NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER

NMAER TAKES ACTION

... Barbara Bonahoom, President

Because of information initially received from our Representative to the Educational Retirement Board (ERB) and from subsequent articles published by investigative reporters (often the Albuquerque Journal) about the legal and financial implications of ERB’ s new indemnification policy, our Executive Board decided that it was imperative to take action.

On June 2, the Executive Board took three actions.

- It authorized a letter to the New Mexico Attorney General supporting the request of the Educational Retirement Board and Department of Finance for an opinion on its indemnification policy; it acknowledged the need for protecting public servants conscientiously up-holding their fiduciary responsibilities but it expressed concern about the potential implications of the use of permissive ("may", not" shall") that would permit the ERB Fund to pay (or reimburse) a Board member for private legal and non-legally related costs even if that member were to be finally convicted for breach of fiduciary responsibility to the Fund. That letter with copies to Members of the ERB, Executive Directors of ERB and Department of Finance and Administration was mailed June 4^th.

- It also approved a letter to all NMAER Unit Presidents which explained the need for a strong indemnification policy and requested their support of the requests for an Attorney General's opinion concerning ERB's indemnification policy. This support would be signified by signing the enclosed Statement of Support to the Attorney General and, as soon as possible, by calling a meeting to explain the policy and its implications to Unit members. These letters with the enclosed Unit Statement of Support was mailed by June 6th.

- It approved the Statement of Support to be signed by Unit Presidents (see above) and sent to the Attorney General. This letter included additional details about the implications for the ERB Fund and its beneficiaries. A deadline of June 21^st was requested.

At the end of June, NMAER had received copies of Statement of Support from 27 of 29 Units. We also know that - very soon - copies of those Unit letters had been obtained by some members of the Legislative Finance Council. Information in those letters generated much interest and urgency in debate.

NMAER recognizes that to render this opinion will require the Attorney General to study and consider the policy in relation to several complex laws in order to render a «reasonable" opinion. While we await that opinion, we shall continue to monitor this situation closely. Newspapers have reported that Legislators have discussed possible legislation to address this and other issues with the pension funds. We will also continue to observe and listen to our legislators and others as they discuss possible remedies. In closing, you as retirees and members are urged to stay informed about what is happening with your pension and health care plans. Change can be rapid and vigilance must be maintained

Barbara Bonahoom, Pres. 2009-2010

REPORT FROM AARP ..• Mary Beavis, SREAL

Many mid-summer and early fall events involving AARP are now reported

• July 7-10 - The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Van visited three Walgreens stores in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.

• July 12-16 - AARP was a Beavis: Link to sponsor at the National LULAC AARP Convention at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The Wellness Van was in the Exhibit area and its information booth in the van was staffed by AARP personnel and volunteers.

• July 13-14 - The Rural Transportation Conference was hosted by AARP and the NM Passenger Transportation Association at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque.

• August 24-26 - The New Mexico Conference on Aging was held at the Hard Rock Casino (formerly Hard Rock Hotel and Casino). On the first day, AARP Board Member, Jacob Lozada, served as its keynote speaker.

• September 14 - AARP Day of Service will be held on a September date for the second year.

AARP will continue its educational programs on the new Health Care Law throughout the Fall and Winter months. Nearly 1,700 persons from Los Lunas, Belen, Rio Rancho and Albuquerque participated in New Mexico's first series of a "tele-town haIl meeting" in June. Staff and volunteers found the technique to be a very convenient and useful tool for getting information out to members. More meetings are scheduled. I look forward to seeing many of you in Portales for NMAER's October convention. The chance to renew friendships and create new ones is always exciting.

TREASURER'S REPORT ... Joan Stavely, Treasurer

This report covers the period of January 1 through June 30, 2010

Regular Checking Account

Income to Date $ 88,704.41

Expenses to Date 66,171.57

Net Income to Date 22,532.84

Checking Account Balance $ 39,731.79

Current Assets $115,036.29

Fixed Assets 65.31

Total Assets $115,101.60

Political Development Fund

Income to Date $ 275.00

Expenses to Date 2,178.77

Net Income to Date ($ 1,903.77)

Checking Account Balance $ 5,145.98

SUMMARY OF MINUTES ... Peggy S. Clemmons, Secretary

Regular Meeting April 9, 2010

The Executive Board met on April 9, 2010 between 9:35 am and 2:25 pm at the MCM Elegente Hotel, Albuquerque,NM. Nine of ten voting members, five of nine non-voting members, and four guests were present.

After opening ceremonies, the following actions were taken: Approved the Agenda; Approved the Minutes of the January 15, 2010 Executive Board Meeting; Accepted Reports for the 2010 Operational Fund as of March 31, 2010: Projit and Loss Budget vs Actual for the period of January 1,2010 through March 31, 2010 showed Total Income of $64,787.20 and Total Expense of $36,813.85 for a Net Income of $27,973.35. Transaction by Detail recording all receipts and expenses was included in the report; The 2010 Political Development Fund as of March 31, 2010: Total Assets were $7,299.75 and Total Liabilities and Equity were $7,299.75. Additional Approved Actions by the Board were: Approved a plan to send out yearly mailings to new retirees to invite them to join NMAER; Approved sending a letter of appreciation to those members assisting with the 2010 Legislative Session. The Board Received Reports from Officers and Committees (six written and fifteen verbal).

Regular Meeting June 2, 2010

The Executive Board met on June 2, 2010 between 9:40 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. at the MCM Elegante Hotel, Albuquerque, NM. Nine of ten voting members, seven of nine non-voting members, and four guests were present

After opening ceremonies, the following actions were taken: Approved the Agenda; Approved the Minutes of the April 9, 2010 Executive Board Meeting; Accepted Reports for the 2010 Operational Fund as of May 31, 2010: Profit and Loss Budget vs Actual for the period of January 1,2010 through May 31, 2010 showed Total Income of $79,371.55 and Total Expenses of $56,664.91 for a Net Income of $22,706.64. Transaction by Detail recording all receipts and expenses was included in the report; The 2010 Political Development Fund as of May 31, 2010: Total Assets were $5,145.98 and Total Liabilities and Equity were The Executive Board met on April 9, 2010 between 9:35 $5,145.98. Additional Actions by the Board were: a.m. and 2:25 p.m. at the MCM Elegante Hotel, Approved the inclusion of an AMBA Reverse Mortgage Plan in the benefits offered to our members. Approved the Audit Report for 2009; Approved the Mileage Plan to assist Units with travel to the 2010 State Convention; Approved the Lobbyists Contracts for 2011~ Approved the nomination of two members to receive the Distinguished Service Award (One is awarded posthumously); Approved a letter to be sent to the State Attorney General concerning the Educational Retirement Board's indemnification policy; Approved a letter to the Units concerning the Educational Retirement Board's indemnification policy and requesting their signature on a letter of support of NMAER's request to the Attorney General. The Board Received Reports from Officers and Committees (two written and thirteen verbal).

Secretary's Note: Copies of the approved minutes are available upon written request to the NMAER Office at 3900 Juan Tabo NE, Suite 9, Albuquerque, NM 87111.

CALENDAR

Event Date

AARP's Day of Service 09/14

Community Service Hours Due 09/15

Executive Board Meeting 09/30

Portales State Convention:

Convention Registration 09/13

Lodging Reservation See Page 10

Meetings 10/01-02

Priorities Survey Response Due 08/30

The Washington Post released a study indicating that more than 63,000,000 people volunteered in 2009. If you volunteered during 2009, you can be proud to be one among sixty three million others who also gave assistance to others. The work of volunteers is no small measure of benevolence, philanthropy, and un-imagined evidence of community improvement. One conclusion for the large number --- folks want to get engaged, want to make a difference. Some people want to “network” with others, develop new skills, relearn old skills, or just plain help someone. What is your reasoning for volunteering.

Do you want to take home a fancy trophy for your unit to enjoy during the coming year? For the unit contributing the most hours giving assistance to others, the trophy win be yours. (On loan for the coming year.) I'll try to have some recognition for high-hour individual(s). Whatever might be said or not said - remember that community service is most often its own reward!

This is not yet the year of the Cat-that is next year - BUT let us make a great noise about volunteerism in Portales this year as practice to help us "cats" ROAR about volunteerism in 2010.

A total of 118 people representing 22 of 29 units participated in the five regional meetings for Unit and other leaders held at Espanola, Grants, Raton (Mandel a Center), Roswell, and Truth or Consequences during the months of April and May. Materials distributed at the meetings included the 2009 Legislative Report, state convention information, and NMAER Membership Recognition Plan. One state directory was given to each unit.

Presentation were made concerning the Retiree Health Care Authority's new Medco Prescription Plan and the anticipated effects of the new federal health care plan upon state and educational retirees of New Mexico. (Little change is now anticipated.) NMRHCA leaders: Wayne Propst, Executive Director; Mark Tyndal, Assistant Director; and Alfredo Santistevan, Board President gave their time to meet with the groups. That was appreciated.

A Question-and-Answer session concluded the program. That gave us the opportunity to resolve many concerns. It was greatly appreciated by all.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS CUT IN HALF (Chainsaw Massacre by school statistician?)

POLICE BEGIN CAMPAIGN TO RUN DOWN JAYWALKERS (Isn't that taking things a bit far?)

RED TAPE HOLDS UP NEW BRIDGES (You mean there's something stronger that duct tape?)

Doyle Foreman found these - and many more headlines. They are interesting and raise questions The most serious question must be," Is proofreading 'dying art'?" Help Requested - The title of this feature is no longer apropos since the Newsletter is published three times a year rather then four. If you can think of an appropriate title, please share it with Jeanne Barck, Editor.

To date, the Amendments Committee has not completed its work to develop a proposed amendment to recognize the Challenge Council. More time is needed to complete its work.

To meet the requirement for publication of any proposed amendment prior to the meeting of the Delegate Assembly (Article IX, Section 1 of the Constitution and Article XV, Section 1, of the By-Laws), the Committee's proposed amendment and its recommendation will be published on the NMAER Website (www.nmaer.com) and mailed to Unit Presidents no later than the first week in September

The NMAER Board of Directors recently endorsed a reverse mortgage program marketed by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) and provided through Reverse Mortgage USA. Soon, all members will be receiving additional information in the mail regarding this new benefit.

If you are a homeowner, over 62 years of age, 'a reverse mortgage might be a good option for you to consider. With a reverse mortgage, you get money today from a loan on your home. The loan does not get paid back until you sell the house or are deceased. On average, you can receive between 45% and 70% of the value of your home, and the loan proceeds can be used for any purpose. If you already have a mortgage on your house, that's okay! It gets paid off when you do a reverse mortgage and eliminates your current monthly mortgage payment. In addition, reverse mortgages are U.S. Government insured loan programs, and, therefore, they're safe. If you looking for ways to assist with living expenses, help your children, send a grandchild to college, or even to take your dream vacation, you may want to consider a reverse mortgage. With tough economic times, and rising medical costs, many seniors are looking for ways to make ends meet. Over 500,000 seniors are already taking advantage of the benefits that a reverse mortgage can provide.

For additional information, please contact Brenda Bejarano with Reverse Mortgage USA at 866-490-6743.

Editor's Note: The Executive Board realizes that a decision about such a plan cannot be lightly made. It approved this benefit because you have the opportunity to discuss its implications with an advisor and because the decision is reversible if conditions change.

The Nominations and Elections Committee announces the slate of officers for 2011. All candidates listed below are members in "good standing" and have agreed to serve if elected.

The first seven positions are for one-year terms which begin on January 1, 2011. The Representative to NMRHCB has a four-year term to begin July 1, 2011. Two positions are not up for election: 1. The current president, Barbara Bonahoom, will become the Past President and 2. The Representative to the ERB, Russell Goff, holds a four-year term due to expire June 30, 2012. That election will be held during the Convention of 2011

Nominees will be introduced at the State Convention in Portales. While biographies of each candidate will be included in the convention materials, each candidate ~ or a spokesperson for the candidate - will have the opportunity to speak to the Delegate Assembly before a vote is taken. Also, nominations may be made from the floor, but anyone wishing to nominate an individual must have assurances from the nominee about membership and willingness to serve.

Only approved delegates from each NMAER Unit are eligible to vote in the Delegate Assembly. The number of delegates from each Unit is based. on membership and delegates must be members of NMAER.

Members of my committee are Iris Johnson and Barbara Rawdon. We will be registering delegates during the State Convention and assisting President Barbara Bonahoom in conducting the election of officers.

- The March 2010 investment reports for the Educational Retirement Fund show that the Fund grew to $8.55 billion as of March 31, 2010. In April 2010 the report showed a continuing growth in the fund as it ended the month at $8.67 billion. Reports for May 20 I 0 had not been received as of this writing.

Indemnification Policy - Because of the legal implications, the ERB realized that its own fiduciary policy needed to be strengthened. Fiduciary responsibilities or duties of loyalty for board members and administrators responsible for public funds mandate that: (1) Assets of the Fund must be administered and invested for the benefit of members, retirees, and other beneficiaries; and (2) Expenditures from the Fund must be made only for the benefit of trust beneficiaries and program administration. Because these mandates require complex thought and decision-making, legitimate decisions can be difficult and, sometimes, controversial.

Outside Counsel - This spring, the ERB hired outside counsel to pursue plans to sue the financial firm of Aldus Equity Partners of Dallas, a former advisor to the board on investments of private equity funds. Two firms, one in Chicago and one In Albuquerque, will handle the lawsuit. You may recall that the Albuquerque Journal's article on June 19, 2010, reported that:

(T)he founding partner Saul Meyer pleaded guilty to security fraud in a pay-to-play scandal involving the New York Pension Fund:

"In his guilty plea last year in New York, Meyer said he had recommended investments in New Mexico that were not necessarily in the state's best economic interests but were done because of pressure from politically connected individuals;

"The names of those individuals have not been disclosed, but several placement agents with New York ties were used in New Mexico Investment deals."

Investigations - The Securities and Exchange Commission and a federal grand jury continue to investigate investments in New Mexico as well as the use of third party marketers. Some of these marketers received millions of dollars in questionable fees. The lawsuit will seek to recover losses from investments and fees paid to third party marketing agents. As more information becomes available on this lawsuit, we will keep you informed.

Law recognizes that board members and certain administrators must be protected from financial and personal harm and any member being investigated for or accused of breaching the fiduciary responsibility is entitled to public legal services provided through Risk Management Division (a state legal insurance provider). Over a period of several months, the Board and its counsel revised the proposed new policy. It was formerly adopted in March 2010. At the final adoption, there was discussion on several issues including the use of permissive language that may permit, on approval, payment of fees even after conviction. As a result Jan Goodwin, the Executive Director, at the direction of the Board, sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting an opinion about the legality of the indemnity policy including permissive language for payment of fees. No response has been received as of this writing.

In conclusion, as I receive more information on the status of the opinion of the Attorney General, I will keep the membership informed.

SOL VENCY - In spite of the weak economy and the spiraling cost of health care, the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority (NMRHCA) is functioning well and on solid footing. Our solvency period has been extended to the 15 year target and currently sits at the year 2025. This has come because of actions and hard work by NMRHCA staff, Board, and legislature acting on our behalf. Retirees were also instrumental in the passage 0 legislation because of their contact with legislators. The NMAER has provided strong leadership in supporting legislative efforts to safeguard our program. With all this occurring in our state and nation, the NMRHCA cannot stand still because many challenges lie ahead.

- A new pharmaceutical company, Medco, has replaced Express Scripts as NMRHCA ' s pharmaceutical provider for the majority of retirees in our program. The contract took effect on July 1st. The staff worked hard to minimize problems during the change over. The formulary did not change and the co-pays stay the same at retail drug stores and through the mail order component. Retirees who had prescriptions with pending refills will not have to get new prescriptions. New prescriptions , will have to be processed through Medco. The new contract will extend for four years and will save about $50 million over the same period.

- The contract with Medco has been adjusted in one area for Medicare eligible participants. Certain Medicare Part B prescriptions covered by Express Scripts will now be covered by Blue Cross if a retiree or dependent is enrolled in the Blue Cross Supplemental plan. Prescriptions to treat Diabetes, certain cancer drugs, and ostomy supplies will be covered through our Blue Cross health plan. If a retiree has any questions about specific drugs to treat these conditions, please call Mark Tyndal, Assistant Director, at 505-222-6423.

- Several benefit enhancements were made to the Medicare Blue Cross Supplemental plan and became effective this past July 1. Acupuncture and rolfing were restored to the plan. (Medicare previously did not pay for these benefits, therefore, the Blue Cross supplement didn't either.) Effective July 18\ routine physicals are covered and no co-payment is required.

- The Board and staff are going to initiate a Wellness program. It will differ significantly from the program in place several years ago.. It has not been finalized at this time but it will emphasize identifying certain disease states and treating them by applying concentrated medical attention and preemptive care. Early identification may prevent the onset of certain diseases and will make treatment easier and more effective. This program will be administered through the health care providers like Blue Cross and Presby1crian. The thrust of the program is to promote health, reduce costs, and improve the quality of life for those who participate in the program.

PREMIUM INCREASES - The NMRHCA held its Annual Meeting in Taos at the Sage Brush Inn. The meeting and related discussions ran from July 8th through July 9th. The solvency of the program was discussed and recalculated. Premium increases for the new policy vear, January l. 2001. were approved as follows:

~ 10 % for dependents because their age for participation increased from 25-26 years of age.

(Note: These increases are less than those experienced in other plans but are necessary to keep the program solvent. These increases do. not apply to the Medicare advantage plans. Those increases have not been set yet.

CONCLUSION - The Federal government recently passed sweeping health care legislation. It will not have any measurable effect on NMRHCA participants. During the New Mexico 60-day legislative session - to start January 18,2011, with new legislators and a new Governor at the helm - legislation will, no doubt, be introduced that may affect the NMRHCA program. At this point, no concrete proposals have been aired. It has been mentioned that an attempt to form a public health care plan will be made but no details have been disclosed. The NMAER will send out information as legislative issues develop. Retirees, in addition to AALs,may be requested to. contact legislators during the 2011 Legislative Session

The time has come to plan your Fall and early Winter tour options. For more information on featured tours, contact Sun Tours either by letter to 4300 San Mateo NE, Suite BI 15; Albuquerque, NM 87110; by telephone at either 889-8888 or (800) 666-6786; or by FAX at (505) 881-4437. Be sure to identify yourself as an NMAER member. The cost for any SunTours trip always includes necessary travel (airfare and/or deluxe motorcoach); lodging in excellent accommodations; professional SunTours tour guide; admission to all listed attractions; baggage handling for 1 piece per person; $100,000 flight insurance, if required; and all taxes and tips.

This trip features the "wonders" of both man and nature. Man's wonders include two Las Vegas's casinos, Death Valleys' Harmony Borax Works, and Flagstaffs Riordan Mansion. Nature's wonders include not only Death Valley with its phenomenal geological phenomena of large sand dune formations, sculpted rocks, isolated valleys, volcanic craters, and canyons; but also the Mojave National Preserve. Each evening at Furnace Creek Ranch, our knowledge ABOUT 1HE AREA is expanded by a Ranger's presentation. This trip is a dream for the "budding" or "experienced" photographer and geologist within us and time is provided to develop these talents as we experience these dramatic wonders.

Per Person Cost: $777.00 (Double Occupancy); $1,037.00 (Single Occupancy). Cost includes 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and admission to all listed attractions. Deposit: $50.00 NOW holds your place. Final Payment: Due Jan 4, 2011.

SEDONA & GRAND CANYON TRAIN - SEPT. 8-11,2010. This beautiful trip through northern Arizona, advertized in April's issue, may still have a few vacancies. If interested, call SunTours immediately. Per Person Cost: $569 (Double Occupancy); $727.00 (Single Occupancy). Cost includes 3 nights at Flagstaff's Little America Hotel. Deposit & Final Payment: Due at time of reservation.

SAN ANTONIO & Bluebonnets - 6 DAYS - APRIL 3-8, 2011 - Bluebonnet time in Texas is the perfect time to visit the hill country of San Antonio with its mild weather and beautiful wild flowers. Per Person Cost: $1,333 (Double Occupancy); $1,685 (Single Occupancy).

ERB's last Retirement Planning meeting for 2009-10 was held in Albuquerque on May l't this year. As you know, NMAER usually participates in these meetings to help as a co-host and to talk about NMAER. Our director, Russell Goff, attended this final meeting and explained what NMAER does for retirees. He must be very persuasive because twelve people joined that day!

This is the work we must continue to do next Fall when meetings resume in different cities in New Mexico for 2010-11. When active teachers hear about NMAER at retirement planning meetings, they often, for the first time, become aware that there is an organization that works to protect our pensions and health care. Knowing that ~ support group exists for retirees will encourage them to join NMAER when they do make the decision to retire.

I want to thank all of the unit presidents and past presidents I contacted during the last two years. You all have been very gracious in agreeing to provide refreshments and to have a member of your unit talk to potential retirees about NMAER and all this organization does for retired educators

My second term of office ends in December after a new Member-at-Large for Retirement Planning is elected at the convention in Portales. I will continue contacting any units where meetings will be planned in the fall and early winter and asking you to continue cooperating with Ms Esquivel when she visits your city. This is an exciting assignment. See you in Portales,

The NMAER Legislative Committee is charged with establishing legislative priorities for upcoming Legislative Sessions. The priorities fall into four categories: Retirement Benefits, Health Care Benefits, Advocacy for All Consumers, and Public Education. The NMAER Executive Board authorizes that a process be set in motion to request input from the NMAER membership through a survey instrument. .

The resultant survey is included as an insert of this Newsletter. It is now your time to participate in the process. It is now time for you to review the topics and record your thoughts about their relative importance to you. Space is provided for you to add other items of concern. Your task will be completed when you stamp and mail the enclosed envelope with your survey. The input from all of you is important to the Legislative Committee as it analyzes the returns and determines priorities for 2011 and 2012. That pamphlet will be presented at the Portales State Convention.

In that June 2010 meeting, the subcommittee of the Legislative Committee met not only to finalize survey items but to also assume a second responsibility to develop two sets of questions. The first set of questions was to solicit responses from candidates for seven state-wide offices on issues of significance to retirees prior to the 2010 General Election. Candidate responses will be published and shared with our membership through a special edition of the NMAER Newsletter. The second set of questions are to be asked of the gubernatorial candidates during a planned individual, Both candidates have agreed to the interview but the dates have not yet been set

These preparatory tasks are time-consuming and challenging. Words of gratitude go out to the members of the subcommittee (Glorianna Atencio, Jeanne Barck, Phil Barck, Jose Gandert, Russell Goff, Del Hansen, and Olivama Martinez) for their diligence in completing this task. They have contributed much of benefit for the organization and its members.

National Safety Month focuses on preventative measures that employees can take to maintain an accident-free workplace. In keeping with that mission, here are some best practices provided by Liberty Mutual that you can incorporate into your daily routine to ensure your safety and that of family and friends.

• Ask maintenance to keep outdoor walkways and lobby entrances free of water, ice, snow , mud and wet leaves.

• Adjust your chair's height so that your wrists and arms are in a straight line and relaxed when you type on your keyboard or manipulate your mouse.

• Take 30-second breaks regularly to readjust your sitting position or stretch your back and limbs.

• Position your computer monitor at or below eye level and at arm's length. Adjust natural and artificial lighting to minimize glare and reduce eye strain.

· Use handholds or place your fingers under the load. • Breathe in and then lift slowly as you breathe out.

The Legislative Priorities Survey in this issue is one of the important documents distributed by NMAER for two reasons. First, it is a sincere effort to learn about the interests of our members. The people who do work for our legislative priorities must not be “spread to thin” and they must be allowed to concentrate on those most important issues. In other words, it provides a plan for time and energy allocation. Second, NMAER cannot claim to be a grassroots organization if we do not try to learn about the wishes of our constituents. Selected priorities become more valid when the pool of respondents is greater. Please consider the items and respond!

The services of AALs will become even more important this year because the Executive Board did not re-authorize the use of Observers. The reasons included the low number of volunteers and funds available. Many of us characters have passed the time in our lives when driving on snowy roads and sleeping in motel beds is "fun". Last year, less than a half·dozen who volunteered as Observers showed up but the labor of keeping them informed was the same as previous years. We may need to think of it again when webcasting becomes more common. Then, we can monitor from home.

AALs continue to be a major component for legislative intervention but it can be done from one's home using one's own computer to both receive information and direction about bills of interest and to contact (usually by e-mail) assigned legislators. Last year, we almost reached the awesome goal of not exceeding two legislators per AAL. As we gain more AALs, we also increase the number of informed members who can carry an accurate message to others in their community. We recognize that AALs need support and a training program will be planned for January. Topics win include review of the new priorities, information about potential bills, speculation about the impact of the new members of the House (none expected in the Senate) and the new administration will have on legislation. Manners are always a major concern. I hope that past AALs win reassure potential volunteers that support is available. As the old saying goes, "We need all the help we can get." I hope past AALs will again volunteer and I would like for you to recruit new AALs. If you have any questions, please call me at (505) 753.9783. Space to volunteer as an AAL is on page 2 of the Priority Survey. "Come one, come all."

Information gleaned this summer by observing meetings of the Legislative Finance Committee, Government Reform Task Force, and others has been most interesting. Legislators, regardless of party, are all struggling with the task of balancing income and expenditures. They are beginning to think "outside the box". References to "consolidation" of services, entities, and organizations are not uncommon. Do we need a board of regents for each of the six four-year colleges and 17 community colleges? Can we consolidate school services and boards? Do we consolidate health care? While it may be less possible to predict legislation for 2011, trends may be observable when pre-session introduction begins on December 15, 2010.

NEW MEXICO ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL RETIREES SURVEY TO DETERMINE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THE 50^TH LEGISLATURE

Background - For the past six years, the Executive Board of the NMAER has organized and developed its Legislative Priorities in four categories: Retirement Benefits, Health Care Benefits, Advocacy for All Consumers, and Public Education. These categories continue to be important to all retirees, present and future.

To develop specific priorities for the 50^th Legislature for each category, the Executive Board requests input from its members. All Legislatures span a two-year period with two Sessions. Its first, a 60-day Session in 2011, considers any topic of interest; and the second, a 30-day Session in 2012, is limited to the State Budget, vetoed items of 2011, and the Governor's topics. Because of this two-year structure, the Executive Board decided that this survey will establish priorities for both Sessions.

Directions - For each category shown below, a list of topics presented. Please consider each item thoughtfully. Advise us if you believe each item should - or should not - be monitored by rating it on a Likert Scale of 1 to 4 with "1" meaning "Strongly Agree" [SA) up to "4" meaning "Strongly Disagree" [SD]. Circle rank deemed appropriate. If you think other items should be included, please add them in the numbered spaces provided at the end of each category. Remember, no position on any item can be taken until a bill has been reviewed.

4. 'Proposals for Full or Partial Consolidation of Existing State Health Care Plans

Winds of Change & Power of One Voice - New Mexico faces an unprecedented budget crisis and the First Session (2011) must confront the dilemma of balancing dwindling revenues and recurring expenses. A Government Reform Task Force has begun examining the total spectrum of public expenses from the Governor's Office to all public agencies and entities. Concepts of consolidation, reorganization, and service reduction are being voiced. NMAER is already following oral and written discussions and it is now seeking your input about relative importance to you of topics to be monitored. Your first step in participation is to consider, complete, and return this survey in order to develop NMAER's priorities for both Sessions of the 50^th Legislature (2011 and 2012). These priorities will guide us to identify and monitor bills of greatest significance, to develop a unified Position on them, and to speak as one voice.

Volunteer Now - Legislative Committee will continue the AAL program for the 1^st f Session of the 50^th Legislature. Training will be provided in January for all AAL Volunteers. All AALs are encouraged to participate to learn about changes and strategies. Please check one of the following be[ow and sign.

_ I am volunteering to be an AAL for the 2011 Session, Regular and Special, if needed.

Complete Mailing Address______________________________________________________________________

Survey Return - Return the completed survey to Russell Goff, Executive Director by mail at 3900 Juan Tabo NE, Suite 9; Albuquerque, NM 87111 or by FAX at 505.298.3939 by Monday, August 30,2010.