CMERA Chronicles – March 2025
Weather and The Federal Government
I’m not sure what has been changing more quickly this past month, the weather or the Federal Government. As far as weather is concerned, I have witnessed snow, ice, rain, fog, strong winds, flooding, even thunder recently. Temperatures have been in constant flux. And as quickly as the weather has changed, so too has the Federal government. Each day, there are long-standing programs suddenly ending; layoffs of employees; issues with handling immigrants; and cancelled leases, contracts, and even international agreements; etc. At least we have meteorologists who can predict the weather. There is even a groundhog who can predict the end of winter. I’m not sure anyone or any animal can predict the next actions the Federal government will take. I just pray that the people most impacted by the weather and changes in the Federal government can find shelter. Oops, I spoke too soon. The government has just announced layoffs within NOAA, the folks who predict the weather.
Sanctuary Cincinnati
The term “sanctuary” refers to a safe place. During the Middle Ages, churches sometimes provided sanctuary for individuals accused of a crime. In recent years, a number of local governments throughout the USA adopted policies that were intended to support immigrants including undocumented immigrants. They became known as “sanctuary cities.” Cincinnati was one of those cities. Despite pressure from the Federal government to eliminate “sanctuary cities,” the City of Cincinnati recently re-affirmed its position as a sanctuary city. Will this action affect the flow of Federal dollars to the City? Unknown. I do, however, find solace in the fact that the City has taken a position to protect a group of people who are often vulnerable.
Retirees are not undocumented immigrants but there have been times in the past when the policies of the City made me feel like some unwanted foreigner. The CSA has served as a legal sanctuary for me and other retirees. I hope the City of Cincinnati’s concern for immigrants is expanded to its retirees. As budget time approaches, I pray the CSA continues to provide the sanctuary protection it deserves.
Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
I made a brief presentation during the February 24th meeting of the City’s Budget and Finance Committee. Essentially, I reminded the members of the Committee not to forget those former employees who dedicated years of service to the City and now rely on their pension and benefits to live.
Social Security Fairness Act
On February 3rd, The Social Security Administration posted a series of Q&A’s. It is intended to provide information regarding the repeal of the WEP and GPO signed into law in January. The information was updated on February 25th. It indicated that most eligible people would receive a retroactive payment for 2024 by the end of March. A revised monthly payment will then arrive in April.
The Spring 2025 General Meeting
Be sure to join me at the CMERA Spring General Meeting. The guest speaker will be Jon Salstrom, Retirement Director for the City. The meeting will be on May 10, 2025, at the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati, Reading Road and Linton Avenue. The social hour starts at 9:00 a.m.
Spring Newsletter
Work has begun on our Spring Newsletter. For active (dues paying) members, expect it a few weeks ahead of the General Meeting. If you have a topic for any future newsletter, let me know.
Until next month
Note: The statements and opinions expressed in the CMERA Chronicles are my own (Chuck Cullen) and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.