Record of Testimony

I was so happy to get a job working for the State of Rhode Island while continuing my education at night. I believed the job came with a promise in the form of a contract. I promised to work with honor and respect.

I am almost 71 years old and I am still teaching because I cannot afford to retire. This is my 23rd year teaching. If I retire this year I will receive approximately $1900.00 a month. I am all alone and my sole support. If I retire I cannot afford Medicare or be able to keep my house.

I started working for the City of East Providence in the (Water Department) on April 2nd 1990. I've been there almost 34 years.

I am a former RI teacher who taught 30years. I loved teaching but if I were starting today I would apply in CT or MA not RI. When I started I signed a contract that promised me a pension that included a cola. I was not allowed to pay into Social Security.

My name is Susan Lusignan and I have worked for the City of East Providence since I was 16 years old. After a semester in college, I decided I needed to earn money and left to pursue employment.

I feel our Colas should be returned to us. We entered into a contract with the State of RI when we retired and it included our COLA’s. It is shameful that this was done to so many dedicated employees that thought what the State had agreed was theirs, then taken away. No way is that legal.

The changes made by the “Rhode Island Retirement Security Act of 2011” are unjust for many reasons. Chief among them is that many workers like myself took lower pay for future promised benefits that are now greatly diminished.

I feel I was wronged I will have 30 years of service with the city of East providence when I will be 52 years old and I will have to work another 11 years after that to avoid major penalties. With Costs. The pension reform happened when I had 13 years in and was already vested for 3 years.

I am writing in regards to the MERS Police & Fire pensions. Due to the 2012 Pension Reforms, first responders now have to work longer careers to satisfy the minimal pension requirements for retirement.

Dec 12, 2023

How the Loss of COLA affected This Retiree

Colleen Kelly Mellor