It has been a busy four months since the last issue of the Call Box, both as to RSPOA activities and personally.

My wife had knee surgery in January - very successful knee surgery, by the way. I got to play caregiver for a period of time during her recovery. Not a very big issue relative to the experiences of some of our members and spouses, but, none the less, one with a big lesson. Friends showed up on our doorstep to visit with and cheer up the patient. Often they brought dinner. Sometimes they just came by to relieve me so that I could attend to meetings or other duties. It has made me mindful of how important these friends are and how important it is to reach out to our friends when they are in these situations. I often think of those members in our group that are in similar and often much more onerous situations. The lesson? Recognize that even the smallest gesture is valued and appreciated. Do more.

I guess this is a good segue into the importance of keeping the RSPOA active and growing. This organization is the place to keep those friendships, acquaintances and associates an active part of our social circle. We need to work to bring in new members as they retire and encourage the participation of all members. So, attend the next meeting. Call up someone you know that does not or seldom attends and drag them to the meeting. Oh, focus on bringing LEOFF 2 members as well.

Over the past months I have had meetings with several legislators, leaders of other LEOFF groups and DRS Director Sandy Matheson. The focus has been to track the development of efforts relative to LEOFF 1 medical benefits. This issue is still I play. DRS got $40,000 to conduct their study. We are working to ensure we have a voice in any study that is conducted. John Nordlund and I serve as the RSPOA representatives to the LEOFF 1 Coalition and in that role we both will continue to work this issue.

This last legislative session produced no raid on our system, so we are safe for a while. As always the concern remains that the various political entities will see our pension trust funds as a funding source. We will stay vigilant but are happy to note that as of this writing no particular attack is in play. The Select Committee on Pension Policy has its first meeting since the legislative session ended on April 15th. It should be interesting as there will be a report from the State Investment Board and updates on pension litigation and legislation. This is the committee to watch as it will most likely be the stage from which any new pension legislation will launch.

As you may know, the Retired Fire Fighters of Washington filed a law suit to reverse the LEOFF 1 pension premium holiday. After a second hearing on March 8, 2008 in King County Superior Court, Judge Yu denied the RFFOW motion for Summary Judgment against the State of Washington. She also denied their request for certain records from the State Attorney General citing attorney/client privilege, and their request for attorney fees. Currently the RFFOW is evaluating the possibility of filing an appeal.

Looking for a bright side on this loss the RFFOW points out that they did manage to get the State Attorney General to claim that the pension is a “defined benefit plan”. Having such a statement by the Attorney General on record does solidify the argument that regardless of the solvency of the LEOFF 1 fund, the pension benefits must be paid.

I recently had lunch with a member of the Guild negotiations team. Poor guy was tired after a long session of negotiations. But, he did report that it looked like they were finally making some progress. Since the Guild honors their promise of confidentiality in these negotiations I am not privy to any specifics, but I am certain we are all pleased to hear there is progress.

And finally – the government wants to help you. Congress passed into law the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008. Under this new law, those who file a 2007 tax return may be entitled to a payment of up to $600 ($1200 if filing a joint return), plus additional amounts for each qualifying child. In order to receive an Economic Stimulus Payment, you must file a 2007 tax return. For those members who normally do not have to file a return, the new law provides for payments to individuals who pay no income tax but have a total of $3000 or more in earned income, Social Security benefits, and/or certain veteran’s payments. Remember, in order to receive your payment you must file a 2007 income tax return.