RPENM News History
NMRHCA Response to BCBS Rate Increases
Click Here!.
Posted 3/4/2010.
RPENM 2010 Bill Watch
Here's 2010 legislation in the states DB concerning NMRHCA and PERA. Click Here!
Posted 1/17/2010.
RPENM Dec 2009 Update
Here's the latest info from RPENM. Click Here!
Posted 1/17/2010.
SF New Mexican Article
June 9, 2009 - Outlook improves for retiree benefits.
Posted 6/19/2009.
SF New Mexican Article
June 9, 2009 - Chairman of health care authority steps down.
Posted 6/19/2009.
Spring Membership Meeting
This is an important meeting that will include the legislative session’s impact on PERA and Retiree Health Care. Your participation is essential to RPENM’s influence as an organization that works on your behalf to protect our exceptional benefits. For additional information Click Here!
Posted 1/22/2009.
RPENM Board of Directors Elections
RPENM will be holding elections for six (6) Board of Directors positions this year. Interested members can find the specifics (2009 Election Forms) on our Miscellaneous page.
Posted 1/12/2009.
NMRHCA 2008 Switch Enrollment
NMRHCA 2008 Switch Enrollment Seminars will once again be held around the state. For a PDF list of where and when click here.
Posted 4/23/2008.
NM Independent Article
"Early retirees - Get ready to pay a lot more for health care." By Tim Jennings.
Click here to read the article.
Posted 4/23/2008.
The Latest On NMRHCA
An excerpt from our Winter 2008 newsletter by Doug Crandall.
Click here to read the excerpt.
Posted 1/11/2008.
RHCA Nov Letter To Mbrs
Message from Marie Thames, Executive Director, NMRHCA.
Click here to read the e-mail.
Posted 11/3/2007.
Bob Gish's response
to a Business Week article about PERA investments.
Click here to read the e-mail.
Posted 9/22/2007.
Business Outlook Letter
A letter about RHCA, Legislature, and Military Retirement Pay.
Click here to read the letter.
Posted 9/20/2007.
Fabian Chavez Article
Article about naming new PERA Building after Fabian Chavez.
Click here to read the article.
Posted 9/9/2007.
More RHCA Information
A RPENM member sent Doug Crandall an e-mail about his "Retiree Health Care Update", RPENM Newsletter Summer 2007.
Click here to read Dougs response.
Posted 8/28/2007.
USA TODAY Article
"Pension gap divides public and private workers" By Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY.
Click here to read the article.
Posted 2/20/2007.
RPENM Annual Membership Meeting
Our Annual Meeting will be held May 10-11, 2007 at the Albuquerque Hilton Garden Inn just off of I-25 at San Antonio.
Click here for additional information.
Posted 2/13/2007.
Full Cost of Hiring PERA Retirees Is Responsibility of Employers
Beginning January 1, 2007, PERA affiliates who re-employ PERA retirees will be responsible for paying both the employee and employer contribution amounts on salaries earned by the re-employed retirees. Please note the percentage table has been updated as of December 27, 2006.
Beginning with the first full pay period after January 1, 2007, PERA affiliates who re-employ PERA retirees will be responsible for paying employer contributions in an amount equal to the sum of the employer rate and the employee rate for the plan the reemployed retiree's position is employed in.
More information is available at the PERA Website
Published on PERA Website.
2007 NM Legislative Session.
If you are interested in following the 2007 NM Legislative Session the following web pages will help. We'll be watching too, so don't forget to check back here for legislative alerts.
NM Home Page
Find Your Legislator
NM Bill Finder
NM Bill Watcher
NM Governor's Legis Action
Posted 1/14/2007.
2007 RPENM Elections.
You will be voting on six (6) Board of Directors positions this spring. If you, or someone you know, want to run for the RPENM board the Nomination Forms are now available. Click here for the forms. Posted 1/13/2007.
PERA & NMRHCA Changes.
With every new year comes changes and the Board of Directors of PERA and NMRHCA are included this year. PERA will have two new members of the Board of Directors, both newly elected to office. James Lewis, the new State Treasurer, will be a great asset to PERA. Many of us have worked with James and know him to be a man of great integrity with a strong background in management. Mary Herrera, the new Secretary of State, is the former Bernalillo County Clerk and a RPENM member. Many of us who have worked with Mary know she can be depended on to act in the best interest of the fund.
NMRHCA will have two new members of the Board of Directors, one elected and one appointed. James Lewis, the newly elected State Treasurer, will also be a great asset to NMRHCA. Dan Mayfield, appointed by the Association of Counties, who you may know from the Department of Finance at Bernalillo County, is also a member of the Rio Grande Credit Union's Board of Directors. Dan's background in finance and his many years of board and leadership experience will be a great addition to NMRHCA. Posted 1/4/2007.
RPENM Fall Board Meeting.
The board of directors met in Ruidoso, NM, on November 2nd with all the board members present. The most interesting part was a presentation by RHCA Board member Doug Crandall about the current status of NM Retiree Health Care Association (NMRHCA). The NMRHCA board has discovered several problem areas that may affect us in several ways. Doug's presentation contained so much information we don't have enough room here to do it justice. There should be an article in the next newsletter.
NMRHCA will be having informational presentations for participants around the state so keep an eye out for a meeting in your area and attend.
There are now three (3) new board members. Board member Carmen M Chavez, Las Cruces, was replaced by Carlos Tellez, from La Mesa. Two vacant board positions were filled by Diana Best, from Raton, and Gloria Stone, from Albuquerque. Posted 11/4/2006.
RPENM Annual Membership Meeting.
Set aside May 18 & 19, 2006 and plan to attend the RPENM Board Meeting and Annual Membership Meeting at the Ramada Palms in Las Cruces. There is no registration fee because this meeting is not sponsored by a chapter. Only the meetings in years where we elect board members (the odd numbered years) will be sponsored. Rooms are reserved at the Ramada Palms an will be $61.00 a night and includes breakfast. We will be posting specific information on the meetings shortly. Hope to see you there. Posted 3/3/2006.
Betty Boxx Passed Away
Betty Boxx, 84, a resident of Albuquerque since 1948 died Tuesday, February 21, 2006. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, A. Carl Boxx; three children, Carla Williams and husband Richard of Albuquerque, Gary Boxx and Rene Leninger of Albuquerque, and Tammy Mouton and husband Lee of Lafayette, LA; grandchildren, Arlyn and wife Holly Dale, Todd Dale, Richard Williams III and wife Vicki, Robin Mangino and husband Lee, Jason Boxx and wife Julie, and Sammy Wood; great-grandchildren, Susan Perkins, Colt Mangino, Jared Dale, Justin Williams, Christopher Rey, Richard Herrera, Ellen, Aubrey, Jack and Josiah Boxx, and Madeline LeBlanc; sister, Peg Szalay of Clearwater, FL; numerous nieces and nephews and many others who called her "Grandma". Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggy Dale and son Gregory Boxx; and four brothers and two sisters. She was born in Pennsylvania July 10, 1921 to Howard and Edna Ressler. She graduated from Wilkinsburg High School. After graduation she worked for the U.S. State Dept. in Washington D.C. until transferring to the Philippines where she met her husband, A. Carl Boxx who was serving with the U.S. Merchant Marines. They were married on September 7, 1946. For their honeymoon they traveled around the world before returning to the United States. In 1948 they moved to New Mexico for Carl's health. Betty worked as an accountant for numerous businesses in Albuquerque before working for the State of New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue from which she retired. She was very active in the Retired Public Employees of New Mexico, the Friendship Force in New Mexico, the Coronado Thunderbird Club and for many years the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Betty loved traveling, taking many trips with family and friends. She loved her nickel machine at San Felipe Casino. Betty was a loving wife, beloved mother and grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at French Mortuary, Lomas Blvd. Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE, Saturday, February 25, 2006, 1:00 p.m. Private burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty's name to the charity of your choice. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 275-3500 Published on February 22, 2006, Albuquerque Journal.
NMRHCA HAS MOVED!
Effective Monday, December 19th, 2005, NMRHCA new headquarters will be open at 4308 Carlisle Blvd NE Suite 104, Albuquerque, NM 87109. You can stop by and visit them or call them at 1-800-233-2576 or their local number at 242-0861. NMRHCA satellite office in Santa Fe is located at 810 W. San Mateo, Suite D, Santa Fe 87505. Use the same 800 number as above or call them at their local number, 476-7340. Posted 12/19/2005.
New Look For RPENM!
As you can see we have updated the look of our website. We now have a MEETINGS section, see below, that will display 2 months of meetings and provide the agendas when available. Watch for other additions to our website in the upcoming months. Posted 10/31/2005.
Fall Board Meeting Highlights
The October 20th, 2005 meeting saw a lot of business transacted. The major items discussed were the RHCA termination of Milton Sanchez, RHCA Executive Director, passing changes to the RPENM Bylaws (PDF), and reviewed a new document RPENM Chapter Guidelines (PDF). The Chapter Guidelines will be distributed to our chapter chairpersons for comments and brought before the board again in the spring. Posted 10/30/2005.
RPENM Fall Board Meeting
Set aside October 20th, 2005 to attend the RPENM Fall Board of Directors meeting. This meeting will be held in Albuquerque at the MCM Elegante Hotel (formerly Holiday Inn Mountain View) at Menaul & University. Want more information? Click Here. Posted 9/8/2005.
Aileen Trull Passed Away
Margaret Aileen Trull, 83, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefull in her sleep on August 22, 2005. Aileen was born April 25, 1922 in Shelley, ID to Benjamin and Minnie Sage. She graduated from Shelley High School in 1940. She married John M. Trull, in Jackpot, NV, and later moved to Albuquerque, NM. Aileen had dedicated her life to her family as well as providing over 25 years as a dedicated employee to the State of New Mexico (in various departments). She was best remembered for her sense of humor, love of life, family, and hard work. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three sisters (Madeline Criddle, Theda Cartwright, and Ida McConville). Survivors are her sisters, Julia Russell, Enid Hardman, and Neva Miner; three children, John L Trull and wife, Joyce, Craig O'Trull and wife, Dolores, and Anita Criles-Andre and husband, Hal; six grandchildren, Tonjia Pitts, Marjorie Trull, Samantha Harrington, Cindy Grisham, Stephanie Cain and Jennifer Trull; and 18 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at Fitzgerald & Son, 3113 Carlisle, Albuquerque, NM on Friday, August 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Fitzgerald & Son 3113 Carlisle Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 884-1188 Published on August 25, 2005, Albuquerque Journal.
Luke Quinones Passed Away
L. A. "Luke" Quinones, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away at home on Saturday, July 23, 2005, surrounded by his loving family, after a short illness. Luke was born in Canchaillo, Peru to Gerardo and Teresa Quinones on Friday, October 19, 1928. He attended New Mexico Tech and in 1957 graduated with a degree in Mining Engineering. Luke worked with mining companies in Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, as well as companies in the U.S. In New Mexico he worked for the NM Highway Department where he was on the design team for the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and worked on the original I-25 construction South of Albuquerque. He retired from NM Energy and Minerals in 1992 as a Gas Mining and Dust Engineer. Luke Quinones served as President and Board member of the Retired Public Employees of New Mexico. Mr. Quinones also served on the board of the Mine Inspectors' Institute of American and NM Retiree Health Care Authority. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Emena; sons, Ron and Michael of Albuquerque, NM and James of San Diego, CA; daughter, Teresa and husband of Portland, OR; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial Rosary will be recited at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. A Memorial Mass will be recited on Thursday, July 28, 2005, 11:00 a.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400 Published on July 26, 2005, Albuquerque Journal.
2005 Annual Meeting
It was a great meeting. As the meetings activities get written they will be added to it's own web page. Posted May 9, 2005.
Abq Journal Article
It looks like Lucky Varela plans to continue the fight in the next legislative session. Check out the article. Posted April 22, 2005.
Success!
The lawsuit filed against Governor Richardson on behalf of the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority has been settled! The lawsuit, which was filed jointly by RPENM, the Association of Educational Retirees and the RHCA, was settled amicably by all parties when Governor Richardson promised to restore the budget money he had vetoed in the 2004 Legislative session. See the Spring Newsletter coming out in April for more information. Posted March 28, 2005.
RPENM Elections
There were only 5 qualifing candidates for the 6 positions available so there will not be an election. These 5 candidates will be sworn in at the Annual Membership Meeting in Deming NM. The candidates and their bios are available for viewing. Posted March 24, 2005.
RPENM Annual Membership Meeting
Deming NM, May 5th & 6th, Board of Directors meeting on the 5th with the Annual Membership meeting on the 6th. Plan on attending. Click here for the details. Posted March 11, 2005.
RPENM & AER Political Advertisment
Continuing our struggle with the Governor over our Retiree Health Care Authority we will be publishing a political advertisement in the Sunday, February 27, 2005 Albuquerque Journal. Click here to view. Posted February 24, 2005.
RPENM Elections
You will be voting on six (6) Board of Directors positions this spring. If you, or someone you know, want to run for the RPENM board the Nomination Forms are now available. Posted February 11, 2005.
RHCA Press Release
NMRHCA's latest press release on the recent RHCA audit and increases to your trust fund. Posted February 10, 2005.
Legislative Information
Where's the best place to find information on New Mexico's 2005 legislative session? We will have PERA and NMRHCA legislative activity information in the left column below. Otherwise, there are two (2) web pages that should cover most of your queries. First, on the legislative site, try: http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/leg.asp?who=H. The second one is on the Governors site (Governors action information) try: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/legislative.php?mm=3. Posted January 19, 2005.
What Happened At The Fall Board Meeting?
The one item that affects our members the most is the RPENM annual dues being increased from $12 to $24 a year. The increase is effective January 1, 2005. Now all chapter members must be members of the parent organization, RPENM. The Board also updated the Mission Statement, added Functions & Duties, and updated the Procedures at their Fall Board of Directors meeting in Las Cruces. To view the document Click Here (PDF). Posted January 5, 2005.