The challenge for ARMSE proceeds into 2010 as the economy continues to struggle. Missouri's 2010 revenue projections continue to fall. There is speculation that there will be another $200 million dollar cut in the state budget for fiscal year 2011. I regularly attend retirement board meetings and there the discussion continues about how to cut retirement liabilities. While our current benefits are guaranteed , future increases and benefits are subject to cuts. MPERS Executive Director Susan Dahl recently released a newsletter announcing there will not be a COLA for 2010 except for those Closed Plan Retirees who have not reached their 65% increase limit. Those retirees will receive a 4% increase in October.

We must now be watchful of legislation that could adversely affect our current and future benefits. The hiring of a lobbyist by ARMSE was unanimously approved at the 2009 ARMSE annual conference. We have obtained the services of Burnett and Associates, with Mr. Nike Thompson acting as our lead lobbyist. Historically the legislature was more stable, with some legislators often serving 20 to 30 years. This made it easier for our ARMSE volunteers to establish long-term relationships with individual legislators. Now, with 8-year term limits, it is much more difficult to get to know and establish a relationship with members of the legislature. The old system of our members working with legislators is no longer effective. However, with representation by an established lobbyist like Mr. Thompson of Burnett and Associates, we have the opportunity to more effectively monitor legislation that might affect affect those we represent.

With Missouri's economy so troubled, we will not be asking for any increase in benefits this year. Instead, we will be watching for any bill that may threaten benefits of current and future retirees.In January, we will initiate a televised informational effort in mid-Missouri. We will provide both background facts about ARMSE and information about how to join our association. We will evaluate the effectiveness of our advertising campaign to determine if it might be useful in other areas of the state where there are large populations of retired and current state employees.All retirees and active state employees are eligible for membership in ARMSE. Please encourage your fellow retirees and co-workers to join us. Thank you for your support and membeship.

Sincerely, Charles R. Jackson, State President