Palmer speaks to Retired School Personnel

Friday, September 28, 2007

The Bourbon County Unit of Retired School Personnel met Sept. 8 at the Fort Scott High School commons area.

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Eckles. He led the group in the flag salute and The Lord's Prayer. Bob introduced the speaker, State Rep. Shirley Palmer, D-Fort Scott.

Palmer described in detail a day of a legislator. She starts out her day at a prayer breakfast. At 8 a.m. she attends caucuses and committee meetings. She is a member of the Education Committee, the Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security committees and the Agricultural Committee. In the afternoon there are more committee meetings. From 5 to 9 p.m. there are receptions that she does attend.

She discussed how difficult it is to get a cost of living allowance for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. She is working on the Advisory Council to help solve the shortage of math and science teachers. She is also on the Council on Aging. Some issues are dental health care and mental health care.

Palmer will welcome any input on anything before the Legislature. Please write, call or e-mail her on any concerns.

The minutes of the July meeting were read and approved. A treasurer's report was given with $297.29 in the treasury and $476.64 in a certificate of deposit. May Viles announced that dues will be collected at the next meeting. The Sept. 8 meeting's collection of $12 will be given to The Beacon.

Reports were given about Iva Price, Helen Fulton and Thelma Belknap. These ladies are greatly missed.

Bob Casino, the District 6 director, spoke about the need for cost of living allowance for KPERS. He did not get a report on the unit's volunteer hours. He awarded the unit with a certificate for its members' service to the youth of Bourbon County. If anyone has concerns that they want relayed to the legislators, please let him know.

It was announced that the unit needs bottle caps for Tri-Valley Developmental Center, grocery bags for The Beacon, and that the non-profit store in the old IGA building will soon be open for business.

-- Submitted by

Margaret Titus