WELCOME TO 2009

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s hard to believe that 2008 has whisked by and now we are in the new year of 2009. With that new year CRCEA has a new set of officers, carrying on the tradition of making the organization all that it can be

CRCEA prides itself on being an organization that is the central repository for issues, ideas and coordinated actions on all of the matters that impact retirees from the 20 counties covered under the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, more commonly known as the ’37 Act.

We have had, and continue to have, attacks on our health benefit coverage. We also continue to have attacks on the basic premise of our pension benefit itself and the structure of the retirement payments and the valuation of them. Now we must add the devastating investment market implosion that has impacted the funds held by the retirement systems in our counties.

But, we are not unique. These issues are happening across the country. Does that make me feel any better? Absolutely not! But it does give us an opportunity to broaden our sphere of information and ask people in Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Nevada, Washington, and so on, as well as here in California what they are doing to minimize impacts on their retirees. There doesn’t seem to be a perfect solution right now, but with your local associations working with your local retirement systems and local counties, backed up by CRCEA as you need us, maybe, just maybe, we can stop the attacks on retirees and work toward a mutual respect – looking forward to some sort of mutual answer to problems.

With the new year also brings a new look toward our semi-annual conferences. In April the conference will be held in Ventura April 20 - 22, 2009. The Retired Employees Association of Ventura has rolled out is red carpet. There will be sessions on many aspects impacting retirees, including serious matters, informational sessions as well as time for social networking with your peers.

This year will have its challenges. It will not be easy. As a result, I am asking each and every member to do what they can to help, not only CRCEA, but your local association. That local association is the first line of defense in looking out for retirees. Knowing they have CRCEA backing them up, they WILL do everything they can. Local associations and CRCEA, banding together, may have to be the David going against Goliath. But we willingly take on that task and will stand tall and strong doing all that we can do for retirees.

I welcome your thoughts, ideas and comments. Feel free to e-mail me through this website. It is our intent to keep this website fresh; with up to date information on anything that might be of interest to you.

Welcome to 2009, with challenges aplenty, with hope for solutions.

SKIP MURPHY, President

Previous President’s Messages Other Activity Looking Sideways January 1, 2008 A Call to Arms September 3, 2007 Happenings in CRCEA May 15, 2007 Sacramento, Here We Come! A Bit of History November 20, 2006 Summer Thoughts August 10, 2006 CRCEA letter to CA Supreme Court April, 18 2006 Decision Time April 17, 2006 CRCEA Comes to Orange County January 20, 2006 San Diego Triumphs September 1, 2005 Pension Tension June 11, 2005 Statement to B of S August 14, 2007 Presentation to PEBC Commission, Orange May 31 (PDF) Presentation to PEBC Commission, Orange April 26(PDF) Letter to Governor Schwarzenegger(PDF)