RUSSIAN RIVER CURRENT May-June 2018 Sonoma County Division 39 California Retired Teachers Association-Serving Retired Educators Since 1929 Core Purpose: To Enhance and Protect the Benefits of Retired Teachers Co-Presidents’ Message One CalRTA member has suggested a soluon to the frustraon of calling ulity companies and being placed on long hold periods with canned music. If you go to their web site and to “Contact Us,” many will offer “Chat.” These services ensure communicaon in English, with no heavy accents and you have me to think before you type your queson or response. If you have not been to the state web site recently, please do so and check out the new CalRTA Advocacy Acon page. It is an easy way to keep up on legislaon that affects us all. The aack on the “California Rule” including support for it from Governor Brown is scary. In addion, there are negave aspects of the Trump tax reform bill which will affect seniors as we file next year. One of the most devastang is the repeal of the medical expense deducons. While many seniors already struggle with high health care costs, this repeal could potenally cost (Connued on page 2) Greengs on this glorious Sonoma County spring day! Hard to believe we are already at our last president’s message for this school year. We hope all of you are looking forward to a rewarding summer of travel, social acvies, gardening and whatever is your pleasure in rerement! As this message comes to you, six of your board members and division leaders will have just returned from the state conference. The approval of the new budget, many improve- ments in informaon technology and, of course, membership recruitment are among the conference sessions. We will make short reports at the luncheon in June. On March 27 Carole and I aended the spring leadership workshop graciously hosted at SCOE by Area 1 Director Bey Silva. This year has seen a major tech overhaul in the services offered by several state commiees. We were given a preview of some of the tutorials which will be available to all members on the state website in July. These tools may prove helpful to you in many of your other volunteer acvies as well. Aendees were also treated to an interacve session on Robert’s Rules of Order presented by our very own, Mark Allen. Again, anyone who might want a copy of the “cheat sheet” guide Mark prepared should contact him. The guide is easy to follow and provides how-to ps for running a meeng and for record keeping. As the polical rhetoric heats up in this new elecon year, we wanted to alert you to several important issues. California has a new same day registraon (SDR) law that allows voters who miss the 15-day voter registraon deadline to register and vote in the two weeks before and on Election Day. However, the new rule requires those eligible to register at their county elecons office, which for many is not an opon. California has some 5.5 million people who are eligible to vote but are sll not registered. You can express support to ensure this legislaon lessens barriers to registraon at hps://vote.peoplepower.org/CA. IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events Page 2 March Board Meeng Page 3 Legislative Update; June Lunch Page 5 Luncheon Form Page 7 Membership Page 8 Insurance News —Pet & Long-Term Care Page 9 Legislave Contacts Page 11 Officers & Commiee Chairs Page 12
Transcript
RUSSIAN RIVER CURRENT
May-June 2018
Sonoma County Division 39 California Retired Teachers Association-Serving Retired Educators Since 1929
Core Purpose: To Enhance and Protect the Benefits of Retired Teachers
Co-Presidents’ Message One CalRTA member has suggested a
solution to the frustration of calling utility companies and being placed on long hold periods with canned music. If you go to their web site and to “Contact Us,” many will offer “Chat.” These services ensure communication in English, with no heavy accents and you have time to think before you type your question or response.
If you have not been to the state web site recently, please do so and check out the new CalRTA Advocacy Action page. It is an easy way to keep up on legislation that affects us all. The attack on the “California Rule” including support for it from Governor Brown is scary. In addition, there are negative aspects of the Trump tax reform bill which will affect seniors as we file next year. One of the most devastating is the repeal of the medical expense deductions. While many seniors already struggle with high health care costs, this repeal could potentially cost
(Continued on page 2)
Greetings on this glorious Sonoma County spring day! Hard to believe we are already at our last president’s message for this school year. We hope all of you are looking forward to a rewarding summer of travel, social activities, gardening and whatever is your pleasure in retirement!
As this message comes to you, six of your board members and division leaders will have just returned from the state conference. The approval of the new budget, many improve-ments in information technology and, of course, membership recruitment are among the conference sessions. We will make short reports at the luncheon in June.
On March 27 Carole and I attended the spring leadership workshop graciously hosted at SCOE by Area 1 Director Betty Silva. This year has seen a major tech overhaul in the services offered by several state committees. We were given a preview of some of the tutorials which will be available to all members on the state website in July. These tools may prove helpful to you in many of your other volunteer activities as well.
Attendees were also treated to an interactive session on Robert’s Rules of Order presented by our very own, Mark Allen. Again, anyone who might want a copy of the “cheat sheet” guide Mark prepared should contact him. The guide is easy to follow and provides how-to tips for running a meeting and for record keeping.
As the political rhetoric heats up in this new election year, we wanted to alert you to several important issues. California has a new same day registration (SDR) law that allows voters who miss the 15-day voter registration deadline to register and vote in the two weeks before and on Election Day. However, the new rule requires those eligible to register at their county elections office, which for many is not an option. California has some 5.5 million people who are eligible to vote but are still not registered. You can express support to ensure this legislation lessens barriers to registration at https://vote.peoplepower.org/CA.
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar of Events Page 2 March Board Meeting Page 3 Legislative Update; June Lunch Page 5 Luncheon Form Page 7 Membership Page 8 Insurance News —Pet & Long-Term Care Page 9 Legislative Contacts Page 11 Officers & Committee Chairs Page 12
The Book Club meets the third Thursday of the month at a res-taurant or sometimes a member's home. We have lunch and then talk about the books we have read.
For more information contact Diane Lange .
May—June 2018, Page 2
Calendar of Events:
May & June 2018
MAY 2 CalRTA Board Meeting—SCOE
@ 9:00 am
May 5 Cinco De Mayo Day
May 5 Kentucky Derby Begins
May 9 National Teacher Day
May 13 Mothers Day
MAY 17 Book Club Meeting
MAY 18 Membership Mtg. 10:00 Carrows
MAY 23 JUNE 5TH LUNCHEON
RESERVATION DUE
MAY 25 FAIRNESS FRIDAY
May 28 Memorial Day celebrated
June 1 National Donut Day
JUNE 5 CalRTA LUNCHEON @ 11:30 am
Foxtail Golf Club, Rohnert Park
June 8 National Best friend Day
June 14 World Blood Donor Day
June 14 Flag Day
June 18 International Picnic Day
JUNE 21 Book Club Meeting
June 21 Summer Begins
JUNE 22 FAIRNESS FRIDAY AUG 5 RRC Newsletter Articles Due to Diana Drew-Ingham
SEP 5 CalRTA Board Meeting—SCOE
@ 9:00 am
the oldest, most-at-risk, and those living on fixed in-comes dearly. At Advocacy Day, Area I government re-lations representative, Lloyd Gillespie, reported that almost 45,000 retired teachers in California exist at or below the national poverty level!
Use the link https://calrta.org/advocacy-action/ to register your opinions and demand action from your elected officials. Let’s all find our voices. Seniors have time, experience, and power!
.
Co-Presidents’ Message (continued from page 1)
Newsletters: by “Snail Mail” or Email???
If you wish to save trees and give up your “snail mail” copy for email only, OR if you do NOT want an email copy (only “snail mail”) t h e n c o n t a c t D i a n a and leave a message of your desires.
Any other problems with mail or email—contact Diana as above.
Warmly, Carole and Caren
Quilt Scholarship Raffle Last Chance-June Luncheon!
Tickets for the quilt are available at the May Board meeting and June luncheon. All proceeds go to the Student Scholarship Fund. The drawing for the quilt will be held at the June luncheon. $1.00 for one ticket and $5.00 for 6 tickets.
Message from Membership Committee…………..
The Division 39 membership committee just sent out 1025 letters to retired non-members in Sonoma Coun-ty. If you happen to receive one of the letters, please let Mark Allen know your retirement year, and your address will be removed from the non-member data base.
CalRTA—Sonoma County Division 39 Board Meeting Highlights of March 7, 2018 Submitted by Diane Lange, Secretary
Present: Diana Drew-Ingham, Linda Frost, Carole Campagna, Caren Franci, Rick Easterday, Irene Collins, Adrienne Rodgers, Mae Fisk, Jeanne Harden, Joy Zindell, Bev Singer, Mary Wolski, Mark Allen, Tori Meredith, Sharon Lawrence, Sherry Scherotter-Burwen, Joann Fuller
The meeting was opened at 9:20 with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Co-Presidents Carole Campagna and Caren Franci.
The minutes for Jan. 3, 2018 and Feb 6, 2018 were approved.
Officers’ Reports
The treasurer Rick Easterday reported $8118.99 in the checking account and $4458.25 in savings for a balance of $12,577.24.
Co-Presidents Carole/Caren reported that less than 10 Fire Impact Survey responses were returned. There will be a reception at the Fire Creek Lodge in Cloverdale on April 18 from 2-4 p.m. for potential members. Mark moved that we offer a potential member one-half off a dues deduct one-year membership if they join April 18. Motion passed.
Vice President Linda Frost reported that the program for the April meeting will be Matt Stevens speaking on the Sonoma SMART Train.
Past President Mark Allen will be sending out letters to 2017 retirees inviting them to join CALRTA.
Committee Reports
Communications: Mary Wolski reported that she sent out pens to all teachers in Sonoma County for the Day of the Teacher. She continues work on the teacher grants.
Insurance: Bev Singer has an article in Mar-Apr newsletter on comparing costs of insurance and how it might be a benefit to attract new members.
Membership: Irene Collins - 838 membership
Post-Retirement Reception: Sharon Lawrence reported that membership is to decide if we will
continue with receptions. Sharon sent out 128 invitations and received only 7 responses.
There was discussion about how helpful the custodian has been to the committees. Irene Collins moved that at the May meeting we give the custodian a $25.00 Starbucks gift certificate. Joy seconded. Motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 12:10.
Advocacy Day– March 20 by Mark Allen, Past President
Tori Meredith and I spent the day in Sacramento on March 20th visiting six members of the Legislature, four Assembly members and two Senators. We started the day with a quick breakfast with David Walrath. David gave a quick class on Advocating 101 and getting our message across to the men and women who determine our lives as retired teachers. Our talking points were only to inform and educate the legislators on the WEP/GPO, teachers pensions, school finance, the need for full funding of public education and the lack of health benefits for retired teachers. There must have been over 100 class attendees who then began walking the halls of the capital.
We broke into groups of six to eight and followed our fearless leaders. Lloyd Gillespie, Area 1 Legislative Chair, was our leader and made sure we all had an opportunity to talk to the young men and women who work for the legisla-tors. They all were open and interested in hearing what we had to say and as well as many personal stories and experi-ences. Next year you should consider driving to Sacramento and add your story to their education.
Past President Mark Allen near the center with Division 39 member Tori Meredith in front on him. Annabel Snid-er, Legislative Director for Assembly member Jim Frazier is on Tori’s right..
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May—June 2018, Page 3
Teacher Grants 2018 by Mary Wolski, Teacher Grants
Teacher Grants are making many teachers happy all over the county!
We continue getting some money directly to active teachers through drawings for a $100 bill. The teachers report great fun in anticipating who will be the lucky one. We, in turn, have fun visiting the schools. Teachers are thankful and want you to know that. This year the project has been drawn out for some reason...probably the fires which have everyone in a dazed state. As we go to print, there are still a few schools not finished yet. Happily we can announce the following winners and CalRTA presenters:
John Reed Elementary School, Rohnert Park Winner: Diane Rasmussen; Presenter: Mary Wolski Thomas Page Academy, Cotati Winner: Jennifer Zacks; Presenter: Mike Roa Miwok Valley Language Academy, Petaluma Winner: Sonya Shiffer; Presenter: Carole Campagna Roseland Elementary School, Santa Rosa Winner: Eric Hudson; Presenter: Mary Wolski HES – Healdsburg Elementary Winner: Holly Anderson; Presenter: Ron McEwan Jefferson School, Cloverdale Winner: Anne Gebb; Presenters: Nena Reiners and Mary Wolski Prestwood School, Sonoma Winner: Kellyne Peterson; Presenter: Linda Phelan Abraham Lincoln School, Santa Rosa Winner: Dawn Baskin; Presenter: Rick Easterday Brooks Elementary School, Windsor District declined Brook Hill School, Santa Rosa Winner: Jessica Pajon-Lomeli; Presenter: Sandi Sondag Hidden Valley School, Santa Rosa Winner: Jennifer Becker; Presenter: Pamela Townsend Apple Blossom School, Sebastopol Still to be awarded. Presenter will be Mark Allen.. Be sure to thank all the volun-teer presenters who made all of this possible.
National Day of the Teacher—May 9th
by Mary Wolski, Day of the Teacher
Not municipal, not county, not state, but National Day of the Teacher is across the entire United States, a day to honor teachers. It is always the second Wednesday of May, this year May 9th. So please contact any teacher you know with good wishes and thanks.
Our Division 39 of CalRTA is again doing “Ye Olde Pen Project,” so named by a special education student at SCOE. We ordered 4,000 pens, printed with the message, “Our Division, with all our hearts, honors you teachers for the work you have done!” The pens this year are white with blue inscription. The pens and packaging materials are now in the hands of the SCOE special education class who will assemble and ready all for the May delivery. With the help of Lisa Feldman who leads the class, and her wonderful helpers, the stu-dents get experience in labeling, counting out bun-dles of tens and single pens and putting all together for mailing. We then schedule a pizza party for such hard workers.
May—June 2018, Page 4
Brook Hill—Winner, Jessica Pajon-Lomeli and Sandi Sondag
Hidden Valley -Pamela Townsend and $100 recipient Jennifer Becker
May—June 2018, Page 5
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE by Ron McEwan State Level Happenings
Our legislators in this area have been listening to us. Please continue (or start) the conversations with them, thanking them for their support and exhorting them to continue in their efforts. Senator Mike McGuire, and Assemblymen Jim Wood and Marc Levine are all supportive of retired teachers and deserve some warm thanks.
Although the governor has somewhat supported the idea that changing the "California Rule" might be a good thing, we can hope that the California Supreme Court continues to support the Rule. Basically, the Rule states that employers may not unilaterally change the retirement benefits of employees. Those benefits are part of the package that the employer promises when the person is hired. A promise made is a promise which must be honored. A decision is expected sometime in the summer months.
There are several attempts by anti -union groups to change the entire California Teachers compensation and retirement system by means of placing constitutional amendments with wonderful sounding names on the state ballot. At the present time, the final forms of these amendments are not clear but we need to be aware that they are out there.
National Level Happenings Senators Diane Feinstein and Kamela Harris,
and Representatives Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman have been supportive of most of the key legislation in support of our main concerns. They need to be supported, thanked, and pushed to continue the fight for the WEP and GPO repeal attempts. We need to continue pushing for the repeal of these onerous bills as they affect many retired public employees. WEP provisions reduce the amount of money paid by Social Security to persons who receive public retirement benefits even though those people paid into the program in the same way as everyone else. The GPO offset cuts the payment of a deceased spousal payment if the spouse is receiving a public retirement benefit.
Both of these benefits are the result of pay-
ments made into the system. They are not "free" benefits but should be treated the same as any insurance policy. Don't forget to participate in FAIRNESS FRIDAYS! See page 10.
The attempts by the present administration in Washington to privatize Public Education and to cut funding for many of the programs meant to help poorer students must be stopped. We know that the education of ALL students is our very highest duty. Although the use of vouchers may sound like a good idea by allowing parents to choose schools that will be the best for their children, the effect is to destroy public education. Remember that the public school system is the great "leveler". The use of vouchers moves the country backwards, encouraging racial and economic separation. We can't afford to let this happen if we are to maintain a Democracy. The efforts to vastly increase the number of Vouchers seem to have been averted for this year but it will resurface in the next budget proposal.
JUNE LUNCHEON
The June 5th luncheon will include Superin-tendent of Schools Steven Herrington, Ph.D., honor-ing our CalRTA Division 39 Sonoma State Univer-sity scholarship recipients, and the drawing for the winner of the quilt raffle to support the Sonoma State scholarships.
As a local educator, Dr. Herrington was Superin-tendent of Windsor Unified School District before becoming County Superintendent in 2010. The development of school maker programs and an accredited teacher training program at SCOE are two of his leadership accomplishments. He has been instrumental in in initiating discussions and partnerships to address the high cost of teacher housing. Most recently, he has addressed the devastation and hardships faced by schools, students and families, and educators as they recover from the devastation of the North Bay Fires.
April Luncheon by Carole Campagna, Co-President
Our April 3 rd luncheon was held at Legends Restaurant at the Bennett Valley Golf Course on a beautiful spring day. After a short business meeting, we had a delicious luncheon buffet followed by a decadent chocolate mousse cake.
Our first presentation was from the Assistance League of Sonoma County. Presenters Valerie Boot, Shelley Mashchwitz, and Marionelle Thompson told how their volunteer organization has served Sonoma County for over fifty years. Trained volunteers screen preschoolers for vision and hearing problems, clothe elementary school children in need, and help support homeless or abused women and their children at the YWCA Women’s Emergency Shelter and The Living Room. Proceeds from their thrift store, Assistance League Thrift Store, additionally support the Teen Parent Connections Program, providing scholarships to eligible teen mothers and serves women in recovery from addiction at the Women’s Recovery Services. Their thrift store is located on West Sixth Street in Railroad Square, Santa Rosa. They are actively recruiting volunteers to train and extend their services. If you are looking to volunteer, please check out this very worthwhile organization.
Our featured presentation was by Mr. Matt Stevens, Smart Train Customer Representative. Mr. Stevens gave a very comprehensive and informative slideshow presentation and overview of the Smart Train system. He highlighted how and where to purchase a Clipper Card, how to “tag on and tag off” the train, how to register your Clipper Card online, where the “free” parking lots were , and how to obtain the necessary parking app, Parkmobile, for your Smartphone to avoid a $60 parking ticket.
Mr. Stevens discussed future extensions on the Smart Train to Cloverdale and to Larkspur and plans for connecting shuttles. He also fielded many questions concerning quiet zones, problems with train crossings, frequent use of horns in non-quiet zones, limited or no parking at stations, and plans for more connecting shuttles as well as scheduling more train runs. Please check the Smart Train website for further information at Sonoma MarinTrain.org. Smart Train
schedules will be available at our June 5th luncheon at the Foxtail Golf Club, Rohnert Park.
Luncheon activities included our book and quilt raffle sales. Our quilt raffle drawing will be held at the June 5th luncheon.
The meeting adjourned with the beautiful spring centerpieces awarded to the person with the lucky number at each table.
May—June 2018, Page 6
Bev Singer and Delia Nistler
Heidi Morgan and Tori Meredith
Sharon Lawrence,
Joann Fuller,
Ronnie Berg
Julie Brush and Rick Easterday
Phyllis Stanley, Charles Stanley, Nick Tipon
Mary Wolski and Virginia Breedlove
JUNE LUNCHEON FORM TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2018, at 11:30 A.M.
FAIRVIEW at Foxtail Golf Club, 100 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, CA (Directions below)
Print your name: _____________________________________________ Your telephone number: _______________________________________ Print prospective member name: ________________________________ Prospective member address: __________________________________ Prospective member telephone number: __________________________ Circle your entree choice: Chicken Piccata - Scallopini of Pork Chef’s Choice Vegetarian* Circle guest's entree choice: Chicken Piccata - Scallopini of Pork Chef’s Choice Vegetarian*
* Vegetarian option only available on advance request
The cost is $30.00 If you wish to attend this luncheon, you must use the "Contact Us" link on or before the
WEDNESDAY, May 23rd cut off date. Be prepared to pay $30.00 by CASH or check at the door on the day of
the luncheon. Checks should be made payable to CalRTA.
The venues do not take direct reservations, so please do not call them.
MENU
Caesar salad—romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing
We regret having to raise the price, but costs have gone up. Division 39 has been subsidizing the lunches, as they
actually ranged from $32 to $35 for this restaurant. Increased sales tax and service costs also contribute.
DIRECTIONS TO: Foxtail Golf Club, 100 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park
From the north: Highway 101 south to the exit on Wilfred Ave./Golf Course Drive., stay on the left fork and go
east under the US 101 overpass, cross over the railroad tracks. Continue east on Golf Course Drive. Foxtail Golf Course will be on your right (has sign), just past the Doubletree Hotel on the left.
From the south: Hwy 101 north to Wilfred Ave./Golf Course Dr. exit; turn right on Golf Course Dr. Follow above.
From east of Oakmont: Take Bennett Valley Rd. or Hwy. 12 to Santa Rosa, take Hwy101 south. Then follow
the above directions of “From the north.”
From the west: From Sebastopol take Hwy 116 east to Stony Point Rd., turn left and go north to Wilfred Ave..
Turn right on Wilfred Ave., go east on Wilfred under the US 101 overpass, cross over the railroad tracks. Continue
east on Golf Course Drive. Foxtail Golf Course will be on your right (has sign), just past the Doubletree Hotel on
the left.
We need drivers for all areas. If you can drive, contact Irene Collins
School: _________________________________________________ District retired from: _______________________________________________
Please indicate payment method below by filling in the appropriate selection.
_____ Dues Deduction _____$4.50 for self _____ $9.00 for self and spouse, Spouse’s Name ________________________________________________
I authorize the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) to deduct my Association dues from my CalSTRS warrant. Should the amount of dues
be adjusted, as deemed necessary by CalRTA, I authorize that the adjusted deductions shall continue unless I notify the CalRTA business office in writing to the
contrary. To terminate dues deductions, I agree to make my request in writing to the CalRTA office.
Signed: _______________________________________ Date: _____________ Social Security # _________-_____-__________ (required for dues deduction)
_____ Cash $54.00 annually or $108.00 for self & spouse Recruited by: ________________________________________________
Return application to: Irene Collins, Membership, 750 King Road, Petaluma, CA 94952-1050
Please make the check payable to CalRTA
Insurance News by Bev Singer
Pet Insurance
After our February CalRTA lunch meeting, I was asked if CalRTA sponsors health insurance for pets. The answer is yes. Pet insurance is through Nationwide. Formerly known as Veterinary Pet Insurance, the company has always been a part of Nationwide insurance. They state they are the #1 veterinarian recommended pet insurance provider since 1982. If you enroll with them, ask for the CalRTA group discount price. Their contact information is www.petinsurance.com or phone 1-888-899-4874.
Long-Term Care Insurance In last month’s newsletter, I wrote that CalRTA
carefully screens the products and services they present to members. With that in mind, I have not mentioned long-term care insurance, but you may have read the article titled “5 Things You Should Know About Long-Term Care Insurance” in the March AARP bulletin. I have been careful not to write about this insurance because of the unpredictable costs involved. Those of us who have long term care insurance through another source have been shocked to have our premiums increased beyond what we felt we could afford. We are protesting mightily.
As the AARP article shows, one needs to be aware of the unpredictability of costs and usage of long term care insurance. On a chart, AARP shows and writes about the duration of paid care among 65 year old's who will need coverage some day. The length of time one qualifies for usage varies widely. For 48% of those with the insurance, they only received coverage for one year. For 19%, they received coverage for 1-1.99 years. For 21% coverage lasted 2-4.99 years. For 13% coverage lasted more than 5 years.
If you are interested in Long Term Care Insur-ance sponsored by CalRTA, contact E.J.S. Insurance Services for a CalRTA group plan rate. E.J.S.
Contact information: Phone 1-800-841-6238 or Email [email protected]
Remember: Other family members can qualify to purchase insurance, products and services at reduced rates by becoming CalRTA members.
More About Long-Term Care Insurance—Taken from Navigating the Shifting
Terrain of Long-Term Care Insurance; A Place for Mom Senior Living Blog , Feb. 20, 2018; Shared by Mark Allen
If you’re like most people, you probably hope to live in your home in good health without assistance as you age. However, a majority of older adults won’t be able to get by without some assistance due to chronic illness and cognitive or mobility issues.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, someone turning age 65 has nearly a 70% chance of needing some form of long-term care in his or her lifetime.
How Expensive Is Long-Term Care? Long-term care is costly and prices vary by state. Here are U.S. national median annual costs for care provided in various venues, according to the Gen-worth 2017 Cost of Care Survey: • Adult day health care: $18,200 • Assisted living facility: $45,000 • Home health aide: $49,192 • Skilled nursing private room: $97,455
Don’t plan on Medicare being a funding option for long-term care, since Medicare will pay only for skilled services provided by medical professionals. For Medicare to pay any costs, the beneficiary must have been hospitalized for a minimum of three days. There are other requirements as well.
Medicaid is the program that provides government assistance for long-term care. To qualify, you must meet financial requirements, which may impact both assets and income. In most states, Medicaid will cover long-term care only after you’ve spent down your assets.
Long-Term Care Insurance Coverage Long-term care insurance generally offers coverage
for in-home care and assisted living, independent living or memory care in senior living communities. Long-term care insurance may also cover community-based services such as adult day care or hospice care. Most policies include coverage for a case manager or care coordinator.
Thank you to Mark Allen for sharing this. More will be included in future issues or read the rest of this article at this link: Long Term Care
CALIFORNIA SENATE Mike McGuire 1303 10th St. Room 5061, Sacramento, Ca 95814 916-651-4002 Email: [email protected] Local address: 50 D St., Ste 120A, Santa Rosa 95404 707-576-2771
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY Assemblyman Jim Wood District 1 P.O. Box 94249-0002, State Capital, Sacramento, CA 95814; 916-319-2002 Email: [email protected] Local address: 50 D St. Ste 450, Santa Rosa 95404 707-576-2526 Assemblyman Marc Levine District 10 1303 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 916-319-2010 Email: [email protected] Local: 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, 94903 415-479-4920
U.S. REPRESENTATIVES Representative Mike Thompson 231 Cannon Office Bldg., Washington D.C. 20515 202-225-3311 Email: [email protected] Local: 2721 Napa Valley Corp. Dr., Napa, 94558 707-226-9898
Representative Jared Huffman 1630 Longworth House Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-5161 Email: [email protected] Local: 206 G Street, Unit 3, Petaluma, 94952
707-981-8967
U.S. SENATE Senator Dianne Feinstein 331 hart Senate Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510 202-2243841 Email link at: www.feinstein.senate.gov Local: 415-393-0707 Senator Kamela D. Harris 112 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-3553 Email link at: www.harris.senate.gov Local: 415-355-9041
POWERFUL POLITICOS TO CONTACT:
President Trump www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
House of Representatives •Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D) 202-225-0100 [email protected];
• Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R) 202-225-4000 kevinmccarthy.house.gov/contact/email-me •Rep. Kevin Brady (R) — 202-225-3625 •Joint Economic Comm. Chair, Ways and Means, Social Sec. Subcommittee •House Speaker Rep Paul Ryan 202-225-0600 •Rep. Sam Johnson (R) 202-225-3625 Ways and Means; Chair Soc. Sec Subcommittee •Rep John Larson (D) Social Sec Subcommittee •Rep. Richard Neal (D)—202-225-4021 Ranking Member Ways and Means
Senate •Vice President Mike Pence (R)—202-224-2424 •Speaker Mitch McConnell (R. KY) 202-224-3135 •Majority Whip John Cornyn (R)—202-224-2708 •Min. Lead. Charles Schumer (D) - 202-224-2158 •Sen. Alexander Lamar (R-Texas) Chair of Health, Education, Labor and Pensions •Sen. Orin Hatch 202-224-4515 President Pro-temp; Senate Committee on Finance; COMM. on Health, Educ., Labor, and Pensions; Spe-cial Comm. on Aging
•Sen. Susan Collins (R. Me) Spec. comm. on aging https://www.collins.senate.gov/contact •Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D) 202-224-5244 Comm on Finance; Social Sec. Sub Committee •Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) 202-224-2315 Ranking Member Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, Family Policy
•Sen. Bill Cassidy (R) 202-224-5824 Chair Social Sec. Subcommittee; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
•Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D. MN), Sen. Elizabeth War-ren (D. Ma), Sen. Richard Durkin (D.IL.)
If you wish to be able to send messages easily and often, a new way has been opened. Search on the internet or go to:
Resist.bot— Info on using
dailyaction.org—Info and to signup
FAIRNESS FRIDAYS?? - Members are asked to send messages to our representatives on the 4th Friday of each month reminding them that we are following their actions on the repealing of the unfair Social Security penalties (WEP and GPO). If you miss a Friday, contact your representa-tives as soon as you can. Congresspersons do notice us when we speak in large numbers.
