LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Retired
Public Employees Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of Retired Public Employees Association, to
be celebrated at their Legislative Action Day on Tuesday, May 5, 2009;
and
WHEREAS, The Retired Public Employees Association (RPEA) represents
the interests of retirees from government service in New York, retirees
from State service as well as Counties, Cities, Towns, Villages and
School Districts across New York; it works hard to ensure that the
retirement income and benefits its members earned while in public
service are safe; and
WHEREAS, A true asset, the RPEA has been doing this effectively for 40
years and in fact, they are the only organization whose single purpose
is the interests of public service retirees; and
WHEREAS, It all began in November of 1966 where a small number of
retirees met at lunch to discuss problems facing public service reti-
rees; they recognized that retirees needed an organization to develop
the clout in order to make their voices heard; as retirees themselves,
these particular individuals realized that their benefits were not keep-
ing up with inflation; and
WHEREAS, Upon receiving its Certificate of Incorporation from the
Secretary of State on April 23, 1969, the RPEA had more than 1,700 reti-
rees from all parts of New York State along with a variety of agencies
that had become members of the fledging organization; the association's
enrollment continued to grow to 12,930 in 1975, 28,037 in 1990, 45,652
in 1996 and today, its membership is more than 50,000; and
WHEREAS, RPEA's members participate in 19 Chapters, 13 of which are
located throughout New York State as well as five in Florida and one in
the Carolinas; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Retired Public Employees Associ-
ation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Stanley Winter, and to Executive Director Michael
B. Fitzgerald.