FAQs CONCERNING EARLY RETIREMENT

In December, the Bridgewater Chapter passed a motion asking me to revise the MSCA website to include a section of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). It is an easy request to meet, as there has been only one topic about which I have received questions, frequently, throughout the entire 26 months I have been president. That topic is early retirement.

Q: Is there going to be an early retirement bill?
A: I don't know.

Q: Has Governor Romney filed an early retirement bill?
A: No, he has not.

Q: Will he file an early retirement bill?
A: I don't know.

Q: How can I find out if Governor Romney is going to file an early retirement bill?
A: Call his office and ask a staff member. Better yet, call your state representative and senator and ask them, too.

Q: I heard this fabulous rumor about the early retirement bill - is it true?
A: I don't know. No legislation has been filed yet by anyone. Ample rumors and speculation have been and continue to be fueled by newspaper reports and hopeful state employees.

Q: I want your advice on early retirement. Next April, I will be 58 years old...
A: Stop right there. I do not give advice on early retirement. Please do not send lengthy emails with personal information, asking me whether or not you should take early retirement or wait for early retirement legislation or what you should do about retirement. I will not respond to those questions.

Q: If I want to talk with someone about plannning for retirement, who should I call?
A: MTA has retirement counselors who can advise you. You can link to the MTA webpage through this page. But I am confident that they don't know any more than I do about any early retirement legislation.

Q: When an early retirement bill is filed, will you tell the membership?
A: Yes, I will.

Q: The entire membership, at the same time?
A: Yes.

Q: You're not keeping any secrets from us about early retirement, are you?
A: No, I am not.

2/06/03