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The Executive Board of the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans (TARA) met December 1 at the Texas AFL-CIO headquarters in Austin. In addition to our Texas leaders, Field Organizer Charley Williams attended for the National Alliance and Paula Littles sat in for the Texas AFL-CIO.
President
Victor Pauly gave a report on new developments and expectations. He emphasized
the involvement of retirees in the political process. TARA cannot and will not
endorse candidates, but we will certainly push hard on every retiree issue,
he said. "Universal health care, Medicare reform, pension protection --
these are important issues to us." Pauly said.
Among the estimated two million retirees in Texas, 81,400 are members of TARA. While the potential is great, finances are going to be a problem. The group decided to make it possible for people to contribute to TARA through this web page. Chapters consist of more than one, or several, affiliated organizations. They will be set up throughout Texas. President Pauly visualizes buying a flag for each chapter as they are affiliated. Chapter number one in Texas is in Tyler.
The National AFL-CIO and National ARA are putting on a big push on health care. Our Texas organization has already taken a position favoring universal health care. This issue will dominate the elections next year.
In 2008, TARA will hold its second convention. After considerable discussion, President Pauly asked for every member to provide their ideas as to the best time and place. Teresa Perz Wiseley volunteered to help coordinate convention ideas.
President Pauly talked about getting National ARA to employ a Field Coordinator for Texas. This project is already underway, and he will report back to Board members with new developments. TARA needs to reach out all over our big state. Pauly also discussed the need to centralize our record keeping.
Shane Fox, who also serves on the National ARA Executive Board, reported on developments with the Community Action Network. He offered to help members get media attention for Texas retiree issues. He said that we must tell all Texans, "We seniors have built fires where you will warm your hands. We have dug the wells from which you will drink. Our issues are not separate and apart from these young progressive organizations out there."
Paula Littles attended for the Texas AFL-CIO
Charley Williams attended for National ARA
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