Good morning energetic Union folk,

I don’t know who the team is that put the effort into making such a nice
outing for us last week, but I thank you guys who I suspect were all
involved, because you guys are doers who, if there is a need, would fill
it.

I had a lovely time out in the beautiful forest setting of Alton Jones,
socializing with people I see no more, not nearly often enough, or with
whom there is no time to pass more than a quick word as we hustle to
please our public.

I floated around and sort of tried paddling a canoe for the first time
and took a little kayak out into the pond to see water lilies from the
water rather than the shore. I saw a Great Blue Heron fly over the pond
and a Jack in the Pulpit loaded with beautiful red berries growing in a
crack in a boulder. I rolled in late in a froth and miserable and left
happy, well fed and relaxed – refreshed by good people, Rockin’ tunage
(!!!!!!), the peaceful environment, delicious food and 2 refreshing
beers! It was glorious.

Thank you everyone and please pass this note of appreciation to anyone
one who worked to make this happen that I did not include.

Rest well, you worked hard and we appreciated it.

Deb

In other news, Joe Antonio this article, which talks about Republican candidates for governor being interested in taking away our COLAs. When you vote this year, please be very aware of each candidate’s views on our pocketbook issues like pensions and health insurance. This year, more than ever, we need to make our voices heard at the polls.

Another update to pass along is the status of Council 94’s lawsuit against the state for the pension changes in 2009. That was filed on May 12, and amended on July 21 to include those 2010 changes. That document has been posted previously here on the site.

There will be lots of fun and games, a swimming/canoeing area, lunch and dinner provided. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

In other news, the AFSCME International Convention is going on this week in Boston. The convention page at AFSCME.org has highlights and photos. I was there this morning, and the delegation was fired up by International President Gerald McEntee and thankful for the long service of Secretary-Treasurer William Lucy. Mr. Lucy is retiring after 38 years of service to AFSCME. Keep up to date with the convention RSS feed

Following up on something Ken DeLorenzo and I have mentioned, the Council is working on creating a Next Wave committee to cater to the interests of younger members. To that end, I have created a Facebook page for the Council 94 Next Wave group. You can also stay connected with the Council via the Council 94 Facebook page. If you would like more information about AFSCME’s Next Wave movement, see the AFSCME Next Wave website.

If you are interested in being part of the Next Wave movement, please contact me for more information. Whether you are interested or not, if you under 35 years old, and a member of Local 2881, please fill out this survey and return it to me. I’d consider it a personal favor, and probably even buy you a beer for your trouble!

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.

- 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.

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.

Subject: Health Insurance Holiday

Agencies will nto be charged the medical insurance component of health insurance for both pay periods in May and the first pay period in June (pay periods # 23, 24, & 25) for FY10. Further, those employees who pay a co-share amount though payroll deduction on the “percentage of premium” basis will not be charged. The schedule for Wellness Credits will be extended three pay periods for those employees that were due credit in Pay Periods # 23 through 25.

The charges posted for this insurance coverage are comprised of three components: medical coverage, dental coverage and vision coverage. This “holiday” is for the medical component only.