2022 Final Legislative Update
June 30, 2022
NEW: Update on H.R. 82
July 15, 2022

Unit Spotlight: Lincoln PRE

They say, “variety is the spice of life.” The Lincoln Parish Retired Educators employs a variety of service projects and invites different guest speakers to keep members engaged.

LPRE has increased its community presence over the past year by participating and volunteering in several community events. In December 2021, LPRE shared holiday greetings at the Alpine and Princeton Place Nursing Home and Rehab Centers. LPRE brought gift bags stuffed with useful items and treats for the residents. Beyond the gifts, LPRE wanted to honor residents who were retired educators for their years of service to Louisiana. “We just wanted them to know that they aren’t forgotten for their many years of service and hard work,” said LPRE President Liz White.

LPRE members volunteering at their Christmas community event.

In addition to their independent service projects, LPRE partners with other local agencies to serve the community. On February 18, LPRE hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Public Health and the Louisiana National Guard. “While the turnout was relatively low, LPRE members focused their efforts on keeping the public informed, particularly in marginalized areas where vaccine hesitancy runs high,” White noted.

Community service is important as it brings together residents and retired teachers for the greater common good. Just as important to LPRE is that, when retired teachers and the community gather, they understand the issues at hand. Local school leaders, such as John Young, the first black assistant superintendent of Lincoln Parish Schools, and Dr. Les Guice, president of Louisiana Tech University, spoke with LPRE throughout the year to give an update on education. Stephanie Matthews, executive director of Christian Community Action (CCA), spoke with LPRE in May.

LPRE members reveal food donation at May 2022 meeting.

On January 13, 2022, LPRE members and other local retired teachers met with state Representative Chris Turner to discuss the Louisiana legislative session and the anticipated bill for a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired teachers (Senate Bill 6 by Senator Ed Price). Connecting with public officials is an effective way to educate legislators on potential legislation that could impact retired teachers. “It is in joint forums like this that legislators get to hear the one united voice of their constituents,” White said.

Through a variety of speakers and programs, LPRE has kept its membership engaged and leveraged these projects to recruit new members.

For more information about Lincoln PRE, contact Mrs. Liz White at (318) 278-2046.

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