Jo Ann Silva

Dear Treasurer Diossa,



I am reaching out in the hopes of receiving the return of a COLA as soon as possible. I have been flatlined for over a decade now. Also, I have been a widow for 8 years and as you can see, I do not have the luxury of his income or Social Security.



I worked in the private sector for 20 years and then taught in the town of Coventry, RI for 26.5 years. Unfortunately, Coventry does not pay into Social Security which is another negative impact. With continued rising prices, my buying power is much less. For every $100.00 spent in 2012, I now have to spend $135.74.



It is my hope that the State of Rhode Island can show respect to retired teachers and state employees by instituting the benefit of a COLA that we rightfully earned and deserve.



Thank you for your consideration in this matter and I look forward to the favor of a reply.

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