013 Legislative Outcomes:

House Bill 1080 – Thirteenth check passed both houses and has become law.

The budget for this coming biennium states that ALL SURPLUS over $50,000,000 will go to the Pension Stabilization Fund this year.  Next year, one-half of the surplus over $50,000,000 will go to the PSF.

House Bill 1223 - $500 monthly minimum  -This bill passed the House Labor and Pensions but was not heard in Ways and Means.

House Bill 1590 – COLA This bill passed the House Labor and Pensions but was not heard in Ways and Means.

Senate Bill 439 Military Credit Never set for hearing as was Senate Bill 442 - $500 monthly minimum and Senate Bill 525 - $500 minimum.

   The Indiana Retired Teachers Association’s membership for 2012-2013 was 20,772, which is an increase of 227 over last year.  There  were 686 out of 3,088 new retirees who joined the association and lost 551 members due to death.  The goal is always to increase the membership but based on the above numbers, the Associtionis  not moving very fast in the right direction.  Almost as many members are dying as are joining. 

   The SWEEPS CAMPAIGN results saw low entry numbers which indicated not all members participated or knew about the contest in spite of newsletter articles and e-mails to presidents and membership chairs.  The good news.  The winners were Elmer Brames, Ilene Howard, from Fulton County, and Carol Patterson who received their prizes at the Legislative Brunch.  To challenge all members further, the SWEEPS will continue for another year.  The change is the local chapter that has the greatest percentage of newly retired members will be given the cash prize.  The contest will begin on June 20, 2013 and end on March 1, 2014.  There will be a drawing for the individuals who get NEW retired educators to join IRTA, and one for those who get NEW Associate Memberships.  ALL local chapters need to get behind the SWEEPS contest.  Come on Fulton County!

   The Indiana Retired Teachers Foundation funds eight college scholarships for selected students selected by the Scholarship committee.  The Committee is exploring the following:  Helping Hand-Assistance to IRTA members experiencing a financial hardship

Committee Grants – One-time grants to IRTA committees to assist them in fulfilling their missions

Teacher Grants – One-time grants to active teachers who foster creativity in the classroom.  The Foundation receives no monetary support from member dues.  The Foundation relies primarily on the generosity of IRTA members for its funding.  One suggestion was a one dollar member donation from each county RTA group.  Several groups do this already every year.  Also, IN MEMORY OF donations recognizing those who have passed during the year.Gifts and bequests from individuals, families, and groups and participation in the new travel program.  Travel with friends and support your Foundation at the same time.

   The Public Relations Committee report recognized award winners for the year 2012.  Fulton County in Area 3 was the only county to receive an award.  Kay Horn accepted the Outstanding Press Release and the Website Honorable Mention certificates for Fulton County.

   The Scholarship winner from Area #3 is Colin Ryan Warner, from Tipton.

The Necrology Report given by Marjorie Crews included three Fulton County members.  E. Parke Baxter, Virginia Gady-Kinsel,and Nancy Moore.

   New officers for IRTA  were installed by Nancy Tolson and Peggy Mellish.  Carol Grieser of Goshen is the new president, Jane Boultinghouse from Rockport, is the new secretary-treasurer; and A. Dennis Bourquein is president-elect.  Jim Lund, Peru was installed for a second term as Area #3 director.

  After the luncheon the Broad Ripple High School Choir entertained and awards were handed out. 

The 48th Representative Assembly was adjourned.