The Bandera County Retired Teachers met Nov. 15 at the Dixie Dude Ranch, beginning their meeting with a celebration of the passage of Proposition 9, which approved a one-time cost of living raise for teachers who retired before 2021.
President Lynn Oliver thanked the members that worked to get the proposition passed and recommended sending emails of thanks to the legislators for their support of that proposition.
BCRTA Legislative Chair Denise Van Dyke suggested members now turn their efforts to the elimination of the federal Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Pension Offset, which limits public school teachers’ ability to collect Social Security benefits and Teacher Retirement pensions at the same time. This federal provision limits two career workers from collecting from both sources of government pension benefits. Most public-school teachers would be affected by this regulation. Firefighters and police officers are also included in the WEP.
The WEP additionally prohibits teachers from collecting Social Security spousal benefits without a large penalty. Van Dyke recommended that members contact their Congressman and Senator to express their opinions.
In other meeting business, Health and Safety Chair Doris Doebbler read a humorous selection on “Why We Shoot Deer in the Wild.”
President Lynn Oliver gave a report on the district 20 Fall Meeting in Boerne, noting over 150 members from District 20 chapters attended the meeting and 11 from BCRTA were present.
Bryan Guthrie, the Executive Director of the Teacher Retirement System, was the keynote speaker. He gave updates on benefits and upcoming legislative problems. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the connections that the chapters have made during the last year lobbying for Proposition 9.
Second Vice President Dee Anne Mazurek reported on the bake sale fundraiser on Oct. 18. She said it was “very, very successful.”
The club is planning to do another bake sale in the spring, but the date has not been set yet.
“It was a fun time. You get to sit and visit with people and get to know them. Thank you all for a very successful event,” said Mazurek.
The Book Project collected 74 books at the October meeting and Vice President Mazurek used some of the monetary donations to purchase 30 more books. Several more members donated books during the month. The total number collected so far is 832 books.
On Monday, Dec. 4, BCRTA will distribute the books to students throughout the county at Utopia, Medina and Alkek Elementary.
“The kids are always excited to get free books,” remarked Mazurek, who encouraged members to attend and help the youngsters select books.
First Vice President Linda Hunter reported on the group’s food pantry donations. She indicated the number of families who need assistance continues to grow. Hunter remarked that while the thrift store is closed for donations, the food pantry is still open for items suitable for holiday meals.
The money that the BCRTA donated to Helping Hands was used toward purchasing ten $25 meat vouchers for families in need.
Guest speaker Bandera Marshal Nancy De Foster introduced herself, spoke about her background and answered questions.
De Foster remarked she had served for 26 years in the Honolulu, Hawaii Police Department and how she eventually migrated to Bandera. She also described how she is modernizing the Bandera Marshal’s Office since taking over the position seven months ago.
After De Foster’s presentation, the meeting was adjourned, and the group ate lunch at the Dixie Dude Dining Hall.
The next meeting of the Bandera County Retired Teachers will be on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. The guest speaker will be Bandera County Judge Richard Evans.
