ARPALER News

 
Fraud & Scams on Older Adults, Life Span Lecturer Dan Lyon (ret, MCSO) 12/9/25
 

Many thanks to Dan, who works for Life Span as a Fraud Investigator, for coming in to our November Meeting and giving the packed meeting very helpful information on how to identify scams and who to turn to if you or your family or friends are victimized by scammers. 

Dan is just another great example of the speakers we try and bring to our meetings.   Members in good standing can attend our hot lunch meeting free of charge.  Our meeting list is avaialbe on this website.

Here are a few of the handouts Dan had available.  The first one has many great resources on one page and is a must to print and have available for reference:

General Resources Page

Unwanted Phone Calls & Scams

Fraud Alerts and Credit Freezes

Gift Card Scams

EverSafe Credit Monitoring

 
 
ARPALER Chaplain Giblin Interview  4/1/25
 
Our own Chaplain Ed Giblin was interviewed by the Catholic Courier.
 
 
Social Security Fairness Act added 11/18/24
 
From Legislative Watchdog Bob Murphy . . .
 
The House of Representatives finally passed H.R.82 — Social Security Fairness Act by a vote of 327-75.
This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government.
The bill eliminates the government pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own.
The bill also eliminates the windfall elimination provision, which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.
This Bill now goes to the Senate. Current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has previously promised that if the Bill passed the House, he would immediately bring it to the floor of the Senate for a vote. We’ll see how his promise holds on this issue.
NOTE:  This ended up applying to federal workers.
 
 

Retired Members and the HELPS Insurance Credit added 9/16/24

A note from the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association that may be of benefit to some of our members (you may want to consult with your tax preparer to properly claim the reduction).
Please be sure your retired law enforcement and fire/EMS members are aware that they may reduce their taxable earnings by up to $3,000 for medical insurance premiums paid during a calendar year. 
This is allowable under the Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety Retirees Act, or the “HELPS” Retiree Act.
Previously, there was a requirement that the premium had to be deducted from the retiree’s pension check in order to qualify for HELPS credit.
That is no longer the case following the adoption of the federal Secure 2.0 retirement law.  Qualified premiums paid directly for health, accident or long-term care insurance qualifies for the credit in 2023 and beyond.
The $3,000 reduction does not appear on the annual 1099R form that is sent out by the pension fund.  The retiree must claim the reduction on his or her personal 1040 tax form on Line 5B or similar adjustment.  
Instructions on claiming the reduction are included in IRS Publication 575 (page 7 with an update on page 2).  As this is not a simple matter, pensioners may want to consult with their tax preparer to properly claim the reduction.
Note that married couples where both the parties are retired police/fire/EMS may take a reduction in income of up to $6,000.
Let’s do what we can to ensure that our retired members can take advantage of this tax break for retiree medical insurance.
Dan Ryan, Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA.org).

Illinois Public Pension Fund Association
2587 Millennium  Dr., Unit C in Elgin, IL 60124
T: (630) 784-0406, ext. 202 | C: (847) 371-1559 | F: (630) 784-0416
 
 
News from Legislative Watch Dog Bob Murphy added 6/12/24
 
S8479A
This bill was quietly passed by both New York Assembly & Senate in the last week of the 2024 Legislative Session. It would require banks and credit card networks to use a code for firearm and ammunition dealers to track when someone makes a purchase of either a firearm or ammo. This information could then be forwarded to state authorities. 
The bill is now sitting on Governor Hochul’s desk. It is unknown whether she favours the legislation or not. She has until the start of the next session (in January 2025) to sign it, veto it, or let it die on her desk.
 
The official stated intent is to “help law enforcement agencies to become informed of ‘suspicious’ purchases”. Lawmakers described mass shootings carried out with weapons that perpetrators purchased with credit cards as a major impetus behind the bill. The supporters contend that collaboration between major financial institutions like banks and credit card companies could help law enforcement track and investigate suspicious gun and ammunition purchases. 
 
Similar legislation passed in California earlier this year. But more than a dozen states have expressly prohibited the use of the code tracking system, with critics citing privacy and free speech concerns. 
 
 
News from Legislative Watch Dog Bob Murphy added 5/17/24
 
HR 354 would expand the authority for some current off-duty and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms. Under the bill, those officers could carry concealed firearms in school zones, national parks, certain federal facilities, and private property and property owned by state and local governments that is open to the public or used for transportation purposes. Under current law, carrying a firearm in those locations is generally unlawful. HR 354 also would allow states to reduce the frequency for which retired law enforcement officers must be certified to carry a concealed firearm. 
 
Because the bill would not have a significant effect on the scope of work conducted by federal law enforcement officers, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would have no significant cost; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
 
HR 354 would preempt state and local laws that prohibit current and retired law enforcement officers from carrying concealed firearms in certain public and private areas. That preemption would be a mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). Although it would limit the application of state and local laws, CBO estimates that the preemption would impose no costs. 
 
RETIREMENT ONLINE FOR RETIREES KEEPS GETTING BETTER. added 1/6/24
 
More than 480,000 members and retirees have discovered that Retirement Online is the fastest way to do business with NYSLRS. It’s secure and convenient, and helps you avoid calling or mailing forms. It also gives you instant access to information about your benefits.
RETIREES CAN DO EVEN MORE IN RETIREMENT ONLINE.
The Fastest Way to Get Your 1099-R Tax Document…
With Retirement Online, you can get the tax information you need faster. If you receive a taxable benefit from NYSLRS, you’ll be able to view your 1099-R tax form in Retirement Online starting at the end of January 2024 for calendar year 2023.
You can update your delivery preference now to receive an email as soon as this important document is available. If you choose to receive your 1099-R by email, you will not receive a printed copy in the mail.
VIEW YOUR RETIREE ANNUAL STATEMENT ONLINE.
Your Retiree Annual Statement provides important information about your benefit amount, deductions and tax withholding. Statements will be mailed at the end of February, but they’ll be available online sooner than waiting for your mailed copy.
MAKE THE SWITCH TO EMAIL AND HELP US ‘GO GREEN’.
Email delivery gives you access to your important documents sooner and helps the environment by reducing paper consumption. Help us ‘go green’ by choosing the paperless option.
It’s easy to make the switch to receive an email when your 1099-R tax form and Retiree Annual Statement are available in Retirement Online:
Sign in to Retirement Online.
From your Account Homepage, click the “update” link next to ‘1099-R Tax Form Delivery by’ or ‘Retiree Annual Statement by.’
Choose “Email” from the dropdown.
Be sure to check that the email address listed in your Retirement Online profile is current. Regardless of your delivery preference, you will be able to view and print your 1099-R by signing in to Retirement Online at the end of January.
DON’T FORGET THESE TIMESAVING FEATURES.
– Change Your Federal Tax Withholding;
No forms needed — Retirement Online is the fastest way to update your withholding. If you submit your changes by the middle of the month, they will generally be applied to that month’s payment.
– Generate a Pension Verification Letter;
There are organizations that may ask you for a letter verifying your pension income — maybe for housing or as part of an application for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). You can use Retirement Online to save or print your own letter any time you need one.
– Manage Your Direct Deposit;
Use Retirement Online to securely update your direct deposit bank account information. Whether you’ve switched banks or need to move your deposits to a different account, you can make those changes quickly with Retirement Online. Changes are generally applied within one to two payments, and more quickly than if you send in a paper form.
– View Your Pension Pay Stubs;
You can access pay stubs for your benefit payments by clicking the date of the payment you want to view. You can track year-to-date totals and any deductions for health insurance, union dues, tax withholding or disbursements under a domestic relations order, giving you greater insight into your benefits. NYSLRS will also send you a notice whenever the amount of your monthly payment changes.
– Update Your Contact Information;
Let us know if you move or your phone number or email address change. Update your contact information quickly in Retirement Online to make sure you continue to receive important news and information about your benefits.
You can even schedule an address change, so you’ll get NYSLRS mail at your seasonal home without interruption.
– Manage Your Beneficiaries;
Eligible retirees can change their beneficiary for their post-retirement death benefit or update contact information for an existing beneficiary.
If You Haven’t Opened Your Account, Sign Up Today
If you don’t have a Retirement Online account, now is a great time to sign up. Click “Sign Up” on our Retirement Online Sign In page to get started. We have step-by-step instructions on registering for your account and how to sign in for the first time. You may also find our Retirement Online Tools and Tips blog post helpful.
If it’s been a while, you may need to look up your username or reset your password.
If you still need assistance, you can find step-by-step instructions in the Tools & Tips section of the Retirement Online page.
 
 
From Legislative Watchdog Bob Murphy:  Added 1/5/24
 
“NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT ACT”
The New York State Senate has introduced an active bill (A8443) to pass a new law that would make it illegal to bring firearms or ammunition purchased outside of NY into New York State. If passed, the NYS Attorney General would be able to investigate and prosecute anyone who drives across state lines to purchase ammunition and firearms. This new law would also threaten any out of state individual or firearms retailer who knowingly sells a firearm or ammunition to a New York resident without notifying the New York State Police.
This bill had its initial reading and is now in Committee Stage.
 
 
Holiday Message from ARPALER Ass’t Chaplain James T. Woodward:  added 12/19/23
 
First Responders have significant events or memories that stay with us for the rest of our lives. For example, my most memorable arrest occurred early in my career, many years ago, on a beautiful Sunday morning. It also happened to be Christmas Day.
I was a patrol officer on the day shift for the Rochester Police Department. I observed a traffic infraction and decided to pull over the vehicle. My intention was to merely issue a polite warning. What transpired within the next few minutes was completely unexpected, convoluted, bizarre, and culminated with the arrest of a fugitive from justice. Thankfully, no one was injured. I was still able to make the family holiday dinner after my shift was over.
The Christmas season is colloquially known as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. But holidays of any sort do not mean an absence of human misery. 911 centers operate 24/7, 365, and stay busy with incoming calls for house fires, car wrecks, domestic violence, child abuse investigations, shootings, suicides, drug overdoses, missing persons, and more.
When I worked at the police department, I placed reminders of the yuletide at my desk. Festive lights. A small Christmas tree. Decorations. A coffee mug that proclaimed, “Celebrate the season…..”. I listened to carols as well as the police radio. It was important for me to have reflections of the season in what can be a depressing work environment.
Even in the midst of loss, illness, brokenness, financial stress, relational disappointment, and malaise, there is hope at the Christmas season. In the familiar passage recited in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, Luke’s Gospel tells us “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The ultimate message of Christmas is not the receiving of presents, the lights, and all that comes along with the celebrations. The core meaning of Christmas is a celestial Hope.
In closing, please enjoy the holidays, special occasions, traditions, and festivities that bring family and friends together. It is my prayer that the entire ARPALER family will make fond memories, and have a safe, joyous, and peaceful 2023 holiday season. May God bless you in the New Year of 2024.
Fraternally,
James T. Woodward
ARPALER Assistant Chaplain

RPD (retired)

Upcoming HR-218 Dates for RPD Members Only added 9/4/23
Nov. 14th 3:30pm-6:30pm – 12 spots
Dec. 19th 8:30am-11:30pm – 12 spots
Jan, 6th, 2024 8:30am-11:30am – 12 spots  Cancelled
Feb. 13th, 2024 8:30am-11:30am – 12 spots Cancelled
Contact Officer Mike Decocq for reservations at Michael.Decocq@cityofrochester.gov

Changes to the HR-218 Laws added 9/3/23
From Member Bob Murphy – According to Safety Quest, the federal government amended their LEOSA policy on July 1, 2023 which now says;
“When you qualify with a semi-automatic or a revolver your LEOSA card will say “Law Enforcement Type of Weapon”. You will be able to carry a revolver or semi-automatic pistol, concealed under HR 218. No matter what type of weapon you qualified with…you no longer have to qualify with two separate weapons.”
“The Federal Law permits this, and we are going to follow the lead of other law enforcement agencies who have changed their policies. Remember, N.Y.S. ARMED SECURITY requires you to qualify with the weapon or weapons that you wish to carry while on duty as a guard.”

Health Benefits
If you or a family member is a Kodak retiree at risk of losing your medical retirement benefits, and if you are a Veteran of the U.S. Military, help may be a call away.

To check on Military benefits you may be entitled to, contact:
Army Strong Community Center
98th Div. Headquarters
2025 N. Goodman Street
Ms. Marianne Sernoffsky – 585-339-3308

Arpaler Discount Dental Program
Click here for more information.

Purchase a brick on the Law Enforcement Walk Of Honor
If you’re a retired law enforcement member of the ARPALER or have a deceased law enforcement relative that was a member of any local agency, you may be entitled to purchase a “Walk of Honor” Brick in the Police Memorial Garden.

For further information, please contact Joe Cimino at the ARPALER office (585) 254-2510).

Click here for the application form.

Meet a Cherry Ridge Resident – Bob Coyne
Click here!