From: Arline Isaacson
Subject: Urgent Lobbying Action Needed on 85/15
Date: July 24, 2002

Rumors are circulating that the Governor might veto the provision of the state budget that retains state employees' health insurance premiums at 15%. It is unclear at the moment if the premium percentage would increase to 20% or 25%. In either case, however, MTA members would end up paying hundreds of dollars more for their group health insurance policies.

In the past, our lobbying legislative leaders has resulted in support for the retention of 85/15. We are no longer confidant that this will be the case.

The FY'03 State Budget conference committee report, which was sent this week to the Governor, is some $300m out of balance. The legislature anticipates, therefore, that the Governor will need to make approximately $300 million in cuts to it. The Governor must finalize her vetoes by July 30.

Most advocates believe that the House will NOT override a majority of those vetoes. There is a distinct possibility therefore, that IF Swift vetoes 85/15, the House might never take the matter up for an override. The veto would then stand and the cost of health insurance for MTA higher ed members would increase significantly.

What You Must Do IMMEDIATELY:

1) Contact Acting Gov. Swift's office (617-727-3600 or email at goffice@state.ma.us) with the following message:

"Please do not increase state employees' health insurance costs by vetoing 85/15."

2) Contact your state legislators with the following message:

"If the Governor increases the costs of our health insurance by vetoing 85/15, please vote to override the veto."

When calling state representatives, it is VERY important to include this second line:

"Just as importantly, please urge House Speaker Tom Finneran to take up this issue for an override so that House members will be allowed the opportunity to vote on it."

That's all you need to say. However, if you want to give a justification, add the following to the message with Governor Swift and your legislators:

"We already have experienced significant increases in the costs of our state health insurance plans when the GIC (Group Insurance Commission) increased co-pays and deductibles this past year."

OR

"Increasing the cost of our health insurance is the same as imposing a selective TAX on state employees. We are already undergoing increases in class sizes and workloads as a result of budget cuts and early retirements. Increasing the burden falling on state employees is unfair and unjust."

Note: Senate President Tom Birmingham has been a strong advocate of retaining 85/15, so there is little concern that about his willingness to bring the matter up for an override vote. However, the House must initiate all overrides.