Kishwaukee College Annuitants Association

Kishwaukee College Annuitants Association (KCAA) is a chapter of State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA). SUAA is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (4) organization created in 1971 to advocate a strong and secure public employee pension and health benefit system. SUAA is a voluntary member association of annuitants and active employees.

The KCAA is one of over forty-five local chapters affiliated with SUAA and was organized on May 7, 2002.  A local chapter was formed for the following reasons:

• Protect and improve SURS benefits for $30 per year. Even if you live outside of Illinois, your pension needs protection and improvement.
• Conduct chapter meetings with colleagues. Chapters establish their own activities and number of meetings.
• Participate in social events and service projects.
• Keep informed on issues important to SURS annuitants through newsletters/meetings.
• Keep local legislators aware of items pertinent to SURS annuitants.

SUAA Vision

The State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) is an effective advocate for the 135,000 SURS annuitants and participants. SUAA is a recognized leader in public higher education on pension and benefit issues.

KCAA Membership

Membership in KCAA is open to all members of the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) including the following:

• Annuitants of Kishwaukee College
• Employees of Kishwaukee College who have SURS taken out of their paychecks
• Spouses or surviving spouses of annuitants

Membership in the KCAA includes membership in the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA).

Membership dues are $30.00/year.  If you are a retiree you may elect to have the dues amount automatically deducted from your retirement benefit for membership dues.  If you are a current Kishwaukee College employee you may elect to have the dues amount automatically deducted from you payroll check.

You can printout the form on this website and mail in to Donna Keller.  If you have any questions about becoming a member, contact:
Patricia Smith
jimpat232@comcast.net

Membership Benefits

At the state/national level:

• Strong advocacy in Springfield and Washington D. C. on behalf of all SUAA members.
• Coordination of the clear voice of SUAA's local chapters representing 135,000 SURS annuitants and participants.
• Communication network of newsletters, legislative bulletins, websites, workshops, and meetings.
• Opportunity to build relationships and interact with other chapters and their members.
• Information for spouses of annuitants, who indirectly receive economic benefits and later, may receive a survivor’s annuity and insurance.

Local chapter benefits:

• Information about state and local issues
• Presentations on timely issues
• Guest speakers
• Social and recreational events and special group activities
• News of colleagues and campus events
• Directory of chapter members
• Volunteer opportunities
• Opportunities to be involved and contribute
• Reports from SUAA meetings

The State Universities Annuitants Association isn't just for Retirees!

If you have a STAKE in Illinois pensions, you need a STAKE in SUAA!

CURRENT EMPLOYEES NEED SUAA!

This is a decision year for Illinois' Constitution and the Budget! Those of you whose retirements depend on payment of earned returns from state and federal programs are especially alert to talk of getting the State budget balanced and paying the government’s debts.

Pension funding and healthcare issues will not diminish! The State of Illinois is in serious financial debt. Your benefits will continue to be a target. You can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. It is time to join SUAA and be a part of a collective voice at the Capitol! Why now?

Too many members of the media and the legislature are not aware that –

• You are contributing to the SURS’ pension plan throughout your working years: 8% of your income before taxes goes straight into the State’s pension funds.
• Illinois has repeatedly failed to meet its obligations to support employee pension plans, which is in violation of its own legislated contribution program.
• Those of you who have worked under Social Security as well as SURS are subject to the Windfall Elimination and Pension Offset penalties which sharply reduce the Social Security benefits of anyone who also receives a pension from another program.
• The State Employee Health Plan and the College Insurance Program in Illinois need to be revised in order to assure adequate funding. Both of these programs need to be professionally managed.
• The Illinois Constitution currently protects earned pension benefits. This could change if the voters say YES to a Constitutional Convention in November.

YOU NEED TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PENSION INVESTMENTS

Show your support by investing in SUAA!

SUAA advocates on your behalf!

SUAA’s actions keep the legislators and policy makers knowledgeable about your issues. SUAA's power is related to the number of people represented! Membership matters. Large numbers matter! Your membership and that of your spouse matter! Join SUAA in keeping your pension and benefits in the forefront of the legislators!

Membership dues are less than 10 cents per day. “It’s worth it.”

SUAA Membership is available through Kishwaukee College Annuitants Association (KCAA), the one made up of annuitants and survivors from your own institution-the one where you retired.

Thus, you have the opportunity to participate in their activities and continue to keep in touch with your former colleagues.

KCAA Constitution and Bylaws