Property taxes, eminent domain, Medicare Part D, Social Security, transportation and laughter were all subjects discussed at Minnesota Senior Federation-Metro Region’s 33rd Annual Convention and Expo, which was held at Earle Brown Heritage Center May 1. 

Delegates started the day visiting more than 40 exhibits on subjects ranging from health care providers to travel. Attendees had the opportunity for personal Medicare Part D counseling from My Medicare Matters counselors. 

A congressional forum kicked off a day that was focused on the issues of Medicare, Social Security, pensions and Medicaid. 

The 2006 congressional forum featured U.S. Representatives Gil Gutknecht, Betty McCollum and Jim Ramstad. Associate Professor Susan Bartlett Foote, division head of the Division of Health Services Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, facilitated the forum and outlined the Senior Federation’s concerns about Medicare Part D.

Ramstad recognized former Sen. Paul Wellstone as Minnesota’s most passionate advocate for Medicare and Medicaid. He agreed that the new Medicare Part D is confusing and needs improvement.

McCollum spoke about the difficulty seniors were having making a choice and how organizations like the Senior Federation have helped people through the complicated process.

Gutknecht advocated for a free market approach allowing for importation of prescription drugs under Part D.

Janet Krueger, chair of the Minnesota Senior Federation’s pension action committee, asked the congressional delegation to address concerns including underfunding of specific retirement plans and underfunding of the Federal Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation.

Each responded that the PBGC should be fully funding current retirees and indicated that they will be watching the newly named conference committee for its recommendations for reform.

Finally, Dean Lemke, chair of the Senior Federation’s committee on Social Security, asked the group if they supported privatization of Social Security and what could be done about its projected deficit?

Ramstad and McCollum solidly opposed private accounts while Gutknecht appeared willing to consider them. None of the representatives had specific suggestions about the projected Social Security deficit, but all agreed that it’s a looming problem.            

No change to the convention format garnered more discussion and support than this year’s decision to have general issues caucuses. Within these sub-caucuses, participants were asked to review and explain proposed resolutions and priorities, recommend changes, and commit to working on these issues in the year ahead.

Delegates had the opportunity to attend the workshop, “Health Aging and Laughter,” led by Dr. Dale Anderson who had the audience feel the benefits that laughter to can bring to one’s life.

Merrill King, finance director for the city of Minnesota, conducted a breakout session at the convention titled, “Property tax 101.” She explained the process by which property taxes are determined from the assessor’s estimate of a property’s market value to the determining of your final property tax bill. She walked attendees through the maze known as Minnesota’s market-value property tax system and answered questions regarding its fairness and how likely reform is. 

During the luncheon, delegates were entertained by The Banjo Bandits and BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Humana, Medica, Metropolitan Health Plan and UCare Minnesota. were thanked for their sponsorship of the convention.

Metro Region Executive Director Peter Wyckoff introduced Barbara Kaufman who is completing her second two-year term as president. Wyckoff presented Kaufman with a plaque honoring her for her years of service to the Federation and thanked her for her exemplary service. Kaufman addressed the convention on “The Best is Yet to Be…”  with her vision of what is ahead for the organization. She then introduced Arvonne and Don Fraser who talked about “The Best if Yet to Come.” They gave an informal conversation about being a civil servant and how to live your life with optimism, contribution to society, family involvement and stretching yourself for personal growth. 

Convention committee chairperson, Jerry Irsfeld, led the convention through convention arrangement reports and the nominating committee report and elections of officers. Financial reports were given by Financial Secretary Hal Lyman and Bob Bonine, representing the financial development committee.

Lois Williams, president of the Minnesota Senior Federation, sent greeting from the state organization and installed new officers.

A report was given by Gil Kiekenapp, executive vice president of membership, on recruitment and retention of members. Susie Ragland, vice president of programs told of the new programs available to members and launched the new AAA discount program.