James Fullingim: ORFA President’s Report

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your ORFA President the past year.

Not everything went as I had hoped and envisioned, but I do believe we are making progress.

As I mentioned in my previous report, the ORFA Board did request an 8% COLA bill to be sent to actuary study this year. That did not happen; however, it appears there are three bills of interest going to study this year: one for a 2% Cola, one for a 4% Cola and another to increase the death benefit from $5,000 to $7,500.

Additionally, there is legislation currently going through the process to provide a 13th check. This would have a $1,500 minimum and a $3,500 maximum benefit, and we should know the fate of this legislation by the time you read this report.

We are looking forward to our convention on June 6 in Tahlequah. The ORFA Constitution and By-laws Committee worked diligently to review our Constitution and By-laws and has prepared some resolutions to make the necessary changes to better reflect the way we operate and identify the organizations priorities.

Our guest speaker this year will be US Navy Admiral Doug McClain (retired) who always has something worthwhile to pass along. Please plan to join us lunch, participate in the convention and stay for the hospitality provided afterward.

Again, I appreciate the opportunity you allowed me to serve the ORFA, and I am certain Mike Duncan will serve you well this upcoming year. I want to thank the ORFA Board and all our committee members for their support, guidance and many hours of work over this past year. Additionally, I must recognize Tippy Pierce, our Executive Director and Madelyn Roth our administrative support person. They have done an excellent job of keeping us in line and on track.