January 2024 - Retirees - groups.netroopers.org

We need your help!
by Lucas Bolton 05 Mar '24

05 Mar '24

Members, Today marks the start of the 108th legislature, second regular session. I am writing to you to ask for your help in contacting senators about a bill that will benefit all of us. The biggest goal of the STAN Board and my top priority this legislative session is obtaining the successful passage of LB196. LB196 is legislation which was introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar which proposes three important changes to the State Patrol retirement system. Below is a summary of the current version of LB196. First, LB196 would change the member retirement contribution rates from either 16% (tier 1 member) or 17% (tier 2 member) down to 8% for all current and future members. To put this into perspective, that would put approximately $468.00 (pretax) dollars into a current step one Trooper’s monthly paycheck. That is approximately $5,616.00 (pretax) annually. Those numbers for a current step fifteen Trooper are approximately $631.00 monthly or $7,577.00 annually (pre-tax). Obviously, those numbers will be different for other positions and pay lines. But as you can see, a contribution rate decrease would put a decent portion of the pay you earned back into your own pocket today, without a reduction in your future retirement benefits. Second, LB 196 proposes changes to the death benefits received by surviving spouses and dependent children of members. Currently the surviving spouse or dependent child under the age of 19 receives 75% of the member’s annuity after the member’s death. LB196 proposes that the surviving spouse or dependent child under the age of 19 receive 100% of the member’s annuity after the members death for members retiring on or after July 1, 2024. Third, LB196 proposes changes to how the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is calculated for current and future retirees. Currently the COLA is calculated using the lesser actual change in the consumer price index (CPI) or 2.5% (tier 1)/1% (tier 2). LB196 proposes the COLA be calculated using the lesser actual change in the consumer price index (CPI) or 4% for all members. This is meant to better fight the higher-than-average rates of inflation we have seen the last several years. Last session LB196 was introduced and sent to be reviewed by the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee. A hearing was held on March 2, 2023, where the retirement systems committee called for an actuarial study to be conducted on the fiscal impact of the bill. The study was conducted and a second hearing was held on November 9, 2023. At the November 9th hearing, the findings of the actuarial study were presented to the retirement systems committee. This was followed by testimony in support of LB196 provided by myself as the Legislative Liaison representing STAN, Scott Black the Retiree Representative for STAN, and Denise Wagner (widow of Trooper Mark Wagner). I have attached copies of the testimony that Scott and I provided to the retirement committee. I unfortunately do not have a copy of Denise’s testimony but can attest to both its weight and clarity on why the death benefit for surviving spouses needs to be changed to 100%. We had an excellent turnout from both active and retired members and appear to have left an impression with the retirement committee. I would like to say thanks again to everyone who showed up and displayed their support in that hearing. Currently LB196 is a carry-over bill from the last session and still sitting in the retirement systems committee. For LB196 to move out of committee we need a majority (four of the six committee members) to vote to advance it to the floor for debate by the whole legislature. This is where I am asking for help from the membership. The board and I have and will continue to provide testimony on behalf of STAN, but phone calls and emails from as many members as possible could influence the Committee members who may still be undecided. Below is a list of the Senators on the Retirement Systems Committee and their contact information. I think it’s important to reach out to all the members, but I have placed an asterisk by the committee members that either appeared to not support LB196 or we are unaware of their support of LB196. Sen. Mike McDonnell, Chairperson<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2710 Email: mmcdonnell(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:mmcdonnell@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Teresa Ibach, Vice Chairperson<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2805 Email: tibach(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:tibach@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Robert Clements<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2613 Email: rclements(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:rclements@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Danielle Conrad<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2720 Email: dconrad(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:dconrad@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Brian Hardin<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2802 Email: bhardin(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:bhardin@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Tony Vargas<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2721 Email: tvargas(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:tvargas@leg.ne.gov> Members, what I am asking of you is that within the next week or sooner please contact the members of the Retirement Systems Committee and ask them to support advancing LB196 out of committee and onto the legislative floor. This is a short legislative session, and we need to be timely and deliberate. Here are a few talking points for when you are asking for their support either by phone or email. * How you believe that passage of LB196 would critically aid in the Nebraska State Patrol’s ability to both recruit and retain troopers. Therefore, helping to maintain the needed manpower provided by the Patrol to ensure a safe and secure Nebraska for all citizens. * Sharing personal perspectives on how any of the three proposed changes in LB196 would affect you or your family. * If you are a constituent of a committee Senator, it would be especially impactful for you to mention that in your communication. I understand that this is a big ask, and honestly if we get LB196 out of committee, I will be asking for your assistance again with gathering support from all the Senators to secure the passage of the Bill. I hope I have done an adequate job in explaining how much of a positive impact LB196 would have for all members. Getting LB196 out of committee is the crucial first step in this process, and the STAN Board will need all your help. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or any members of the STAN board. Thank you, Lucas Bolton Legislative Liaison State Troopers Association of Nebraska STAN PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Cell Phone: 402-278-2468

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Henrichs Family Donations
by Tara Johnson 30 Jan '24

30 Jan '24

Hello all! You may have seen information about the Nebraska Troopers Charity, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit (separate from STAN/SLEBC which are both 501(c)5 non-profits) doing a fundraiser for the Henrichs family following his line of duty injury last month. The tax status is a benefit for those that wish to donate. First and foremost, Ryan is not one to ask for any help and probably doesn't love the fact we are doing this, but Michaela and Ryan - along with their family are so appreciative. The support they have felt, and the kindness has been amazing. This fund is truly helping her (them) out in ways we will never know - alleviating the stress of her not being able to bring her normal income home and really focus on helping Ryan get better. The funds will also be used to help with some unexpected expenses that workers comp has not (yet? ) covered - time will tell. I wanted to be sure to pass along a few different platforms that we are using to help the family out. We have purposefully not used Ryan's name, but if people put two and two together, they can probably figure out that Michaela is Ryan's wife via social media or by contacting our office or phoning a friend. As most of you, keeping things on the DL is what Ryan prefers. Direct Mail to the 501(c)3: Nebraska Troopers Charity Inc., 8540 Executive Woods Drive, Suite 500, Lincoln, NE 68512 (100% of funds will go to the family) GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/36ec84a2 (all funds less the GoFundMe non-profit fee will go to the family) Fund the First: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/support-severely-injured-nebraska-state-t… (all funds less their MUCH smaller fee than GoFundMe will go to the family) Venmo: @NebraskaTroopersCharity-Inc (100% of funds will go to the family) [https://fundthefirst.com/storage/campaigns/5d918da8-b990-445b-9db6-707c64a5…]<https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/support-severely-injured-nebraska-state-t…> Fund the First | Support Severely Injured Nebraska State Trooper<https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/support-severely-injured-nebraska-state-t…> On December 11, 2023, a Nebraska State Trooper was involved in a high-speed pursuit when the suspect’s vehicle rammed his cruiser, causing a rollover accident. The trooper’s neck was broken in the incident leaving the Trooper and his family finding their new normal. The trooper underwent surgery to... fundthefirst.com We would love to have you share the details on either the GoFundMe or Fund the First webpage - and any/all the ways to support listed above with whomever you wish via email or social media. Thank you all, Tara Tara Johnson Director of Operations & Benefits State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council STAN | NCOA | NSFMA PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402.489.2081 Cell Phone: 402.440.8284 Fax: 402.489.6093 This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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Have you seen "Nebraska State Trooper post Line of Duty Injury"?
by scott black 28 Jan '24

28 Jan '24

Hello I thought you might be interested in supporting this GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/f0249513. Even a small donation could help Tara Johnson reach their fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word. Thanks for taking a look! Sent from my iPhone

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First Responder Appreciation Day at Kansas Speedway
by Tara Johnson 10 Jan '24

10 Jan '24

Hi All, Below is an invitation to a First Responder Appreciation Day at the KC Speedway. It is Sunday, May 5th, and the link and details are listed below if you are interested! Thanks, Tara Tara Johnson This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies. ________________________________ From: Darnoi, Nicholas <ndarnoi(a)nascar.com> Sent: Monday, January 8, 2024 10:14 AM To: Tara Johnson <tjohnson(a)netroopers.org> Subject: First Responder Appreciation Day at Kansas Speedway Hi Tara My name is Nick and I head up our Community Outreach team here at Kansas Speedway. I was looking to reach you today to get some information across regarding our First Responder Appreciation Day that we are putting together in May. I know Kansas City might be a bit of a hike, but I wanted to make sure that if there was anyone looking to go, that they had access to this offer we are putting out there. Here are the details: Where: Kansas Speedway When: Sunday, May 5th, 2024 What: * All first responders will receive a $40 reserved seat for the NASCAR Cup Series Race at Kansas Speedway * All will receive a 2024 NASCAR Commemorative Challenge Coin * Offer is extended to all family, friends, other first responders, and anyone looking to join * Fundraising opportunities available as requested Link: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Firstresponder6 If you could send the link and flyer out so that if there is anyone looking to take us up on the offer, they can, I'd really appreciate it Thank you for your service and kind regards, Nick [cid:prBNjBAL1ZK-bjqj2ik2qFv1BxKEUw9yh1ZmS5vTsIM] Nick Darnoi | Account Executive, Group Sales One Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Office: 386-200-9404 | Cell: 248-421-4477

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(ICYMI) VIDEO RELEASE: Congressman Flood Delivers Floor Speech for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
by Tara Johnson 09 Jan '24

09 Jan '24

[Image] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 8, 2023 MEDIA CONTACTS Kennedy Stowater, 202-870-0688 Video Release: Congressman Flood Delivers Floor Speech for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day [Image]<https://youtu.be/z7LIK2ZVtq0> WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike Flood recently delivered a speech on the House Floor honoring law enforcement officers ahead of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, which is observed January 9th. Video of the remarks can be found by clicking here<https://youtu.be/z7LIK2ZVtq0>. News outlets are welcome to use the footage for their reporting purposes. The full text of the speech is below. Mister Speaker, As National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day approaches, I rise to salute our men and women who keep our communities safe each and every day. It wasn’t long ago that law enforcement were almost universally respected in America. The blue uniform was a symbol not just of law and order, but also of community peace and harmony. Police men and policewomen belonged among the most trusted community members alongside nurses, teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. But something happened in 2020. Anti-police riots erupted in communities across the country. Places like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago were besieged by violence. Violent protestors set up a law enforcement-free zone in Seattle known as “Chaz.” Civil unrest in Minneapolis led to half a billion dollars worth of damage while city leadership failed to keep order after George Floyd’s death. Folks looted the magnificent mile in Chicago while the world watched America burn. But this destruction wasn’t tolerated in Nebraska. When disorder erupted in two of our major cities, then-Governor Pete Ricketts cracked down. He deployed the State Patrol and the National Guard to assist communities and protected businesses and homeowners. Since the national unrest in 2020, Nebraska has doubled down on our commitment to supporting our men and women in blue. While some states have repealed traditional protections for law enforcement, Nebraska has maintained qualified immunity. This is critical to ensuring law enforcement officers can do their jobs without the threat of frivolous lawsuits or complaints. Last year, before I came to Congress, I was the proud cosponsor of the Law Enforcement Attraction and Retention Act in our legislature. This bill provides a variety of cash incentives for individual officers to help law enforcement agencies retain their workforce. It received almost unanimous approval from the body. This year, the legislature in Nebraska passed the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act. It covers 100 percent of tuition for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and their children who want to get a college degree from a community college, a state college, or a university. We are the first state in the nation to give police officers, their families, and their children free college – recognizing that what they do is important and it is needed. If you’re living in one of those places where law enforcement are under attack, I want you to look at Nebraska – look at what we can do for you and your family. We have a wide variety of opportunities available in law enforcement. The Nebraska State Patrol is the finest statewide agency in the nation led by the outstanding Colonel John Bolduc. Our two biggest cities have fantastic large agencies that provide lots of opportunities to advance. And if you like to hunt, we can help you there too. We have lots of opportunities in smaller agencies, mid-sized communities, and a plethora of options. There truly is an opportunity for every law enforcement officer — and it comes with a low cost of living and competitive salaries. Our communities need police officers. Rural communities need police officers. We are doing what we can in Nebraska to make it as attractive to people across the country as humanly possible. As we honor our peace officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I invite anyone working in the profession to consider my great state as you think about your career and what’s best for your family. And know that Nebraskans support you, we salute your work, and wish you all the best as you continue to protect communities in the Good Life and across our country. May God bless you and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you and I yield back. ### KENNEDY STOWATER | Press Secretary Office of Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01) O: (202)225-4806 | C: (202)870-0688 343 Cannon House Office Building [A picture containing text, sign Description automatically generated]<https://twitter.com/USRepMikeFlood>

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