Retiree Advisory Committee wrapping up a busy term

hile Bev Voos is finishing up her work on the current term of the Retiree Advisory Committee, she is very aware that the work of the RAC is never really done.

“The last term of the RAC did a tremendous amount of work in communications. There were many recommendations made, and we pushed it forward into the next term and asked the next committee to pick it up and take the next steps,” said Voos. “There’s a lot more that needs to be done.”

Similar to other NYSUT committees, each RAC term is three years and will conclude at the end of the 2026 NYSUT Representative Assembly. Voos is currently wrapping up the summary report outlining all of the committee’s work.

“Usually with each term of the RAC there are specific focus areas. We have four separate subcommittees working this term: communications, resolutions, VOTE-COPE and Fix Tier 6,” Voos said.

“Communication with our over 270,000 retirees is critical to maintain our Union for Life culture,” said NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross, who serves as RAC co-chair along with Voos.

The Resolutions Subcommittee looks into resolutions passed at the RA and also works on resolutions to submit at upcoming conventions. One example of their work is the recently established Retiree Recognition Day.

The Fix Tier 6 Subcommittee may be the most visible — and the one with the most work to do.

“That subcommittee has worked hard on putting together scenarios on what it means to be in Tier 6 and talk about what actions can be taken,” Voos said. If you ask the average retiree, most would respond that they’re in Tier 4. However, retirees recognize the inequities that exist in Tier 6 and the impact it’s having on the education community, Voos added.

Voos, who was recognized as a 2025 NYSUT Retiree Member of the Year, is excited about the work of the RAC and making sure all retirees feel welcome. “We represent retirees from across the state, and we are trying to engage all constituency groups in that work including SRPs, higher ed, and other titles.”