June 27, 2001

Dear Colleagues:

On Tuesday, June 26th, the Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on SB 1425, a bill to provide state group health insurance benefits to part-time faculty who teach two or more three-credit courses a semester, or four three-credit courses a year, regardless of the number of colleges where the part-time faculty member is employed or the funding source (day or DGCE). Three part-time faculty members gave powerful testimony as to the importance of providing this benefit to part-time faculty. MCCC President Philip Mahler, MTA lobbyist John Flannagan, and I also gave support to the bill. Copies of some of the testimony given is available on the Webpage.

Testimony was also heard on SB 2613/HB 1344, the Domestic Partnership Bill, which would provide group health insurance benefits provided to state and municipal employees to their domestic partners. I testified in support of this bill as a developmental psychologist and a member of the American Psychological Association. If any member would like to see a copy of my testimony, please contact me at pmarkunas@aol.com.

Along with several other members of the MSCA, I will be representing you at the National Education Association's Representative Assembly next week. My next presidential message will be posted after July 9th. Offices of the MSCA President and Vice President will be closed from June 30th until July 9th.

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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6/27/01