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March 26---Youngstown--- Third
Dist VP Mike Taylor called the third dist meeting to order and asked all
members to keep Rocky Russo in their prayers as his health is declining.
Retiree VP Tom Rave spoke about
pension matters and issues with medicare and OP&F insurance. The fund is
working through the problem and hopes to have it remedied soon. VP Rave
then updated the progress on the Offset and Windfall Act, this would provide
full Social security benefits to our members who qualify and eliminate the
‘penalty’ our pension members currently incur. This legislation is in
Congress and its fate will be monitored closely. The reelection of Larry
Petrick was the next topic. “Larry has done and excellent job at the
pension board.” Rave commented. The OAPFF endorses Larry Petrick for
election to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Board.
IAFF 8th Dist VP Tom
Miller updated the district about current issues in the IAFF. The US
Presidential election was the first issue he spoke about. “The IAFF is not
sure if it will endorse any candidate.” Miller confirmed, “The good news,
though, is that we kicked Rudy Guilliani’s ass!” to applause. Miller also
addressed recent successes including the increase of Safer Act funding by
50%. We, the IAFF, work hard with the state organizations to deliver the
best services to your local. The state associations are the backbone of the
IAFF services.” Miller concluded. The eighth dist caucus will be held July
18 at the Omni in Indianapolis.
The first district was visited by
two Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund representatives. Larry Petrick,
Active member and Bill Deaton, retired member, were both in attendance.
Larry spoke not only about Pension issues but Fire Fighter Health Issues as
well. Hew fire rules are in effect and Director Petrick discussed those
briefly. Safety Stand Down week is now Fire and EMS Safety Survival week,
the same basic idea applies, but under its new name we should all revisit
our own safety at the fire houses. HIPPA rules also apply to health and
wellness programs, special care should be given in contracts to see that
HIPPA is followed when instituting these plans.
Secretary Treasurer Mark Horton
addressed the finances of the OAPFF and discussed in length the OAPFF’s plan
to relocate offices. The OAPFF will be moving its headquarters to the 12th
Floor of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Building near the statehouse. “If
we are going to play the game, we should be nearer the players,” Horton
commented.
President Sanders spent time
talking about recent successes of the OAPFF at the state house. Two issues,
Military Leave time and the Arson Registry have been discussed and both have
been introduced on the legislative floor. Our introduction of changes to
the Collective Bargaining Law to include over 650 of our members who serve
villages of less than 5000 citizens has been well received with over 60
cosponsors in the house and senate.
The third dist endorsed Dan
Mitsch(Sgt at Arms), Tom Rave (Retiree VP), Mike Taylor (Third Dist VP), Tom
Miller (IAFF 8th Dist), Mark Horton (Sec-treasurer) and Mark
Sanders (President).
VP Taylor then adjourned the
meeting.
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