May 17,2005

Dear MSCA Members:

The Senate Ways & Means Committee has adopted the House position on the Group Insurance Commission. Effective January 1, 2006, the Commonwealth's share of the health insurance premium for active state employees hired on or before June 30, 2003, would be 85% and the employees' share would be 15%. For active state employees hired after June 30, 2003, the Commonwealth's share of the health insurance premium would be 80% and the employees contribution would be 20%.

This means that this change will be incorporated into the legislature's budget to be submitted to the governor. Should there be a gubernatorial veto, we will urge the legislature to override the veto and will count on your help in this regard.

Please take the time to thank both your local representative and senator for their support of this important benefit to full-time state employees.

May 12th was an important lobbying day to support legislation to establish health insurance and retirement benefits for part-time faculty. If you have not already done so, please contact your local representative and senator to urge their support of this legislation as well.

On the contract funding, I have heard that the administration has requested additional information on the cost request. When I know something more substantive, I will inform the membership. By law, the governor has at least another 30 days to act on the contract's funding.

Thank you for your help with the lobbying efforts concerning health insurance benefits for both full-time and part-time members.

Pat Markunas,
MSCA President

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4/27/05