Absolutely! The WREA was initially formed out of a shared concern about the WRS pension fund. LAREA is the local off-shoot of WREA. If you receive a pension from the WRS, you are eligible for membership.
Even more importantly, we all recognize that it takes more than a teacher to provide a good learning environment for children. That's why we're an educators' association, not just a teachers' group. Although retired teachers may be more vocal members, we welcome the involvement of all.
We also welcome folks who are still working in public educations and all who consider themselves 'friends' of public education.
Who are we?
The La Crosse Area Retired Educators' Association (LAREA) formed in 1971 as a local unit of the Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association (WREA). WREA was organized as the Wisconsin Retired Teachers' Association in 1951 and renamed WREA in 1991. Both LAREA and WREA are nonpartisan and neither is affiliated with any union.
The organizations formed with the primary purpose of protecting our pension fund. In fact, WREA is the only Wisconsin association whose mission is to protect the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and employs two paid lobbyists.
Over its history, WREA has taken many actions to protect and strengthen our pension system. The most significant begin in 1987 when the Legislature and Governor raided the trust fund and WREA began litigation to restore the funds. Members contributed over $225,000 to support the litigation. The litigation concluded ten years later with a unanimous ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court stating the use of Trust Funds was unconstitutional.
In additional to supporting WREA in its legislative work, LAREA supports public education and encourages volunteerism and community activities.
The organizations formed with the primary purpose of protecting our pension fund. In fact, WREA is the only Wisconsin association whose mission is to protect the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and employs two paid lobbyists.
Over its history, WREA has taken many actions to protect and strengthen our pension system. The most significant begin in 1987 when the Legislature and Governor raided the trust fund and WREA began litigation to restore the funds. Members contributed over $225,000 to support the litigation. The litigation concluded ten years later with a unanimous ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court stating the use of Trust Funds was unconstitutional.
In additional to supporting WREA in its legislative work, LAREA supports public education and encourages volunteerism and community activities.
What are some of the reasons to join LAREA?
Support education professionals
Stay informed with local and state issues
Protect our pension
Enjoy programs of interesting & varied topics
Advocate for legislative actions
Protecting our retirement fund
Grow through lunch and learning
Supporting public education
Support WREA as they protect our interests
Appreciate the perks and member benefits
Connect with old friends and make new friends
It’s the right thing to do!
LAREA is a nonpartisan local unit of the Wisconsin Retired Educators’ Association (WREA – wrea.net)
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FOR WHEN WE MEET AGAIN IN PERSON:
Question: I planned to attend the meeting but a last minute conflict came up. How can I cancel my reservation?
To cancel a meal reservation, call Sherry Kloety at 608-498-3875 or email her at skloety@centurytel.net
To cancel a meal reservation, call Sherry Kloety at 608-498-3875 or email her at skloety@centurytel.net
If you cancel by 8:00 p.m. on the Monday a week before the meeting, you will not be billed for the meal. For example, to cancel a reservation for September 9, you must have contacted Sherry by 8 p.m. on September 1.
If you cancel after that time, you will receive a card requesting payment for the meal you reserved.
No walk-in meals will be available. You are welcome to join us for the program and business meeting, of course.
If you cancel after that time, you will receive a card requesting payment for the meal you reserved.
No walk-in meals will be available. You are welcome to join us for the program and business meeting, of course.
