Engineering is a profession comprised of  highly motivated, intelligent and self starting individuals. High levels of achievement are characteristic of most within our profession. Through rigorous, self motivated efforts we have attained our knowledge and skills. It was not through state mandate that I ,and many, many more like me have attained what we have. We have done so because we are who we are. Self initiative is an ingrained part  of the professional engineer.

Although I am retired, I still feel the need to keep my skills sharply honed. My most recent endeavor has been to initiate a self study refresher on the topics of Calculus/Differential Equations/Advanced Engineering Mathematics. I have achieved this through investment of $175.00 in text books. Such self study affords me the opportunity to maintain my knowledge base at minimal personal cost and in such a manner as to give me complete flexibility in doing so.  Will your mandate afford the same? I very, very much doubt it. There will be expensive university courses or exorbitantly priced seminars. Thousands of dollars will be at play here. 

What of the people, such as myself, who are retired, or semi-retired? Would you impose such a heavy financial burden on these individuals? Many of us are on quasi fixed incomes--to us this default tax that you are imposing  has a devastating effect. We must choose between severe negative financial impact and losing a part of ourselves that is very dear to us. I am not ashamed to admit that my professional engineering license is a source of much pride to me. I worked very hard to achieve it and it would sadden me greatly to lose it. And yet the state would force me into such a painful choice. I have spent my entire career in service of the people of this state. It equates to betrayal in my eyes that you would now impose such hardship on me to retain that which I have earned many times over through the years.

The state presumes too much by imposing themselves in such manner. Is there really " value gained" in this endeavor?  Please give consideration to us and the financial burden you will impose.