Richard Polacek

I retired 20 years ago based on the promise in our contract of a COLA which would keep my income up with inflation and the cost of living in the future. Because of the then treasurer's cancelling of our COLA'S in 2011 I no longer can say that I am able to keep up with either !! As I have gotten older, my medical bills and drug cost have skyrocketed and I am not able to keep up. After sending three children to college, I still have a mortgage on my 45 year old home, which was the only way we could afford tuition along with them each taking out maximum student loans at the time.

Also, at the meeting held at Twin Rivers, the speaker basically intimidated the members by using extreme scare tactics, such as telling the union members that if they didn't vote yes, they could likely loose their pensions altogether!! Many of the members would not have any other income as many did not pay into social security! So they felt compelled to agree to the Treasurer's removal of COLA'S rather than have little or no income.

Teacher's pay in Rhode Island will never make a person rich, but at very least it should allow teachers who have dedicated their lives to teaching your children to have a descent income.

Sincerely,

Richard T. Polacek

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