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Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform
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Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform
About
Contact Our Team
Get Started
About
Contact Our Team
Get Started

Mission Statement

The functioning of our Advocate group represents the founding of a meeting place and platform for those of us (retired and current state workers and teachers, as well as members of the Municipal Employees Retirement System) who were so brutally robbed of our Cost of Living Adjustment in 2011 by then State Treasurer, Gina Raimondo, in what appears to be her quest for National recognition. We continuously make known, by way of news media, that this aspect of our retirement plan had been contractually guaranteed, as well as having been purchased by us for approximately 10% of our yearly salaries for the entirety of our careers.

Because of the inflationary increase in the national cost of living— over 40% since 2011— what began as an injustice has morphed into a crisis. Our efforts also involve the undoing of the unnecessary pension reforms instituted through RIRSA which have undermined worker morale and created a significant shortage of those qualified to enter state and teaching positions.

Our efforts include returning Pension regulations and practices to their pre 2011 status, removing age requirements for retirement, future COLA percentages based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and applied to full pension increments, with the elimination of caps in determining payment.

Sandra Paquette

Founder, Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform (Registered, Non-Profit)

WHAT HAPPENED TO R.I.’s COLA’S ?

RI’s retired and current teachers and state workers have been dealing with the aftermath of the 2011 Pension Security Act, causing them to lose their contractually binding Cost Of Living Adjustment, a provision instituted to offset the trauma of inflation during their retirement years. For 13 years this group of lifetime workers have been struggling to remain financially solvent in a time of historically rising inflation, responsible for a drastic undermining of purchasing power.

Through the efforts of the current General Assembly, urged on by Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform, an initial breakthrough was at last achieved pertaining to the COLA in June of 2024. Legislation was unanimously passed to initiate the process of a reinstated Cost of Living Adjustment.

The Advocates group will continue our efforts until full reform is achieved.

Meet your Advocates planning team !

Sandra Paquette, Founder

M.Ed Boston College

BS.Ed RIC

Aldo Palazzo CDR USN (Ret)

M.A. National Security Affairs / Strategic Studies

M.S. Managment

Debi Catamero, M.Ed. U.R.I.

M.Ed. Providence College

Retired Elementary School Principal

David Shallcross

Contributor

College of William & Mary

MS - Physics

Brian Kennedy, M.Public Admin.

John Breguet

Former Labor Relations Administrator, State of R.I.

A message from: the Board of Directors, Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform.

As of June 24,2025, we have begun meeting and planning for next year’s legislative session. Our goals remain in tact, and we are committed to working to restore the COLA for ALL Advocates. We will be updating information on our website, and Facebook page so please be patient, and check back later this summer.

Feel free to contact us via email at: advocate4cola@gmail.com

RED ALERT

Current Facebook postings regarding: Rep. Pat Serpa and R.I. legislators in general.

Please see the following responses……

Advocates truly appreciate Rep Pat Serpa

A Champion for The People

July 27,2025

Aldo Palazzo- Advocate Board:

While I usually refrain from posting here except for PSAs to inform Advocates. Recently, a political post appeared on our Facebook page.   After I indicated that type of post is inappropriate on our Facebook page, some members continued to comment and agreeing with the political post.  This kind of post does not belong on our site.  We have one goal in mind - the full restoration of COLAs to all retirees, regardless of date of retirement.  Our members have political views of every kind.  If we begin posting our personal political views on this site it may well weaken our unity and our ability to achieve our one goal:  full restoration of COLA for everyone.  You are free to have any political opinion whatsoever.  Just don't post it on the Advocates web site.es as to what is happening as I leave comments to Sandra and the other members of our Planning Team, or as I refer to us, "The War Council".  Sandra Paquette, Aldo Palazzo, John Breguest, Brian Kennedy, Deb Catamero and David Shallcross! That’s it, six unpaid volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to rectify past injustices. What many of our group do not see are the hundreds of hours we have spent behind the scenes, working, planning, strategizing, meeting, in an effort to correct the injustices of RIRSA 2011! Although we might not always acknowledge your calls, emails and suggestions, do not think that they are not appreciated or incorporated into our plans! Conversely. we also recognize your frustrations and the anger but I ask that you please do not direct them at the VERY people who are working to help our efforts. 

And our strongest ally in this fight? Rep Pat Serpa! I am extremely proud of Pat Serpa, not only is she MY Representative, but she has worked tirelessly on our behalf. As Kathy Gregg of the Projo, once told me, “There are very few representatives like Pat Serpa! She is fearless!” It was thanks to her efforts that Advocates were able to work directly with Speaker Shekarchi last year and bring about Art 12 changes. These brought about the first substantive improvements for Retirees since RIRSA 2011 was enacted. Ask yourself what had actually occurred prior to Art 12? The infamous "Fractional COLA", i.e., $500 over four years! Give me a break! 

Art 12 was only the start. We took note of the fact that active workers and teachers were not able to watch the Retirement Board in action given that they were held during normal working hours, so we began an effort to change that so ERSRI Board Meetings would not only be recorded but also archived! Not only did we succeeded in having the Board institute a "policy change" but we worked to make sure that change was enshrined into RIGL. Policies can always be changed but it is much harder to change a law! Pat Serpa and Deb Fellela in the House and John Burke in the Senate introduced Legislation to make it happen! We all worked with SecState Amore and GT Diossa as well as the General Assembly Leadership and now, EVERY ERSRI Member can view the meetings if they so desire! (https://www.youtube.com/@ERSRI-video-library) Pat has introduced numerous Bills on our behalf, and I am confident that she will continue to do so in the future. Rep Pat Serpa is a tireless advocate for retirees, and it troubles me that she has been subjected to criticism and unwarranted attacks by retirees who do not understand what she has done and what we have accomplished. 

If you look above at our logo, you will see someone "moving a needle"! That is because last year we did just that with the passage of Art 12! After 12 years of retirees being left behind, progress was made! And yet, Advocates' Leadership was attacked! Are you kidding me? As one member of the War Council noted, for six people with ZERO funding, we accomplished more than RIPERC had since its creation! Think about that? Advocates were able to "Move the Needle" because of Pat Serpa, Deb Fellela, Doc Corvese, Ray Hull, Charlene Lima, John Burke, Peter Appollonio, Frank Ciccione et al, who have worked with us. 

Speaker Shekarchi has told me that he is still getting flak for allowing the Art 12 changes. He IS working with Advocates as is GT Diossa, but it takes time to overcome the inertia. I know it is difficult but have patience. 

It amazes me that despite all the complaining, how many of you fail to actually show up at the State House when asked? Many do appear, trust me as we note your presence but ask yourself why many have NOT done so when asked? Emails and calls DO matter. Our Campaign to stop Governor McKee’s attempt to “scoop” the $21.6 Million Budget Surplus for FY 24 is a prime example!  But sometimes we need to overwhelm the State House too! I acknowledge that there are legitimate reasons, health, schedule conflicts etc., but when we state that it is important to be there, next time show up. 

I would ask that when the New General Assembly Session starts in January, stop by the State House and Thank the Members of the General Assembly before the Rise of the House and Senate. Especially Pat Serpa and the others I have mentioned. You have NO Idea how hard they have been working on your behalf. And if you are a Member of RIPERC, ask what they have accomplished on your behalf since RIRSA 2011 was enacted? "Deeds NOT Words!" I will end this by publicly Thanking MY Representative, Pat Serpa, for everything she has done on our behalf. I could not be prouder of Pat and her actions. Bravo Zulu Pat!

John Breguet: Board Member July 28, 2025

Members on our Fb site have criticized Pat Serpa for being the benefactor of a constitutionally provided benefit. Those critics don’t know what they’re talking about. Rep Serpa has been a wonderful advocate for all of us. As a legislator she has repeatedly met with the Advocates leadership. She has sponsored our bills. She has introduced us to legislative leaders. She has made excellent suggestions as to our goals and tactics. She has made herself available to meet on short notice and always responds to telephone calls from Advocate leadership. While we have 5,000 members, the criticism of Pat seems to come primarily from members who don’t actively participate in our efforts to reinstate COLA’s. I don’t see Pat’s critics at rallies; I don’t see them at legislative hearings; I don’t see them at ERSRI board meetings. If you don’t participate, if you don’t know what you’re talking about, you should just keep quiet and HOPE that people like Pat are able to succeed and continue to support our cause.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Senate Finance Committee & Contact Info

We CAN make it happen !

We CAN make it happen ! We CAN make it happen !

Continuous meetings with our General Treasurer and his staff: *Pictured L-R

Elizabeth Caldas/RI Deputy Chief Investment Officer, John Breguet, Brian Kennedy, Sandra Paquette, David Shallcross, Aldo Palazzo, Treasurer Diossa, Rob Craven Jr. Esq. Director Of Policy, RI Office of General Treasurer.

Legislators

Supporting “ADVOCATES” goals

Listed below are the Legislators who have pledged their support, in writing for “ADVOCATES” goals in 2025

Representatives- Support in Writing

Rebecca Kislak district, 4

Raymond Hull district, 6

David Morales district, 7

Charlene Lima district, 14

Chris Paplauskas district, 15

Vincent Marzullo, district, 26

Earl Reed district, 26

Pat Serpa district, 27

Carol Hagen McEntee district, 33

Megan Cotter district, 39

Deborah Fellela district, 43

Stephen Casey district, 50

William O’Brien district, 54

Arthur Corvese district, 55

Cherie Cruz district, 58

Mary Messier, district, 62

Matthew Dawson district, 65

Susan Donovan district, 69

John Edwards district, 70

Senators –Support in Writing

Sam Bell, district 5

Frank Ciccone district 7

John Burke, district 9

Walter Felag district 10

David Quiroa district13

David Tikoain district 22

Melissa Murray district 24

Karen Gorman district 25

Todd Patalano district 26

Peter Appollonio, Jr. district 29

Susan Sosnowski district 37

Westin Place district 38

Letter #1
[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

To: Honorable Members of the State of Rhode Island Legislature

Subject: Urgent Request to Reinstate the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Retirees

Dear Members of the Legislature, ( Personalize with their name if you wish)

I am writing to urge you to support Bill H-6238.

This legislation will at long last put an end to the injustice and hardship brought about by RIRSA 2011.

A binding legal contract was broken, our Constitution was violated, and General Assembly members were decieved.

The time has come to take action. The problem was brought about through legislation, and the solution must come through the same source.

Sincerely,

Your full name

Letter #2
[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Date]

To: Honorable Members of the State of Rhode Island Legislature

Subject: Urgent Request to Reinstate the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Retirees

Dear Members of the Legislature, (Personalize with specific names, including your senator and rep.)

I am writing to respectfully urge you his essential adjustment, even as the cost of basic necessities continues to rise.

COLAs are not bonuses; they are vital protections that ensure retirement benefits retain their value in the face of inflation. Without them, retirees are effectively receiving less each year—struggling to afford groceries, prescriptions, utilities, and housing on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with economic realities.

These retirees dedicated their careers to serving our communities. They upheld their end of the contract by working diligently, often under difficult and demanding conditions. It is only fair that the state honors its commitment to them by ensuring their pensions provide real economic security—not just in name, but in value.

The absence of COLA has become a matter not just of fairness, but of dignity. Reinstating the COLA would demonstrate the state’s respect for its retired workforce and restore trust in the retirement system for current and future employees.

I ask you to act decisively and compassionately by supporting the passage of Bill H-6238 to reinstate the COLA for our retirees. Your leadership can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who gave their careers in service to the public.

Thank you for your attention and your commitment to the well-being of all citizens.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Email addresses for your convenience:

rep-shekarchi@rilegislature.gov

governor.ri.gov/contact

sen-lawson@rilegislature.gov

FIND ALL emails for REP’s and Senators Here: https://www.rilegislature.gov

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN

Please flood the legislators with your letters. Urge them to support Bill H-6238 to reinstate the COLA.

Just 1 letter from each of our ADVOCATE members = 5,000 letters/emails. Let’s make sure they cannot ignore their responsibility to their constituents. Every voice matters!

Include members of the House and Senate Finance Committees, Speaker Shekarchi, and your own Representatives and Senators.

ERSRI

BOARD UPDATES

Sandra Paquette & Aldo Palazzo

-

Sandra Paquette & Aldo Palazzo - Sandra Paquette & Aldo Palazzo -

Our 5 Goals

  1. Restore COLA to ALL Retirees.

  2. Eliminate caps on base amount of retirement income.

  3. COLA based on CPI

  4. Reduce Rule of 95 to 90

  5. Utilize our Pension Fund to cover the costs of benefits.

ERSRI Retirement Board Mtgs.

2nd Floor Conference Room

50 Service Avenue

Warwick, RI

Also streaming via Zoom, Dial in 1- 929-205-6099

Access code: 868 5016 3336

Link: https://treasury-ri-gov.zoom.us/j/86850163336

TESTIMONIALS

Member Resource Hub

Find your legislators emails, and other important information here: To find your legislator, click on the blue links below. Find your Rep, or Senator and click on their photo. Scroll down and you’ll see their information including the email address.

https://www.rilegislature.gov/senators/default.aspx

https://www.rilegislature.gov/representatives/default.aspx

UPDATES

June 24,2025

Dear Advocates,

Although this year the GA has offered no additional benefits to pre 2012 retirees- our compounded COLA will definitely continue.  Of concern is the fact that they have not extended this to post 2012 retirees ,something for which we strongly fought. It is also troubling that our major bill: H-6238, never made it out of Committee.

  What the GA did succeed in accomplishing, is to strengthen and increase our determination to come up with new plans and strategies, and to to unlock the stumbling blocks impeding our progress .

Our first Planning Committee/ War Council meeting of the summer will take place on Friday, June 27. We are also planning to hold informal get togethers in several locations around our state, to meet our Advocate members in person and to receive your input. We will put out dates shortly so you may plan accordingly.    

We have a continuing commitment to over 5,000 advocate members, and we will vehemently fight for our now- 5 stated goals:

1. Restore the COLA to ALL Retirees.

2. Eliminate caps on base amount of retirement income.

3. COLA based on CPI (or 3%)

4. Reduce Rule of 95 to 90

    5.Utilize the Pension Fund to cover the costs of benefits.

Sincerely,

Sandra Paquette

President, Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform

Join our cause

to fully restore ALL COLA’s

Check out & Join our FB group: http://www.facebook.com

Advocates for COLA Restoration and Pension Reform

Email questions to:

advocate4cola@gmail.com

Updates: 7/1/2025

Debi Catamero

advocate4cola@gmail.com