July 19, 2006

 

Coalition of Oak Ridge

Retired Employees

 

Dear CORRE Members:

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to again state my support for the retirees of Oak Ridge’s Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. I am sorry that I am unable to join you personally, but know that I along with members of my staff meet frequently with individual retirees as well as members of your organization’s board.

 

I have been proud to join with my colleagues in the Tennessee Delegation on a number of occasions to assist the Coalition of Oak Ridge Retired Employees (CORRE). Some of our efforts have been successful and some are still underway.

 

I do understand though the frustration many of you feel and I appreciate your desire to see an immediate resolution to each of your concerns.

 

Although no Member of Congress or political candidate can truthfully guarantee a specific outcome to your efforts, I will commit to you that I will continue to work side by side with Representatives Wamp and Davis and Senators Frist and Alexander to represent you on these issues in every way we are able.

 

My hope remains that all parties can reach an agreement that is fair to every current retiree and spouse, as well as, to future retirees and their spouses, and supports the ongoing DOE mission each of you help to build.  I believe we all agree that every effort should be made to do what is fair today while ensuring the proper accounting of all future fund liabilities so that our actions today do not jeopardize the retirees of the tomorrow.

 

This is not a simple challenge and there are no simple solutions. In 2004 the DOE and its contractors joined with us to support a pension increase for those retirees and spouses who were receiving the very least amount. This was the right thing to do, and I believe it demonstrates what is possible if we continue to work together on these issues.

 

Thank you again for all you have done individually as well as together for our Nation.  I look forward to discussing these matters further with each of you as we move forward.

 

The Honorable John J. Duncan, Jr.

Member of Congress

Second District, Tennessee

800 Market Street; Suite 110

Knoxville, Tennessee 37902

Telephone (865) 523-3772

Facsimile (865) 544-0728

Jonathan.Griswold@mail.house.gov