Russ Marsocci

I am Russ Marsocci and I'm the Municipal Vice President of AFSCME RI Chapter 94 Retirees.

Many members of Chapter 94 worked for State and local municipalities some of them 30 years and above. They eagerly awaited retirement knowing they could count on a cost of living adjustement (COLA) every year to help cope with inflation and maintain a steady pension income that would allow each of them to live comfartably.

Those plans were disrupted due to pension reform of 2011. Some members are working part time, others have started to collect there social security benefits earlier than anticipated. Unfortunately some members have lost there homes or had tro sell because o the reform.

As we move ahead I'm optimistic that portions of the reform that led to decreased and staggered retirement incomes will change as the pension fund grows and the State and municipalaties meet their financial obligations. Often overlooked during discussions about the reform is that every public sector employee whether state or municipal paid there portion to the fund each pay period keeping their part of the obligation.

We support RI Council 94 proprosals as well as the Police and Fire, RIPERC and NE-AFT. Council 94 and Chapter 94 leadership has worked together during these reform- including induced fainacially times for active and retired workers.

Russ Marsocci,Chapter 94 Retirees Municipal Vice President

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