tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117832137870855841.post3157477781195337882..comments2023-11-07T05:39:39.296-05:00Comments on From The Teacher's Desk: Today's Contract News & ReflectionsGeorge Bezanishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15939075049844808801noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117832137870855841.post-84159370071865379532013-08-29T21:20:40.240-04:002013-08-29T21:20:40.240-04:00The last PFT Membership meeting I attended was whe...The last PFT Membership meeting I attended was when the PFT rescued our salaries cuts by the Health and Wefare Fund giving the district $58 million (excess in the fund). It was a heavy sigh of relief for many but yet it was contentious meeting...many said we were caving. Voices were angry. We all have our personal perspective on these issues based on our own personal situation. I am an older teacher...single, no family and though my health plan covers only me...the increased copays are a concern as I get older and physicians seem to order more 'tests' with each visit. For me a 13% salary cut is alarming because it would result in more than $800/month cut in my take-home pay. YIKES. So I get to decide, do I pay my utility bills and food or do I pay my mortgage. Yes, that cut will make affording my modest tiny house very difficult, if not impossible. I may need to sell it in this horrible market and rent a room from a relative, something that I dread doing. I am seriously considering retiring much sooner than I had planned to so I no longer live under constant threats to my income. But there again, Harrisburg is messing with PSERS pensions and Washington wants to destroy Social Security. The thought of leaving my beloved profession to retire early and then working as a supermarket cashier to supplement my retirement income breaks my heart. Just seems so dastardly WRONG ...all because I chose to be a teacher(and a very effective one) at an inner city school. What sense that? I do not challenge your thinking at all, George. If I had a family to provide for, I would probably think and feel likewise. Our targets may be different but we are fighting the same war. Stay Strong! (Love the blog!)<br />JoJoFoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03620437249692235844noreply@blogger.com