To:        PFFM Executive Board, PFFM Locals and PFFM Members

From:   Bob McCarthy,President


It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I proudly report; on behalf of the PFFM Legislative Committee, The PFFM Executive Board and the PFFM Membership; That Governor Deval Patrick called me today and informed me that he was approving Section 19 of House Bill 4359 of the so called "Mini Supp Budget".  Section 19. Restores the language of Chapter 32.Section 7; in regards to accidental disability pensions; that was inadvertently deleted in  "Pension Reform" and unintentionally reduced pensions of employees who were injured in the line of duty and subsequently retired because of that injury. 
The "Fix It " provision rectifies the inequities created by the drafting errors of the language in regards to accidental disability pensions.  Further info to follow.

It has been a long five months since we first became aware of the negative changes in the "Pension Reform Bill" that caused unnecessary financial hardships, with no malice or forethought intended, upon hard working public employees who became injured in the course of their duties and retired because of the permanency of those injuries. The list is too long to mention all of our friends who stood beside us and fought the battles since June 16, 2009, and we will be thanking them and giving them the proper acknowledgement and appreciation that they deserve in the immediate future; but I would not want to leave anyone out. I would be remiss if I did not thank the following at this time.

House Chairman Bob Spellane,(Worcester) and Senate Chairman Tom McGee (Lynn) of the Joint committee of Public Service; Chairman Spellane addressed the delegates at our biennial convention on June 16, 2009 and stated to the over seven hundred delegates that he and Senator McGee had just become aware of the punitive language that came out of conference committee and voted favorably by both branches and most likely will be signed by the Governor.  Chairman Spellane stated that he together with Senator McGee would fix it and that we had his word.

 Representative Spellane was true to his word and he and Senator McGee worked hundreds of hours with numerous legislators from both branches; together  with us to correct and draft the technical change that would rectify the problem.

We are extremely thankful to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Robert DeLeo and  Senate President Therese Murray,their staff and leadership team for the courtesies, understanding and patience extended to us over the past several months. Also, a salute to; Senator Ken Donnelly who was invaluable to us during this entire process.  Thank You.  and a very


                                                                   ''HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL"

2010 Local 1032 Golf Tournament will be held on September 14, 2010 at the Hickory Hill golf course in Methuen.  Mark your calendars.  More information to follow.