COLA is needed for state retirees

As the legislative session continues, one thing has been missing: a cost-ofliving adjustment for retired public employees. This COLA is drastically needed to ensure retired public employees aren't living in poverty and instead live with security and dignity. I taught fourth grade and was a reading specialist for 32 years in Shawnee. I worked hard every day to make sure my students received the best education possible. Seeing them learn and grow is what drove me to be the best teacher I could be. Since retirement, I have made it my mission to protect future generations by taking part in informing my legislators and volunteering in my community. It has been 11 years since any public employee has received a COLA in Oklahoma. As the costs of groceries, gas, medication and other essential items increase, it's been more difficult to keep up. As a widow, I rely heavily on my retirement income; a COLA would help me live a dignified retirement. It's time for our lawmakers to act and give a COLA to retired public employees. Not only would this help retired public employees like me, it would boost our communities' economies as well. Retirees spend their benefits in their communities, which supports local businesses. I call on all lawmakers to bring a COLA bill to the floor and vote — retirees and our communities are counting on them. Debbie Hogue-Downing, Oklahoma City