We note that Bill Hanson who was formally with WACOPS and recently the Executive Director of the FOP has accepted Governor Gregiore’s appointment as the Lottery Director. Bill has had a long and positive relationship with the Governor, so the appoint is really no surprise. While many people have disagreed with Bill over the years has served honorably as a lobbyist in protection the interests of both LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 members. He is well respected in the legislature, so his moving to the other side is a loss of us all. We wish him the best in his new position.  (Our apologies for listing Bill as Bob in our email.  Mea culpa.)

Jim Justin, the long time Association of Washington Cites lobbyist has just been appointed by Governor Gregorire to be her Legislative Liaison. This has to be big loss for the AWC and, in a sense, a loss to LEOFF 1 members as well. Even though the AWC is often at odds with our position on issues we have been able to work effectively with Jim. He has always been open and straightforward in his dealings. We have always been able to trust Jim’s word even if we disagreed. I sure he will serve the Governor effectively.
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Actually there is little in the the way of new information dealing with LEOFF 1 issues.  We attended the the Washington State LEOFF Education Association annual meeting in Chelan held earlier this month.  As always there were interesting presentations but all were focused on the challenges and duties of being a Disabilty Board Member. 

The presentation on Social Security and Medicare was most interesting.  It is a more complicated issue that you may think, so when you or your spouse reach the magic 65 be very careful to start planning for your medicar implementation at least three months early.  Contact your disability board and Social Security to make certain you have all of yours t's crossed and i's dotted.  A failure to do so can be very expensive.

Finally, Matt Smith, the State Actuary did a presentation of the pension system health.  You will find an article about that presentation under the Pension Watch category.

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