Are your Senators and U.S. Representative members of the Expand Social Security Caucus?Click here to find out.

FERS Retirees Deserve a Fair COLA

Congressman Gerry Connelly (VA) reintroduced legislation to equalize the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) beneficiaries. Currently, retirees under the older Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) receive a higher COLA in most years because of differing calculation formulas. For 2019, CSRS beneficiaries received a 2.8% COLA while FERS annuitants received only 2.0%.   Dubbed the Equal COLA Act, H.R. 1254 would change that formula so that everyone would receive the same higher COLA. Here is moreon Congressman Connelly’s bill.

Voter ID Laws May Disenfranchise Older Voters

Congressman Rick Larsen (WA) is concerned with the impact of voter ID laws on older voters and others who may be unfairly disenfranchised. He noted that some older voters may not have a driver’s license and find that obtaining an ID can cost $75-175. He just introduced H.R. 650, the America Votes Act of 2019 to allow voters to submit a sworn, written affidavit affirming their identity. This piece describes the troubles some older voters experience in getting required ID to vote.

From our Brothers and Sisters at the Alliance for Retired Americans

As an AFGE Retiree, you are a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans, the leading voice for union retirees. Here is a report on the Alliance’s participation in the House Ways and Means Committee’s recent hearing on improving retirement security:

“On February 6, the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Representative Richard Neal (MA), held a hearing on Improving Retirement Security for America’s Workers. The multiemployer pension crisis, the lack of retirement savings and the need to expand Social Security, as well as the need to lower prescription drug prices, were all discussed. The Alliance submitted a statement for the record for the hearing with its views on these issues.

“In light of the fact that 77% of Americans fall short of the savings target for their age, in large part because workers’ wages have been stagnant for 20 years while the cost of living has increased, Congress must take bold action to improve retirement security for all,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “We are committed to helping the new Congress find ways to address these critical issues for current and future retirees.” Read more coverage of the hearing here.

Federal Retirement Facts – Take this Quiz

Whether you are retired or getting ready to retire, it’s important to know your benefits. The answers to this quiz may help you make the best decisions.

Benefit Focus – Hotel Discounts in Time for Spring Travel

Did you know your AFGE retiree membership gives you access to discount hotel room rates? Your rates could be up to 70% lower than public online travel sites and hotel websites for over 800,000 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Learn more here.