Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005
From: "Joanne Blum" JBLUM@massteacher.org
Subject: Veto Overrides

Good News

The House and Senate today overrode the Governor's veto of $15 million to be used to lower the premium share that state employees pay for their health insurance. For state employees hired after June 30, 2003, the split will be returned to 85/15. For those hired after that date, the split will be 80/20 except for those making below $35,000 and their split will be 85/15. The new rates begin Jan. 1, 2006.

The vote in the House was 140-11 and in the Senate 37-0.

Last week and today, the House and Senate also overrode the following higher education funding vetoes:

Feasibility assessment on toxic alternatives at UMass/Lowell: $250,000
Office of Dispute Resolution - UMass/Boston: $166,440
Salem State College Second Degree in Nursing: $915,900
N. Shore Community College Public Policy Institute: $250,000