Chair Talk

October 2013

On September 20, 2013, Mary Pollock, Dave Reusser and I met with Tim Easterwood to discuss a “new” consulting agreement that would take the place of the current Voluntary Benefits Solutions (VBS), America’s Professional Services Association (APSA) and the State Employee Retirees Association Coordinating Council (SERA CC). The proposed consulting agreement was discussed at the September Executive Board Meeting. After much discussion the Board instructed the committee to look at alternatives to a new agreement. There were some issues with the proposed agreement that the Board thought would not be something that the Board could decide and that a “new” consulting agreement would be decided by the CC delegates. We proposed an addendum to VBS that would recognize VBS as the entity that would be responsible for paying the free membership dues to SERA. APSA would no longer be responsible for future payments. The addendum also indicates that all articles in the original agreement would remain in effect. Tim Easterwood (VBS) agreed that the addendum to the original agreement made sense and we both signed the document on that day. Copies of the Addendum have been sent to SERA Chapter Presidents. We will be discussing the issue of a “new” Consulting Agreement with VBS at the November CC meeting.

Retirees should have received their new vision cards from Blue Cross/Blue Shield by now. If you have not received your vision cards call Blue Cross at 1-800-843-4876.

Don’t forget that the Okrie v State of Michigan lawsuit will have its first hearing:

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 2:30 p.m.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina’s Courtroom, Third Floor
Veteran’s Memorial Courthouse
313 W. Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI

Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380.