November 19, 2001

Dear Colleagues:

The Legislature is expected to produce its final budget for the current fiscal year by midnight tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Although it is clear that higher education will receive a harsh budget cut for this year, it is not clear whether or not the MSCA contract funding will be included or if any change will be made in state employee health insurance premiums.

Phone calls to representatives and senators on both issues should still be made by the membership. I plan to go to Boston this week for final lobbying activity and the vote on the budget.

Without question, this has been a difficult semester, for reasons both national and local, for the state college faculty and librarians. The Thanksgiving Day holiday gives all of us a chance to reflect and give thanks for the things that are most important in our lives: family, friends and community. My husband and I wish you and yours a happy and restful Thanksgiving holiday.

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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11/19/01