Posted by Lou on May 28, 2010
There are a couple articles in the Projo that you should be aware of:
Two weeks ago, the budget deficit was deemed to be less than expected.
Yesterday, the House Finance Committee voted to send their budget proposal to the full house by a 13-to-1 margin. This budget proposal includes the previously accepted proposal of cutting state employee pension COLAs to the lesser of the CPI or 3% on first $35,000 on pension benefit.
You know what this means, folks. It means it’s time to contact your representation and explain to them that cutting your pension benefit constitutes a breach of contract and takes money out of the RI economy in the future. Tell them that our pension is not the financial windfall that they and the public think it is. Ask them if pension cuts are so necessary, why are state troopers and legislators exempted from the cuts. Ask them to force all legislators, judges and state troopers to pay 8.75% towards their pension benefit and a 20% co-chare of their health insurance. But most of all, tell them that you refuse to support politicians who refuse to support you.
Posted by Lou on May 20, 2010
- As previously mentioned, Council 94 has filed a lawsuit to fight the recent pension benefit changes. Feel free to read the full complaint.
- Joe Antonio informed the executive board of the date for the summer outing. This year, our field day at Alton Jones will be on Thursday, August 26.
- If you are under 35 years old, and would like to participate in the Council 94 Next Wave committee, please contact me or leave a comment to this post. The Council is actively searching for younger members to get involved, and this is a great way to do so. Even if you aren’t under 35, please tell fellow union members who are about this new way to make their voice heard.
Posted by Lou on May 17, 2010
I’m sure most of you have seen the article in Sunday’s Providence Journal. Unfortunately, non-vested employees would, once again, not be protected even if the challenge were decided in our favor. I will be sure to forward any further information the executive board receives regarding this.
Also, we received word that the Council has decided not to appeal the health care lawsuit decision that was not in our favor. Based on the current case law, and the legal opinions of several attorneys working on the suit, Council’s resources would be more appropriately directed towards the new lawsuit.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Posted by Lou on April 25, 2010
The last two weeks have been very informative for state employees on WPRI (Channel 12) Newsmakers. I’ve linked to the episodes below. The first is from April 18, where AFL-CIO President George Nee was on with Rhode Island Statewide Coalition leader Henry Staley to discuss the state budget. The second is from April 25, where current General Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio discusses his suspect pension reform plan. He is followed by candidate for General Treasurer and founder of WhatCheer.net, Tom Sgouros discussing the realities of the current pension system.
Budget discussion show
Pension discussion show
As a way to draw more interaction on our site, any Local 2881 member who watches the videos and comments on them below by Monday, May 3 will be entered into a raffle. The winner gets lunch on me at the Foundry Cafe, or $5 cash, whichever you prefer. This is not a joke! However, please do not watch or comment from a work/state computer. Those entries will be disqualified. Good luck!
May 6 Update: There were no comments, so there was no winner.
Posted by Lou on April 16, 2010
Last night, Ken DiLorenzo came to our general membership meeting to update us on the recent happenings that affect us.
1) The federal lawsuit filed to challenge the retirees’ health benefit changes has been decided. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in our favor. Ken is going to be reviewing the decision, and keep us abreast of any chances for further appeal.
2) As you may know, the House supplemental budget included a provision to change our pension benefit again. It kept a compounding COLA, but the COLA would only apply to the first $35,000 of our pension, and only be applicable after the third anniversary of retirement or age 65, whichever is later. And the COLA would be either the Urban Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is less. After this provision passed the house, the Senate rejected the budget due to the pension fund re-amortization, that will spread the unfunded liability over 25 years. The house will not vote on a new budget for at least a week, since they are not in session.
In the meantime, please take a minute and contact your state senator and representative: Keep the COLA!. Also, Council 94 has put together some information regarding the budget, and its effects on state employees.
3) Finally, for those of you interested in social networking, Council 94 has a Facebook page. Right now, there are lots of photos from the state convention, and will be used to update Council 94 members en masse. You might even notice that the page linked to our Local 2881 website! Go to Council 94’s Facebook page and become a fan!
If you have a question or a comment, don’t hesitate to leave us a message!
