AFSCME Maryland Council 67 joined the Maryland Retirees Chapter 1, Ida B. Williams-Ward, President, for a Retirees Lobby Day in Annapolis, this past Tuesday, February 24, 2009. The Retirees lobbied legislators in opposition of the Medicare Advantage Plan currently under review with the Blue Ribbon Commission – no legislation is pending at this time. A special Blue Ribbon Commission was put together by the Maryland State Legislature to study health care coverage for retired state workers. This means your benefits could be on the line! AFSCME strongly opposes benefit cuts and big changes in coverage!

Several Maryland legislators re-arranged their schedules to speak with the retirees -including Lt. Governor Brown, Secretary Perez, Senator Joan Carter- Conway, Senator Verna Jones, Senator Lisa Gladden, and Delegates Jill Carter, Cheryl Glenn, Nathaniel Oaks and Curt Anderson. Legislators were very happy the retirees visited Annapolis and understood their heart felt concerns about the Medicare Advantage Plan and any changes thereof.

Their presence created visibility, awareness and opposition to the Medicare Advantage Plan. A very important hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2009, 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Room 120, House Office Building, the Commission is meeting in Annapolis to discuss its options. AFSCME Maryland Retirees will be present in opposition of such changes. We will fight to protect our benefits!