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ARSEA dues are only $5.00 per month, which is just a fraction of the amount you will receive in COLA increases. For a monthly payroll deduction, sign and mail the enclosed application. If you prefer to pay the entire year, please return the application along with a check for $60.00. Check combined membership and join your spouse as an auxiliary member for only two extra dollars. Auxiliary members will also receive the $4,000 accidental death insurance, discounts and other ARSEA benefits. ARSEA is a non-partisan, public retiree advocacy group with over 20,500 members and, as an organization, remains very dedicated to its main purpose – your retirement income. ARSEA’s primary focus is the promotion and protection of your rights and benefits as a retiree receiving a monthly income from the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA). RSA manages and invests the funds for your base retirement benefit which allows you to receive no more or less than the amount of your first retirement check. It’s ARSEA’s job to persuade the Alabama Legislature to appropriate the additional funds needed to provide cost-of-living increases ARSEA has built its reputation on successful COLA legislation and strong political action. About every other year, ARSEA succeeds in winning COLA benefits for members. With a growing membership for over 25 years, ARSEA has moved to the forefront as the most influential lobbying group for public retirees in this state. Cost-of-Living AdjustmentsARSEA’s influence with the state legislature is the ONLY way to get a cost-of-living adjustment. COLA’s or raises are not guaranteed – they must be secured through effective lobbying. COLA’s for city, county and public agency retirees must first be authorized by the legislature and then approved by each local government.Retirement Systems of AlabamaARSEA works closely with RSA to provide assistance and information to retirees in a non-governmental capacity. Two of the 13 trustees of the Employees’ Retirement System’s Board of Control are ARSEA representatives of (one a state retiree and one retired from a public agency).State Tax Exemption Years ago, a state tax exemption on retirement income was granted to those retired from public service. Two times, since 1992, we fought to retain this benefit for public retirees. Tax reformers will continue to view this benefit as a major loss of revenue. State Health InsuranceReliable health care coverage for members is one of ARSEA’s major concerns. Rising health care expenses and a declining state revenue is a very dangerous combination and ARSEA stands ready to fight any additional out-of-pocket costs or reduction in benefits. Two of the 11 members of the State Employees’ Insurance Board are ARSEA representatives. Foundation Events The ARSEA Foundation’s purpose is dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for retired Alabamians through informational, educational, charitable and research efforts. All members of ARSEA receive FREE of charge): ARSEA AdvantageARSEA’s newsletter provides you with information about the economic advantages of public retirement, legislation and association events. This quarterly publication and our legislative bulletins (ARSEAlert) keep you up-to-date with the current legislative events taking place in Montgomery. Accidental Death & Dismemberment InsuranceARSEA furnishes this insurance to all members free of charge. This plan pays an accidental benefit of $4,000.00. There is no premium due from you and no reduction in benefits due to age. When you become a member of ARSEA you receive a certificate of insurance to retain with your records. Family Information Guide A pamphlet to record important information about benefits, instructions and useful phone numbers for members and their families. Local AffiliationWe urge members to attend local ARSEA chapter meetings. ARSEA chapters are the foundation of our organization through which members maintain professional contacts, socialize with friends and benefit from informative programs on vital subjects. ARSEA DecalARSEA furnishes all members a window decal that can be placed on a car window promoting Alabama retired public employees. Membership CardYour ARSEA membership card will entitle you to several discounts available to ARSEA members. ARSEA membership qualifies you for additional benefits and discounts. Members can actually save more than the cost of membership by participating in ARSEA endorsed programs. Insurance
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