
County retired educator news
DEXTER — Crystal Ward was the guest speaker at the Piscataquis County Retired Educators Association meeting May 29 at the Our FAMBily Restaurant in Dexter. She presented a lively and informative session regarding current bills being discussed in the Maine Legislature.
The group of 14 retired educators were very interested in learning more about LD 178 “An Act To Increase the State Share of the Cost of Health Insurance for Retired Teachers,” which has been moved to 2020 as a carryover bill. The state share is currently 45 percent for retired educators compared to 100 percent for state retirees.
Another bill of great interest is LD162 “An Act To Eliminate the State Income Tax on Maine Public Employees Retirement System Pensions.” Retirement benefits under state, local or federal government retirement plans that are based on employment compensation for which contributions are not made to the federal Social Security system resulting in reductions in the amount of Social Security benefits that a retiree is eligible to receive under the federal windfall elimination provision. This bill provides an income tax exemption for those retirement benefits. Many were saddened to learn that U.S. Sen. Collins nor U.S. Sen. King were fighting for the passage of H.R. 141, the Government Pension Offset Bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden.
Ward gave overviews of several other education-related bills, including one to allow all ed techs to be paid over the course of the entire year, another bill to do away with the proficiency based diploma and a bill to strengthen resource sharing among Maine libraries. Her passion and dedication to the plight of all Maine children, school employees and retirees is clearly evident and greatly appreciated.
An award from the state of Maine for leadership was presented to Myrna Ricker. Ricker, of Milo, has been the association treasurer for many years, taking care of dues, scholarships to local graduating seniors, contributions to local school nurses for the annual Day of Caring and all other financial responsibilities. Local awards were also presented to Nancy Grant for her volunteerism in Piscataquis County and to Carolyn Williams for her commitment to exercise.

Contributed photo
EDUCATOR HONOR — Myrna Ricker of Milo was presented the 2019 Piscataquis County Leadership Award at a recent meeting of the Piscataquis County Retired Educators Association.
Our very special member, Martha Rollins, will soon celebrate her 100th birthday. While no longer able to attend meetings she keeps in contact and enjoys hearing from former colleagues and students. Rollins has requested no party or gifts so the association will be donating to her two favorite charities in her honor — Pine Tree Hospice and the Thompson Free Library. Members encourage others interested in :showering” Rollins with cards for her June 22 birthday to send cards to her at P.O. Box 225 Dover-Foxcroft ME 04426.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. in Monson at the Lakeshore Pub. All retired educators are welcome.