August 2023

Newsletter
Visit our website:
OgleLeeRTAonline.weebly.com

or find us on Facebook at Ogle-Lee RTA

Contact us: OgleLeeRTA1@gmail.com or Jean Whipple, Membership at 815-222-2681

Ogle-Lee Retired Teachers Luncheon Membership Meeting

When: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Where: Stronghold Camp, Conference & Retreat Center

1922 IL Rt.2 North, Oregon, IL

Time: Doors open 11:30; Business Meeting/Memorials 11:45 -12:15, Lunch 12:30, Program 1:15

Lunch: Grilled chicken, mixed vegetables, roasted potatoes, salad bar, dessert, coffee/iced tea/lemonade

Program: “History and Highlights of Stronghold”- Dr. Danny Pierce, Stronghold Castle Executive Director

Cost: $15.00 at door by cash or check payable to Ogle-Lee RTA

RSVP: If attending, email Jean Whipple at jwhipple5@gmail.com or call her at 815-222-2681 by August 30.
If you are later unable to attend, please notify us to cancel your reservation to avoid payment.

If you have recently dropped your landline and use a cellphone, please let me know so I can update your
information in our Membership files. If you have changed your email address, please let me know your new
email address as well. Thank you. Jean Whipple, Membership at 815/222-2681 or jwhipple5@gmail.com
 IRTA State Convention
Jean Whipple and Mary Gardner will be the Ogle-Lee RTA delegates to the
IRTA Convention to be held on October 16-17, 2023, in Springfield, Illinois.
IRTA officers will be elected and delegates will vote on Proposed Resolutions
and Constitutional Amendments now available for review on the IRTA website at :
www.irtaonline.org/association/convention-2023

Jean Whipple selected as a 2023 IRTA Unit Honorees

At the IRTA State Convention, Unit Honorees are recognized for their
exceptional service to their local unit.
The Ogle-Lee RTA Unit Honoree is Jean Whipple selected for her service
to our organization as past president,
membership chair and "to be elected" co-president.
Jean's picture and name will be part of a powerpoint presentation
at the IRTA conference in October recognizing honorees from units across the state.
Thank you, Jean, for your strong support of the Ogle-Lee RTA!

Message from Kim McKenna, Ogle-Lee RTA President

Greetings Ogle-Lee RTA members,

I hope that you are enjoying this summer season. July has certainly brought us
many sunny,“hot” days. Perhaps you have enjoyed some picnics, parades, fairs, vacations, and ice cream?
Our next general meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Stronghold Castle in
Oregon IL. Details about the meeting can be found in this newsletter. Members with email addresses will
also receive an email reminder that will allow you to RSVP if you will be attending.
During the business meeting, we will spend a few minutes remembering those that are no longer with
us. You will also have the opportunity to talk to an AMBA rep. There will also be a vote to elect the officers for
2024-2025. The candidates are:
Co-Presidents: Mary Gardner & Jean Whipple Co-Vice Presidents: Belinda Luxton & Carol Richardson
Secretary: Elke Grennan Treasurer: Linda Kenney
Thank you for being a member of the retired teachers association that helps protect our pensions and
healthcare plus offers group insurance for dental/vision, and some travel and entertainment benefits. Hope to
see you at our September meeting.
Best wishes, Kim McKenna, President, Ogle-Lee RTA

Legislative Update of Interest to Retired Educators

by Kim McKenna, Ogle-Lee RTA Legislative chairperson

Many state legislators are working in their districts serving constituents and fundraising. As of July,
Governor Pritzker has signed 155 pieces of legislation into law. There are still 300 bills waiting to be signed
into law by the governor. None of the bills affect retired teachers. The veto session is scheduled for October
24-26 and November 7 -9.
Illinois has a $2 billion rainy-day fund, and eight credit upgrades. The Illinois budget invests in pre-K-12
education programs, early childhood education programs, Higher Education programs, expanded access to
computer science programs, funding for a pilot program to fill teacher vacancies and more.
The House Personnel and Pensions Committee held a public meeting in July. The committee plans to
address the unfunded liability and inadequacies of the Tier 2 pension structure.

Thank you for being a member of Ogle-Lee RTA !

We need your help recruiting new members. Would you please invite your friends who are retired educators
or who will be retiring soon to join IRTA and Ogle-Lee? IRTA is the only association that is just for retired
educators and it has been a vital part in keeping our pensions and insurance benefits safe. Encourage your
friends to join us in continuing our efforts to do this. Visit www.irtaonline.org to get more information to
share or go to www.ogleleertaonline.weebly.com to see what we do locally! Any questions, please contact
Jean Whipple at jwhipple5@gmail.com or 815-222-2681.

We also have positions on committees for Technology( Webmaster)

and Member Benefits(this is not the same as membership).
These positions are appointed not elected.
Contact Kim McKenna at kmckenna732@gmail.com
if interested in serving or have a recommendation. .