2012 GREA Legislative Objectives

Presented by the 2011-2012 GREA Legislative Committee.  James Johnston, Chair

·         Oppose any changes to the rule that sets the pre-funded TRS COLA for retired educators.

·         Oppose any movement of Venture Capital funds.

·         Support the Defined Benefits Plan and oppose the Defined Contributions Plan relating to individual  
                contributions for TRS Retirement.

·         Continue to monitor and oppose alternatives within other retirement programs that would not be in the best
                interest for Georgia retired educators.

·         Continue our support of the repeal of the GPO (Government Pension Offset)/WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)
                 Programs.

·         Oppose any reduction in the current retirement exclusion.

·         Protect funding for key long term care programs.

·         Support efforts to decrease the number of uninsured and underinsured as well as efforts to improve health
                care delivery.

·         Ensure that Georgia’s tax structure is fair, stable, and able to produce enough revenue for the growing needs
                of our state.

·         Support legislation to establish a protocol to identify and respect patients’ preferences for end-of-life care
               based on effective communication of patient wishes, documentation of medical orders and a promise by
               health care professionals to honor these wishes.