August 2017 Editor: Beth Sklar

President: Steve ArchibaldVice President: Jonathan BaineTreasurer: Neil ShilanskyAssistant Treasurer: Sandra WarshawCorresponding Secretary: Jody DumeerRecording Secretary: Mary SawyerProfessional Development and

Evaluation: Regina DellaVolpe, Carrie BenigniNegotiations: Jonathan BaineMembership & Social Chair: Kristen KeskaWebsite & Newsletter: Beth SklarBuilding Representatives

EHHS: Joe Holloway, Parker StrongEHMS: Jody Dumeer, Pam Penn Center School: Jeremy Moore, Sean Quinn

The members and leaders of the EHEA start the year with a heavy heart for the passing of our former colleague and High School Principal, John Fidler.

Visit our website weekly: https://eheateachers.wordpress.com/

WELCOME BACK!

Remember to:

1. Check your pay stub to be sure that you are being paid correctly – the salary schedule is on the website.

2. Update your email address, home address and phone number with Kristen Keska, Membership Chair, if anything has changed.

3. Familiarize yourself with the new health plan if you haven’t already. Remember that there are requirements for physicals, tests and procedures. You pay a penalty if you or anyone in your family does not comply. Our plan wants us to be proactive and stay healthy!

4. You may use funds in your HSA Account in accordance with IRS regulations. Go online to see what is allowed, or let your money sit and collect interest.

5. All teachers are encouraged to set up an automatic deduction for a 403b tax sheltered annuity. Money is taken out before taxes. It is never to soon to start! Contact Central Office for a list of qualifying companies that offer 403b plans.

August 18, 2017: Statement from CEA President Sheila Cohen on Governor's Plan to Cut $557 Million in Education Funding in 139 Districts

Governor Malloy's plan to cut $557 million in education funding would leave school budgets severely out of balance and schools unable to provide quality education for Connecticut's students. This plan would be devastating for students and emphasizes the critical need for legislators to pass a state budget that protects and invests in public education.

85 cities and towns would lose all state educational funding and another 54 towns would have their funding severely cut, shortchanging our students and their future. The 30 Alliance District towns would receive flat funding compared to last year. Essential student resources in many towns with significant numbers of students living in poverty—such as Torrington, Plainfield, Milford, Groton, Berlin, and Stratford—would be wiped out due to the loss of state funding.

These draconian cuts would undermine the ability of our schools to provide quality educational opportunities for all children, and our ability as a state to remain a leader in education.

Legislators must create a fair budget that invests in public education and ensures a brighter future for Connecticut. (Taken from cea.org)

Go here to find your state legislator and email them to inform them that the governor’s plan is not acceptable: http://www.cea.org/politics/legislator-lookup/

Also, watch this video, if you haven’t already, if you have plans to retire some day. The governor is messing with our pensions and more:http://www.cea.org/issues/news/2017/may/25/policymakers-have-plans-to-change-the-teacher-pension-system.cfm

EHEA Calendar of Important Dates

Monthly EHEA meetings will be posted on the EHEA website once the dates are determined. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend!

September 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Windsor High School, Windsor. Register at http://www.cea.org

September 27, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Torrington Middle School, Torrington. Register at http://www.cea.org

October 5, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Darien High School, Darien. Register at http://www.cea.org

October 14, 2017 -8:00 a.m. Eversource Hartford Marathon CEF Fundraiser. Starts and ends at Bushnell Park. The CT Education Foundation is looking for runners to participate in the 5K, relay race, and half or full marathon. Please sponsor a colleague and/or volunteer to help in the tent. Go to http://www.cea.org for details.

October 19, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Parish Hill Middle/High School, Chaplin. Register at http://www.cea.org

October 26, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Portland Secondary School, Portland. Register at http://www.cea.org

November 2, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Amity High School, Woodbridge. Register at http://www.cea.org

November 16, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Saxe Middle School, New Canaan. Register at http://www.cea.org

November 30, 2017, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, South Windsor High School, South Windsor. Register at http://www.cea.org

March 19, 2018, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Enfield High School, Enfield. Register at http://www.cea.org

March 29, 2018, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Broadview Middle School, Danbury. Register at http://www.cea.org

April 2, 2018, 4:00 p.m. Retirement Workshop, Montville High School, Montville. Register at http://www.cea.org

If you want weekly updates on what is going on in our state and at CEA, go to https://blogcea.org

If you like to save money, go to https://www.neamb.com for travel discounts and deals on books, supplies, museums, musicals, insurance, J. Crew, Tommy Hilfiger, movie tickets, AT&T, Bose, Adobe, Apple and more…

If you want NEA updates and classroom tips, go to http://www.nea.org/home/52986.htm

If you want to understand and plan for your retirement, READ the August 2017 CEA Advisor which was mailed to your home. It explains how your pension funds are invested, the role of the legislature, benefits, and what is presented at the CEA Retirement Workshops, which EVERY teacher should attend.