February 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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Fw: Challenge Coin Benefit - Tpr. Rose Ives - Iowa
by Tara Johnson 27 Feb '24

27 Feb '24

________________________________ From: no-reply=nepconnect.com(a)mail.nepconnect.com <no-reply=nepconnect.com(a)mail.nepconnect.com> on behalf of National Troopers Coalition <no-reply(a)nepconnect.com> Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 11:03 AM To: Tara Johnson <tjohnson(a)netroopers.org> Subject: Challenge Coin Benefit - Tpr. Rose Ives - Iowa [https://nepconnect-app-storage-bucket-v1.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/logos/l…] National Troopers Coalition As many of you know Rose Ives #191, a Trooper here in District 3 was given a terminal cancer diagnosis. Please join us as we continue to support Rose in her battle with cancer by purchasing a coin. This coin design symbolizes something that is important to all Iowa State Troopers, our identification badge number that is displayed on our unique license plates. As you will see this design represents her license plate identification number backed by her strong personality and strength. I have provided the store link where coins can be ordered. We are asking you to share the link with local Law Enforcement Agencies in your respective areas. Also, please share on your personal social media platforms as we try and reach as many people as possible. As stated in the store link, proceeds will benefit Rose and her family with covering additional costs associated from her cancer treatments. Please read the store link instructions which will be open through March 1st, 2024. (This email was approved by Trp. Rose Ives #191) https://code4.store/products/trooper-rose-ives-coin [https://app.nepconnect.com/images/nep_email_image.png] © 2024 Manage your notification preferences on your profile. <https://app.nepconnect.com/profile?organization=dc35243f-09e1-44de-a708-f70…>

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NTC/WSW Quarterly Report from Chairman Nate Johnson
by Tara Johnson 21 Feb '24

21 Feb '24

Hello! Lots of great links and information in the attached PDF which is from the NTC. Enjoy the leisurely reading! 🙂 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: no-reply=nepconnect.com(a)mail.nepconnect.com <no-reply=nepconnect.com(a)mail.nepconnect.com> on behalf of National Troopers Coalition <no-reply(a)nepconnect.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 12:36 PM To: Tara Johnson <tjohnson(a)netroopers.org> Subject: NTC/WSW Quarterly Report from Chairman Nate Johnson [https://nepconnect-app-storage-bucket-v1.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/logos/l…] National Troopers Coalition Members, Please see attached for the Quarterly Report (Q1 - 2024). [https://app.nepconnect.com/images/nep_email_image.png] © 2024 Manage your notification preferences on your profile. <https://app.nepconnect.com/profile?organization=dc35243f-09e1-44de-a708-f70…>

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Upcoming STAN Board Meeting - March 16th, 2024
by Tara Johnson 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Hello, If you have any agenda items you would like to have discussed at the upcoming STAN Board meeting on March 16th, please be in contact with your Troop Area or Retiree Representative. (Contact information is attached.) When the agenda is available - the week of the meeting, I will email it out. Please also find the attached approved meeting minutes for the August 19th meeting. The December 9, 2023 meeting minutes will be available following approval at the March 16th meeting. Thanks, 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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2024 STAN Scholarship Information
by Tara Johnson 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Dear STAN Member: Please find the attached 2023 STAN scholarship application. The deadline to submit is March 29, 2024. Applications can be submitted electronically via email (preferred) directly to me, dropped off locally, or mailed. Criteria: · applicants must be the son/daughter of a current STAN member · applicants must be a graduating senior from High School this school year · applicants must be attending a 2 or 4 year college · applicants shall complete and submit the Scholarship Application (attached) Thank you, 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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You're Invited to Join Rep. Flood's Back the Blue Roundtable on February 20th
by Tara Johnson 07 Feb '24

07 Feb '24

Hello! The previously scheduled event has been rescheduled for February 20th. It would be great to get some Troopers (active and retirees) to this event. If you have any questions or wish for me to rsvp for you, please let me know. Thank you, Tara Tara Johnson ________________________________ From: Gage, Taylor <Taylor.Gage(a)mail.house.gov> Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 2:29:54 PM To: Gage, Taylor <Taylor.Gage(a)mail.house.gov> Cc: Rupiper, Noelle <Noelle.Rupiper(a)mail.house.gov>; Strong, Mike <Mike.Strong(a)mail.house.gov> Subject: You're Invited to Join Rep. Flood's Back the Blue Roundtable on February 20th [A picture containing text Description automatically generated] YOU’RE INVITED: NEBRASKA BACKS THE BLUE ROUNDTABLE ON FEBRUARY 20th Congressman Mike Flood invites you to join a “Nebraska Backs the Blue” Roundtable on February 20th. While respect for law enforcement has deteriorated in large urban centers, Nebraska has continued our tradition of supporting the men and woman who wear the uniform and keep our communities safe each and every day. At this roundtable, Rep. Flood hopes to hear about the challenges facing Nebraska’s law enforcement agencies as they work to recruit and retain the workforce of tomorrow. Feedback from the roundtable will help inform “Nebraska Backs the Blue” initiatives. ROUNDTABLE DETAILS When: 1:15 PM CT on February 20, 2024 Where: Cornhusker Office Plaza (Lower Level) 301 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 RSVP to Taylor Gage at taylor.gage(a)mail.house.gov<mailto:taylor.gage@mail.house.gov> Note: Each agency or organization is limited to two representatives due to space limitations. OBJECTIVE & BACKGROUND Let’s create a movement and system for getting more Americans to consider becoming law enforcement officials from both within and outside of Nebraska. We have a solid foundation to build upon. In 2022, before he entered Congress, Rep. Flood was the proud cosponsor of the Law Enforcement Attraction and Retention Act in the Nebraska Legislature. This bill provided a variety of cash incentives for individual officers to help law enforcement agencies retain their workforce. It received nearly unanimous approval from the body. In the 2023, State Senator Eliot Bostar offered and passed the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Law, which allows for sworn officers and their dependents to receive a 100% tuition waiver at any state university, college, or community college that is good for five years. Nebraska has also continually maintained the policy of qualified immunity for law enforcement officials, while many other states such as Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico, and New York have done away with the policy.

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LB1996- Off Duty Carry in Schools
by Lucas Bolton 05 Feb '24

05 Feb '24

Members, LB1339, a bill introduced by Senator Brewer, allows law enforcement to carry weapons when off duty at a school. This bill will have a hearing tomorrow afternoon. If anyone wants to submit a comment in support of the bill, please use the link below. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55183 Comments are due by 8:00 am Tuesday, February 6th. Thank you, Lucas Bolton Legislative Liaison State Troopers Association of Nebraska STAN PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506

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