President’s Message:
Hello REACMC Members,
This announcement is being sent to notify you of the cancellation of our General Membership Meeting at the Flanders on March 18. We are not rescheduling this meeting. The REACMC Executive Committee will always hold your health and well-being as its top priority. As the risks of the COVID-19 virus become increasingly larger each day, we do not want our members to be compromised by gathering together at this time. Instead, we plan to hold our next General Membership meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Many NJEA, NJREA, and various County union events are also being cancelled. In addition, NJEA headquarters and Uniserv offices will be suspending their office services until mid-April, while still maintaining email and phone communication with members.
Anyone who has registered for the March 18 meeting will not be charged for this event. Refunds may be requested in 3 ways: 1) we can discard/void your check 2) we can apply your check to the May 20 meeting; or 3) we can mail back your check to you. Each registrant will receive a phonecall from an Executive Committee member to answer any questions. If you prefer, you may contact Chic Brandt, Vice President, by phone (609) 774-3452 or by email chic8852@aol.com and tell him your preference for the disposal of your check.
In the coming months, please open all emails from NEA, NJEA, NJREA, and especially from REACMC, as we will be keeping you informed of the latest news on pending legislation, health benefits, and pension issues. Right now, there is good news that Senate President Steve Sweeney and NJEA President Marie Blistan have reached an agreement regarding Chapter 78 relief and Job Justice ESP legislation. The State Legislature is scheduled to vote on these bills on March 26 to be followed by the Governor’s signature! We are optimistic that the legislation will pass and that Governor Murphy will approve. Of course, COVID-19 events could through off this timetable. Thank you to all of you for phonecalls and emails to our legislators urging them to sign on to this legislation! Our hard work should soon be rewarded!
For another thing, the NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits has just issued the good news that all those who are covered by Horizon BC/BS and by Aetna Educators Medicare Plans will have their copayments for COVID-19 testing and treatment waived. It is comforting to have this insurance coverage. Here’s hoping that we will not need this, but it is good to know that it is being offered to us.
The Executive Committee and I extend our best wishes for your continued health in the coming weeks, as always. Take this time to remain calm, spend time with family (in small numbers), and use common sense when venturing out to shopping, medical appointments, and routine life events.
In unity and good health,
Carol Ann McDonald,
REACMC President
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