Retired educators of Beckham/Roger Mills Unit gathered at Elk City United Methodist Church April 12, 2024. President Linda Long welcomed members, Suzanne Walker, Cindy Wood, Glenda Ivins, Judy Haught, June Lovelace, Janice Mollet, Dennis McRee, Larry Long, Stephanie Malone, Tana Feldman, Carla Garrison and Gwen Pasby. Guests were Dean Holland, SW District Director-Pam Holland, and OREA Executive Director- Sabra Tucker.
Linda called the meeting to order. Gwen gave the invocation and Judy led the flag salutes.
Cindy gave the devotional. She read “The Most Inspiring Season” by David G. Allen. He quoted various famous authors—Anne Bradstreet, Ernest Hemingway, Anne Frank, and Mark Twain. He also stated that some cultures celebrate the New Year in spring.
The minutes from the March meeting were approved as presented.
Glenda gave the Treasurer’s report. It was approved as read.
Suzanne reported that we had received thank you emails from scholarship recipients Kinsey Smith and Tiffany Estrada.
Sabra Tucker presented the program. She reported that the COLA bill was dead but could go through appropriations and budget. She warned that cutting taxes was not a good idea if there was not a way to replace revenue. There is a disagreement over the budget between the House and the Senate with no one wanting to compromise.
Sabra also explained two House bills that she described as “bad bills.” They were written from models of ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council). She said that both bills would be potentially harmful to our pension system.
Sabra gave a handout on COLA. She said our last COLA in 2020 has been diminished by inflation. She also emphasized that the money in OTRS belongs to teachers not the Legislators or their constituents. She urged people to call their state senators and ask them to co-author the COLA bill.
In the membership report, Glenda noted 71 members. Glenda also gave the Membership Minute. She mentioned that information on travel deals can be accessed at orea.org.
Jan Attocknie was nominated and approved as our 2024 VIM (Very Important member.)
Linda reminded everyone of the May 10 OREA Memorial Service for area educators who passed during the year. This will be the last meeting of this school year. All retired educators in this area are encouraged to attend our local OREA meetings.
Larry won the door prize, which was a hanging basket of purple petunias. (He was thrilled!)
Linda adjourned the meeting.
