Bobbie Jean Bennett, secretary of the Georgia State Retirees Association (GSRA), was the featured speaker at a gathering of over 100 retired state employees in Greensboro on May 13.

Bennett served the state of Georgia for 36 years and retired as Commissioner of Personnel Administration (State Merit System). Also in attendance were state Sen. Johnny Grant and state Rep. Mickey Channell, Bubber Epps, Lee Anderson and DuBose Porter.

The meeting was sponsored by the Lake Oconee Area Chapter of the GSRA.Bennett’s presentation reported on the overall state of the Employees Retirement System, changes in the State Health Benefit Plan, recent actions by the legislature, and upcoming decisions by the Employees Retirement System board on cost of living adjustments (COLAs).

Changes in health insurance, funding driven by the administration’s budget, is a growing concern of state retirees, particularly those over 65.

Bennett also shared that survey results indicate that the absence of equitable pension funding and equitable COLAs is a significant concern among retirees. She praised members of GSRA for establishing local chapters and for their efforts to educate and inform retirees and elected officials alike, and she encouraged those from surrounding areas to start their own chapters.

Grant and Representatives Channell, Epps and Anderson all expressed the difficult struggles that the current economy has brought to the budget process and employee benefits. Porter, who acknowledged that he is a candidate for governor, drew a favorable response from the audience when he stated that “More needs to be done to ensure that the state can attract and retain the quality of state employees that Georgia has enjoyed in the past,” and “we need to find ways in the budget to fulfill our commitments to our retirees.”

To learn more about GSRA, how to become a member or to start a local chapter visit MyGSRA.com.