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MARCH 2002
- Legislative Session Underway - Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the ongoing
recession that has damaged the state's finances, our Association's
legislative package remains in a holding pattern before various
committees.Despite
reduced revenues, our legislative team was successful in advancing
several bills that are of importance to public retirees. When the Joint
Committee on Public Service completed their first series of hearings in
June of 2001, nine Association supported bills had been reported
favorably.
As of February 1, state economists were projecting a $2 billion shortfall for fiscal year 2003, which begins July 1. The loss of revenue is on top of the ongoing FY'02 shortfall, which currently stands at $1.5 billion. "We have not given up hope on a single bill, despite the tough times ahead. Our members have faced this situation many times before and know that it is only temporary," explains Association Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "Many of our bills are well positioned to move. We just have to remain vigilant." Status Report on Legislation: H335: Raises COLA Base for retirees of the State and Teachers' Retirement Systems to $20,000. Local retirement systems would be allowed to determine their own base, beginning with $12,000. This bill has been held within the Public Service Committee in order for further analysis to be completed. H4333: (Previously H336) Municipal minimum pension of $10,000 for retirees with at least 25 years of creditable service (local option). Now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. H337: Minimum pension of $6,000 for survivors of active employees who died of non-work related cause, while still actively employed. Held in the Public Service Committee for further analysis. H338: Disability survivors minimum pension of $8,000. Placed into a study order by the Public Service Committee. H339: Right to remarry, pension reinstatement for those who had lost their pension due to remarriage prior to last year's marriage approval law. Reported favorably. Now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. H4330: (Previously H343) Disability retirees medical indemnification, requires that medical bills relating to the injuries sustained by retirees be paid in a timely fashion. Recently released by the House Committee On Ways and Means. Now awaiting action on the House calendar. H380: Non Contributory Tax Exemption. Placed in a study order by the Joint Committee on Taxation. H917: Allows retirees, who retired on an accidental disability pension prior to November, 1996, to purchase an Option C survivors benefit. Reported favorably. Now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. H4340: (Previously H342) Makes changes to the law allowing disability retirees to return to work. This bill requires further amendment prior to the Association fully endorsing its passage. Reported favorably. Now before the House Committee on Ways and Means. S1426: Health Insurance Reinstatement. Codifies federal law which allows retirees to rejoin the state or municipal health insurance plan. Held for further analysis by Public Service Committee. S1427: Prescription Drug Appeals. Creates an appeals process within the state Group Insurance Commission for members to appeal "third tier" prescription drug copayments. Held for further analysis by Public Service Committee. S1428: Right to Remarry Health Insurance Retention. Allows survivors to retain their health care coverage even though they have remarried. Held for further analysis by Public Service Committee. S1429: Increases the basic life insurance offered under the state's Group Insurance plan to $10,000. Held for further analysis by Public Service Committee. S1430: Provides municipalities with greater options to offer dental and vision coverage to retirees. Held for further analysis by Public Service Committee. S1466: (Previously H340) Veterans bonus of up to $300 for disability retirees. Now before the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. |
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