Press Advisory:
For immediate release
January 17, 2023
Contact: John Kowalko
(302) 547-9351
kowalkoforthe25th@gmail.com
RISE Delaware Members to Attend Wednesday Senate Committee Hearing to Voice Opposition to Senate Bill 29
RISE Delaware members are being urged to attend the Senate Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Legislative Hall in Dover, to voice their opposition to Senate Bill 29 relating to the State Employee Benefits Act.
Senate Bill 29, sponsored by Senator Townsend, purports to be a response to the concerns of State pensioners who have been united in opposing the State’s attempt to privatize their Medicare and deny them the funded Medicare supplement plan that they currently enjoy.
Former State Representative John Kowalko, who is Co-Director of RISE Delaware, said, “We are urging all of our State retirees to attend this meeting in-person or via livestream to demonstrate their opposition to this legislation.” Kowalko added, “Senate Bill 29 appears to support the flawed process and previous decisions of the SEBC while condoning the behavior of Administration appointees who consistently and persistently misled and misinformed the public and the retirees.”
“What happened this past summer to State retirees was unfortunate and frightening,” said RISE Delaware Board Member Connie Merlet, “We need strong legislation from our leaders in Dover to prevent this happening again. Senate Bill 29 does not accomplish this in any way.”
“It is most important that all retirees and their families and friends join us this Wednesday to express their anger and frustration at this attempt to further erode their health care benefits. This is your chance, as retirees, to express your objections and outrage, with a united voice, against this government abuse,” stated Kowalko.
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RISE Delaware
Retirees Investing in Social Equity Delaware
“State of Delaware Public Service Retirees who care not just about their benefits, but your benefits too!”