Greene County – The Greene County Chapter of TSEA was proud to host State Treasurer David Lillard for a visit. Treasurer Lillard served as the Regional Chapter Meeting Guest Speaker on August 27, 2013 at the Greene Valley Developmental Center Gym. Greene County was joined by the Appalachian, ETSU, Lakeway, French Broad, and Northeast Chapters as well as area state legislators in welcoming Treasurer Lillard to East Tennessee.
Treasurer Lillard’s visit was a historical moment in TSEA History. This was the first chapter meeting in 20 years in which a Constitutional officer spoke to a group of TSEA members at a Chapter Meeting in East Tennessee.
Greene County Chapter President Bernice Jozsa, East Tennessee Board of Directors Vice President Jim Ruth, and TEAM Chairman Bryan Merritt were on hand to welcome everyone.
Among the legislators in attendance were Representatives David Hawk, Matthew Hill, Timothy Hill, and Micah Van Huss, and Judge Mike Faulk. The legislators also took the time to tour GVDC with Treasurer Lillard to learn more about the important work the employees at GVDC provide to the surrounding community.
Treasurer Lillard was humbled to have been invited to speak and expressed his appreciation when Representative David Hawk introduced him. He spoke about the status of Tennessee’s financial stability and the recent changes made to the State Employee’s Pension Plan, TCRS. He verified that these changes will not impact any current employees or retirees. The changes, passed by the state legislature in early 2013, will begin on July 1, 2014 and will only apply to new hires. Treasurer Lillard took questions from
members prior to concluding his visit.
This was a great event for all in attendance and TSEA would like to thank Treasurer Lillard for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to TSEA members. TSEA would also like to thank GVDC CFO Diane Brightwell for allowing the meeting to be held at the GVDC Gym. The hospitality of GVDC toward TSEA and state employees was superb as always.