February news

Posted by Lou on February 3, 2010

There is so much information to get to the membership, let’s dive right in!

- Co-share credits
Don’t forget to take your online health assessment!Complete the online health assessment at www.myuhc.com by February 5, 2010 and earn that $75 co-share credit. Instructions for accessing the health assessment are available at www.wellness.ri.gov

- Lawsuit updates
Executive Director of Council 94, Ken DeLorenzo, followed up on his promise to get us information about the status of legal challenges Council 94. The retirees health care lawsuit has been filed, and it has been heard in Federal Court by Judge Smith. His ruling was due last fall, however, he is currently gathering additional information. This gathering is interpreted as a good sign by the Council.

The pension benefit lawsuit has NOT been filed yet. Six unions are working together to file a collective lawsuit, and the logistics of that arrangement are being worked out right now. Lynette Larbinger was hired to be the lead attorney for this. There is no concrete schedule right now, but the lawsuit will probably not be filed until March at the earliest. The statute of limitations to file a legal challenge to these actions is three years.

- Pension COLA changes
As you may have heard, the governor’s budget proposal included removing COLA from retirees’ pensions who were not eligible to retire on September 30, 2009. The budget is in the preliminary stages of debate, and there will likely be hearings to analyze the various proposals of this budget. We will certainly keep you informed as to how this progresses.

In the meantime, it always helps to call your representatives in the state house to voice your concerns about taking further compensation away from state workers. To find your representation, use the Voter Information Center.

- Pension Study Reports
Previously, I have referenced the Indiana Legislature Pension Study Report. Wisconsin performs a similar study every two years, and publishes a report of their findings. The last study was performed in 2008, but all of the reports can be found at the Wisconsin Legislature website. We are forwarding this information to Council 94 in hopes that this information can be helpful in fighting against another cut in benefits.

- Interesting articles
RIFuture.org discusses the detrimental effects eliminating the COLA will have on retirees and the state economy.

Jim Baron takes the governor to task in the Pawtucket Times for the nonsense proposals in the supplemental budget.