Messages to the Membership-Pres. Pat Markunas: MSCA

May 15,2002

Dear Colleagues:

The battle to win an amendment protecting the percentage state employees pay for health insurance was finally won last night. As a result of the passage of this amendment (#163 - sponsored by Rep. Martin Walsh of Boston), state employees will NOT have to pay more for their group health insurance policies with the state. The amendment passed by an overwhelming margin of 142 - 11. Thank you to all our elected leaders and members who took the time to contact their legislators on this important matter. Your efforts definitely made a difference in the outcome.

The House has not yet taken up the contract funding amendment or amendments to increase funding for higher ed accounts. MTA has held several discussions with the Speaker's office about these higher ed amendments and I will update you as soon as I have more information to report.

The House should complete its version of the FY03 budget this week.

It's likely that the Senate will take up its version of the tax package next week (week of May 20). It is crucial that you ask your members to e-mail or call their senator (617-722-2000) to urge support of a tax package of at least $1.4 billion so that there will be sufficient funds to adequately fund public education, K through graduate school.

After the Senate votes on a tax package and receives the House budget, it will debate and vote on its version of the FY03 budget. No date has yet been set but it is not expected to happen before the end of the month.

Please check the MSCA website for a complete list of MTA-sponsored amendments that need the support of the membership.

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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