The Ministry Center of the Russellville United Methodist Church was the site for the November meeting of the Franklin County Education Retirees Association.

Refreshments were enjoyed, and new members were welcomed by Sandy Gibson, president.   

The program, a hegislative update, was given by Rep. Jamie Kiel.

Rep. Kiel reported on the past year’s legislative session and the special session. He addressed the needs of the Alabama prisons, which included providing a safe environment for our state employees who work at the prisons as well as for the prisoners.

He reported on the results of Alabama’s redistricting and reported that all of Franklin County is now in his district.

The Alabama legislature passed the largest education budget ever this past year, which included pay raises for teachers; however, the retired educators did not receive the cost of living raise that was requested.

A bill will be presented during the 2022 session to give the retired educators either a cost of living increase or a 13th check.

As a member of the Alabama Education Association, I informed the retirees that a legislative dinner will be hosted by the Fourth District AEA UniServ Director Tracey Moore Dec. 7 and Dec. 9 at Doe’s Eat Place in Russellville. Sen. Stutts and Rep. Kiel planned to be present to report on legislative issues and to accept questions and give answers on topics that are of importance to Alabama educators as well as retirees.

Four members of the Franklin County Education Retirees Association volunteered to attend these meetings.

Following the business session, the meeting adjourned.