Meredith Johnson

I cannot even begin to convey what losing my cola has meant. It was something I had counted on during my retirement years especially when as we all know nothing ever goes down, it always goes up whether it is cost of living overall or each individual bill we have to pay. I do not live an extravagant life style but was at least able to get by until the cola was taken away. I have only myself for income so when I have to make the decision how much food I am going to buy versus what medication I am able to purchase Is the monthly fact I have to face. Now that I am older it is difficult to even work to supplement my income. I was told as part of my contract that I was to get a 3% cost of living each year which I had planned my retirement around. I do not understand how the State of Rhode is able to break this contract. I certainly would not have been able to do that! Most of us do not get a big pension and with the high cost of living today it is totally unfair that the State continues to renege on the contract that we entered into in good faith. I am hopeful that this situation and the restoration of our cola will be taken seriously and forthcoming in the very near future.

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