Fwd: TSEU March & Rally for state services & state employees

Subject: TSEU March & Rally for state services & state employees

TSEU Lobby Day

Wednesday, April 6th

Be on the bus to take a stand for our jobs and the services we provide

The Spirit of Wisconsin blows across Texas

The news coming out of the Capitol in Austin is as bad as expected. Initial budget proposals call for brutal cuts in programs that serve communities across Texas, deep cuts in funding for public schools and higher education, and layoffs & reduced healthcare benefits for state employees.

As in many other states, the current budget crisis is being used as an excuse for gutting state services & education, and for rolling back state employee benefits. And, just like folks in other states, we shouldn't sit on the sidelines while our elected leaders plan to make irresponsible budget cuts that will hurt so many people. In Wisconsin, union members are standing up to protect their right to have a voice on the job and are showing that there is broad, growing support for state services and employees in their community. How do we make our voice heard in Texas?

Be there for Lobby Day, April 6^th in Austin. We'll be marching and rallying at the Capitol, before going inside to meet with legislators or their staff. Lobby Day is one of the best ways we can send a clear message to elected officials that their constituents don't support attacks on state services and state employees. Tickets are $15 and include lunch. Buy your ticket today, and get on the bus!

As of now, buses will be picking up at the following locations. This is subject to change.

Texas City, Almeda Mall, 1960 & 290, TSEU Office (South Main near Reliant Stadium), Northwest Transit Center (I-10 and 610), Katy, Richmond, Prairie View A&M, and Brenham

Prepare for Lobby Day at a Public Speaking Workshop, Tuesday March 8^th 5:30pm – 7:30pm

The Houston Federation of Teachers is hosting a training session on how to speak with Legislators and legislative staff. TSEU members are encouraged to participate. Please call the TSEU office if you plan on attending or if you have any questions. The training will take place at the Harris County AFL-CIO office, 2506 Sutherland (near I-45 & Telephone), Houston 77023.

Sign and Banner Making Party, Saturday March 19th 11am-3pm TSEU Office

Come by and help make banners and signs for the Lobby Day march and rally. We'll work on continuing the long tradition of creative banners and signs from the Houston area. Artistic skills are not required; Creative suggestions are appreciated. Lunch will be provided. 

Get Ready for Lobby Day at "Day of Outrage" Rally at Houston City Hall, March 15^th 4:30-6:30pm

This is another opportunity to voice our opposition to the proposed state budget cuts, and to get the juices flowing for Lobby Day. Call the TSEU office if you are interested in attending.

 

Fwd: TSEU Legislative Update 2-23-2011

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   February 23, 2011.

 

Legislative Update

 

In this issue:

House Committees Assigned

TSEU testifies at the Capitol

Mini Lobby Days

Bills to Watch – Pension and Healthcare

 

House Committees Assigned

The Texas House has finally assigned committees and the Appropriations sub-committees began hearing on issues of the budget in the house last week. Below is a listing of members of some of the committees TSEU deals with the most.

 

House Appropriations Committee:

Jim Pitts, Chair

Sylvester Turner, Vice Chair

Jimmie Don Aycock

Angie Chen Button

Warren Chisum

Myra Crownover

Drew Darby

Dawnna Dukes

Craig Eiland

Helen Giddings

Lance Gooden

Scott Hochberg

Eric Johnson

Susan King

Dee Margo

Armando "Mando" Martinez

Ruth Jones McClendon

Doug Miller

Geanie Morrison

John Otto

Diane Patrick

Debbie Riddle

Charles Schwertner

Mark Shelton

Raul Torres

Mike Villarreal

John Zerwas

 

Calendars Committee:

Todd Hunter, Chair

Dennis Bonnen, Vice Chair

Dan Branch

Garnet Coleman

Byron Cook

Charlie Geren

James "Jim" Keffer

Tracy King

Lois Kolkhorst

Eddie Lucio, III

Allan Ritter

Eddie Rodriguez

Burt Solomons

Vicki Truitt

John Zerwas

 

Human Services:

Richard Pena Raymond, Chair

Geanie Morrison, Vice Chair

Naomi Gonzalez

Chuck Hopson

Bryan Hughes

Todd Hunter

Jodie Laubenberg

Elliott Naishtat

Van Taylor

 

Pensions and Investment:

Vicki Truitt, Chair

Rafael Anchia, Vice Chair

Charles "Doc" Anderson

Brandon Creighton

Ana Hernandez Luna

Ken Legler

Barbara Nash

Rob Orr

Marc Veasey

 

Higher Education:

Dan Branch, Chair

Joaquin Castro, Vice Chair

Roberto Alonzo

Dennis Bonnen

Fred Brown

Donna Howard

Eric Johnson

Tryon Lewis

Diane Patrick

 

Criminal Jurisprudence:

Pete Gallego, Chair

Will Hartnett, Vice Chair

Jose Aliseda

Cindy Burkett

Stefani Carter

Wayne Christian

Yvonne Davis

Eddie Rodriguez

Bill Zedler

 

TSEU testifies at the Capitol

Wednesday, February 16: House Appropriations Sub Committee on Human Services, DADS Hearing

TSEU member Edmundo Ruiz (El Paso State Center) and outreach coordinator Mimi Garcia testified at the House Appropriations Sub-committee on Article II hearings about the state supported living centers and the budget. "We employees with take our jobs very seriously and genuinely care about the clients we serve," Mr. Ruiz testified. "As staff members we develop relationships with parents and guardians. One of their biggest fears is that legislature will decide to close a center and their loved ones will be shipped across the state, making visits virtually impossible, especially for our older parents. Closures could have the inadvertent effect of breaking up families."

Ms. Garcia testified on behalf of TSEU, "Texas residents with developmental disabilities need and deserve top quality services. TSEU asks that the Texas legislature adopt policies and approve funding to support a full continuum of care system for all Texans who need services." TSEU also called on the committee to consider alternatives to cutting programs. "Texans deserve better than this, we cannot afford these cuts. We're asking you to use all of the Rainy Day Fund, find new revenue, maximize federal funding, and close wasteful tax exemptions and loopholes."

Throughout the public testimony, community members, owners of ICF/MRs and community services, and parents spoke against the funding and Medicaid cuts. Over 100 people were registered to testify.

 

Wednesday, February 16: House Appropriations Sub Committee on Human Services, DFPS Hearing

               Mimi Garcia, outreach Coordinator, testified on behalf of TSEU at the house hearing on the DFPS budget. In her testimony Ms. Garcia said, "Eliminating over 700 positions in CPS guarantees dangerously high caseloads. Impossibly high caseloads lead directly to worse outcomes for children and families. Ignoring these facts means that more children will be abused, and more children will be killed by their abusers because warning signs were missed. In the real world, child abuse doesn't go away when we close our eyes and ears, then pretend it won't be so bad for the kid in the future. Unfortunately, that is exactly what the proposed budget calls for."

                Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin), asked about the kind of impact the turnover rates has on case workers' ability to protect children. Rep. Craig Eisland (D-Galveston) responded to TSEU's call for using the Rainy Day Fund by saying "We will most likely use the fund. Whether we use all of it or only use half of it now still needs to be decided.  Unfortunately that's not going to fix all our problems."

 

Tuesday, February 22: House Committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Hearing

                On Tuesday, February 22^nd, TSEU Political Director, Derrick Osobase, testified before the House committee on Pensions, Investments & Financial Services. "We fully understand that legislators will have their hands full trying to balance the budget, and that the first inclination of some people will be to balance the budget by further eroding benefits for state employees. But let me remind you that state employees' pay continues to lag behind the standard of living by 28%, and due to the budget, legislators have said that there will be no pay increases in the upcoming session. This means state employee's pay will either stay stagnant or lose even more ground."

                Mr. Osobase went on to explain that structural changes to the pension fund will hurt lower paid employees and current retirees the hardest. Because ERS hasn't approved a cost of living adjustment of retirees or a 13^th check for 10 years, all retirees are hurting. Furthermore, despite the recession, turnover in the state remains high (31% at State Supported Living Centers, 23% at TYC, 25% at CPS), cuts to state employee benefits like pension and healthcare will make it increasingly difficult for the state to attract and maintain qualified employees

 

Mini Lobby Days

February 9, 2011: University Caucus Mini Lobby Day

University union activists from all over Texas came to Austin to meet with their legislators at the capitol. They asked lawmakers to stop the cuts to higher education funding currently being discussed by the legislature. These proposed cuts would assuredly result in layoffs, furloughs, and cuts to employee benefits.  They would also further erode the quality and affordability of public higher education in Texas. 

Janie Pena (UTPA), Gloria Gilpatrick (UTPA), Blanca Aleman (UTPA), Joe Angulo (UTPA), Vicky Rodriguez (TTHSC – El Paso), Miguel Torres (TTHSC – Lubbock), Rose Garza (UTHSCSA), Jeanine Honohono (UT- MD Anderson), Judy Aronson (UTMB), A.J. Davis (U of H), Karen Charleston (Prairie View A&M), Kenyatta Jolivet (Prairie View A&M), Lee Demers (Prairie View A&M), William Blake (UT- Austin), Teri Adams (UT-Austin), Philip Mullins (UT-Austin), Jason Tasset (UT-Austin), Kathryn Kenefick (UT- Austin), Judy Holloway (UT- Austin) and Will Wise (UT- Austin) participated in the day. 

In all, 20 members met with 21 legislators and their staffers about the cuts and made a strong case about the need for more higher education funding, not less. In addition, members discussed plans for building a strong Lobby Day on April 6th, getting out the vote for Karen Charleston, Joe Angulo, and Julien Devereux's TRS campaigns, and talking to local and county government officials about joining TSEU's fight against the brutal budget cuts.

 For more information contact Ted Hooker at thooker@cwa-tseu.org.

 

February 16, 2011: State Supported Living Centers and State Hospitals Mini Lobby Day

The SSLC/State Hospital mini-lobby day went very well.  We had 18 in attendance with 10 facilities represented.  That was 8 DADS/SSLC's and 2 DSHS/MH facilities.  This was our first attempt at a joint caucus effort by the 24 hour care facilities after trying to do them separately based on agency lines created with the consolidation of HHSC agencies.  Activists have been expressing a desire to re-merge them for a while.

                On Feb. 16 our State Supported Living Center/State Hospital Caucus held its Mini-Lobby Day.  Showing up to fight threats of closure and privatization and a host of other threats to our clients/patients and to our jobs and benefits were:  Marta Garza, Lubbock SSLC; Diane Martinez and Edmundo Ruiz, El Paso SSLC; Carmen Duron, Corpus Christi SSLC; Robert Quinn, Rio Grande State Center;  Janet Cook, Austin SSLC; Yolanda White and Hazel Roden, Lufkin SSLC; Shawn Prather, San Antonio SSLC; Arthur Valdez, San Antonio State Hospital; Marina Galvan, San Angelo SSLC; Sherri Gilliard, Pauline Darcus and Debra Coleman, Brenham SSLC.

                Edmundo Ruiz delivered well received testimony on behalf of the Union to the House Appropriation Committee hearing on DADS.  Five teams of members spread out through the capital and delivered the union's message to 32 Representatives and Senators.  1. Our clients and patients need the care they receive at the SSLC's and State Hospitals, the cuts are unnecessary.  2. We have a plan: A. Use the rainy day fund B. Fix the loopholes in the property tax fiasco, C. Maximize use of available federal money.

For more information contact Jim Branson at jbranson@cwa-tseu.org.

 

Bills to Watch – Pension and Healthcare

 

Support

HB 60, by Rep. "Mando" Martinez

Relating to a cost of living increase applicable to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Mandates a COLA for TRS retirees under certain economic conditions

Bill Status: Referred to Pensions, Investment and Financial Services Committee

 

HB 731, by Chuck Hopson

Relating to the state contribution to, and certain annuities under, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Allows greater contribution to TRS funds from the state.

Bill Status: Referred to Pensions, Investment and Financial Services Committee

 

HB 832, by Jose Lozano

Relating to a cost of living increase applicable to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Recommends a COLA for TRS retirees

Bill Status: Referred to Pensions, Investment and Financial Services Committee

 

HB 917, by Alma Allen

Relating to benefits paid by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.

Recommends COLA for TRS retirees

Bill Status: Filed

 

 

Oppose

HB 762, by Jose Lozano

Relating to establishing a pill splitting program to reduce health plan costs for certain public employees.

Establishes voluntary program where doctors can proscribe larger does to members of certain medications and members would split pills for the right dose.

Bill Status: Filed

 

HB 1003, by Chuck Hopson

Relating to a deferred retirement option for certain members of the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Bill Status: Filed

 

HB 1362, by Jodie Laubenberg

Relating to the creation of a voluntary consumer-directed health plan for certain individuals eligible to participate in the insurance coverage provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Act and their qualified dependents.

Essentially establishes program similar to a defined contribution health plan with high deductibles and limited care. Plan could also damage other state employees' health insurance pool by removing younger, healthier members from the insurance pool.

Bill Status: Filed

 

******************************************************************************

 

To add or remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts (you must be a TSEU member):

     send an email to tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org

     Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line

     Put your full name and work location in the text of the email

     Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues

     call your TSEU office

 

To contact TSEU for more information or for materials:

     Austin: 512 448-4225

     Houston: 713 661-9030

     San Antonio: 210 354-2900

     Dallas: 214  942-4305

     Harlingen: 956 428-0251

     Lubbock: 806 741-0044

 

For information about contacting your state legislators, go to the TSEU website

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/hhsc_fdstmp_contact.html

 

Fwd: National conference call on Wisconsin & more. Tonight 6:30

From: "TSEU Broadcast" <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>
Date: February 23, 2011 1:01:17 PM CST
To: <tseu-notice@server.cwa-tseu-mail.org>
Subject: National conference call on Wisconsin & more. Tonight 6:30
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

 

Join thousands of other CWA members:

National Virtual Town Hall on Public Employee Union collective bargaining rights

TONIGHT!  6:30 Pm CENTRAL TIME

registration: http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/cwa_call   

call info (should work if you can't register): call 888-886-6603, then meeting number 16268 + hit  " #" key.

 

Dear Fellow TSEU members:

 

Here in Texas we have been inspired and encouraged by fellow public employee union members in other states who are standing up for their union rights as well as for the services we all provide to the people of our states. This national CWA virtual town hall meeting will be a chance to meet some of the people who are making the news.

 

We don't know how late they will be taking registrations, which are on-line. The link to register is http://www.cwa-union.org/pages/cwa_call. I believe that the numbers above will allow any TSEU member to get onto the call, but you should try to register if you can.

 

In solidarity

 

Mike Gross

Vice President

 

 

Across the country, Americans are standing up and fighting for their collective bargaining rights. Photos and videos from Wisconsin have been thrilling. More than 100,000 people have taken to the streets and filled the rotunda of the State Capitol.

1. CWA members are responding in every state where collective bargaining rights are under attack and we need your voice in this fight. On Wednesday, February 23 at 7:30 pm EST, please join CWA President Larry Cohen and the CWA National Executive Board for a virtual town hall and hear directly from local leaders in Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey. During the call you will learn more about how we are responding and what you can do and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Click here to register.

Our movement is spreading. Sign up for the virtual town hall today with your preferred phone number and we will call you on Wednesday to connect you to the meeting. If you plan to participate using your mobile phone, you can also register by texting CWACALL to 69866.

It couldn't be easier, or more critical, to participate.

Fwd: TDCJ lays off more than 500, Puts public safety as risk

From: "TSEU Broadcast" <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>
Date: February 23, 2011 3:57:26 PM CST
To: <tseu-notice@server.cwa-tseu-mail.org>
Subject: TDCJ lays off  more than 500, Puts public safety as risk
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      Contact: Mimi Garcia

January 7, 2011                                                                                   512-448-4225 (office)

512-814-9347 (cell)

 

 

 

TDCJ lays off more than 500, Puts public safety at risk

Today the Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced their plan to cut more than $40 million from their FY2011 operating budget and lay off more than 550 staff. Over 400 of the layoffs come from administrative and support positions in the agency's parole and correctional institutional divisions. However, 155 of the layoffs come from the proposed elimination of Project RIO, which helps to reintegrate ex-offenders into the workforce.

Project RIO has been shown to diminish a former inmate's likelihood of returning to prison and increase their chances of holding down sustainable employment. "This move by the agency will have a big impact on public safety in Texas," said Mike Gross, Vice-President of the Texas State Employees Union. "Fewer support staff in parole mean that more parole officers will be having to do more and more with already growing case loads. The elimination of Project RIO just means we'll be seeing more offenders end back up in prison."

This latest blow comes in the wake of the Texas Education Agency's announcement yesterday that they will begin laying-off an unknown number of employees.

Governor Perry asked agencies to find an additional 2.5% to cut in FY 2011 to make up for the current $4 billion short fall. "We're putting the public at risk with these kinds of cuts," said Gross. "This is why we need the legislature to find new sources of revenue, use the Rainy Day Fund, and maximize all federal funds. This is just the tip of the iceberg for what our state will be facing in a few months."

-30-

 

Mini lobby day

Off to Austin for HHSC mini lobby day.
By the way I am taking annual leave.

Fw: Legislative Update, February 8, 2011

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   February 14, 2011.

 

Legislative Update: 2/8/2011

 

Due to a variety of technical issues last week we were unable to send you our weekly Legislative Update. Here is last week's update, we will be sending out this week's update tomorrow as regularly scheduled.  

Thank you for your patience.

 

In this issue:

TSEU Mini Lobby Days: Parole

The Senate Hears from the Public

Impact of HB 1 on Group Health Insurance Benefits

Legislators are saying the only option is to cut services, but do they really mean it?

TSEU's plan to Fight Back against the Cuts

Rep. Villarreal's Petition

Get involved/Stay in the loop

 

TSEU Mini Lobby Days: Parole

Throughout the legislative session, TSEU members are going to the capitol in caucus groups to lobby for our most important interests – the work we do, the services we provide, and the resources we need to serve the people of Texas.

 

Last Wednesday, February 2, union activists in TDCJ/Parole Division from all over Texas came to Austin to meet with their legislators at the capitol. They asked lawmakers to stop the cuts and layoffs currently being discussed by the legislature. Bad weather throughout the state prevented many activists from being able to make the journey to Austin, but despite the weather, Armando Ramos (El Paso), James Nauls (Angleton IPO- Retired), Monica Roque (Galveston), Janie Medrano-Arispe (McAllen), Glen Llanez (Midland), and Donna Comeaux (Beaumont) participated. In all, members met with 11 legislators and their staffers about the cuts and made a strong case about the need for more Parole staff, not less. In addition, members discussed plans for building a strong Lobby Day on April 6^th, getting out the vote for Bob Stewart's ERS Board campaign, and talking to local and county government officials about joining TSEU's fight against the brutal budget cuts.

 

For more information about the TDCJ/Parole Division Caucus, contact Seth Hutchinson at shutchinson@cwa-tseu.org.

 

Below is a schedule of the upcoming Lobby Days. Please get in touch with your organizer or the caucus chair and get involved! We need your voice now more than ever. And everyone should be at the big statewide Lobby Day on April 6^th!

February 9^th        Universities and Health Science Centers

February 16^th     State Supported Living Centers and State Hospitals (old MHMR)               

February 23^rd     Health and Human Services and DADS Long Term Care (old DHS)

March 2^nd            Family and Protective Services

March 9^th             Department of State Health Services

March 16^th           Texas Youth Commission

March 23^rd          Retiree's Organizing Committee (Retirees from the state and universities)

April 6^th                 TSEU Statewide Lobby Day, be there!

 

The Senate Hears from the Public

The Senate Finance Committee, the committee that is responsible for making the important decisions on every aspect of the budget, heard from parents, advocates, and concerned citizens from across the state last week. After agency heads from Health and Human Services Commission finished testifying about the cuts, hundreds of people lined up to testify against Senate Bill 1. Many parents gave heart felt testimony about how they would affect their children if implemented. One woman brought her two small children up to show how the importance of early childhood intervention (ECI) programs through DARS had helped her children. Both were early pre-term births that needed extensive therapy that was provided through this state-run service. Without the state ECI services, which are on the block for huge funding cuts, her family would not have been able to cover the out-of-pocket costs for this much needed therapy.

 

Advocates for the elderly and mentally ill urged committee members to consider other options to deal with the budget shortfall. Some testified that the cuts would mean certain death for those who are in nursing homes that will be closed if this budget passes. Doctors and other medical professionals warned the committee that any further cuts in provider rates would cause more doctors to drop out of Medicaid, CHIP, and other federally funded match programs.

 

Last week's huge turn out and emotional testimony made it clear that the budget cuts will affect everyone. Whether it's the middle class mother of two who was denied coverage for her children's treatment or the elderly woman who was afraid of being kicked out of her nursing home, one thing for sure is that the poor are not the only people on state services. Lots of middle class families filled the committee room last week asking legislators to take a balanced approach to balancing the budget. 

 

 

Impact of HB 1 on Group Health Insurance Benefits

According to ERS's analysis, HB 1 baseline appropriation of $2.49 billion is $591 million less than required in the Group Benefits Program. Without additional funds for cost increases, rising utilization, higher prices, or health care reform, significant changes to the plan will be needed. The current level of health insurance benefits will have to be reduced by 19% at the HB 1 baseline level of funding.

 

In order to operate at the baseline funding level (HB 1) there will need to be a reduction in the state's contribution for health care coverage.

Current employer contribution of 100% of the member only retiree premium would decrease to 80%. This could create a new monthly premium of about $95.53 for member-only coverage.

The employer contribution for dependent coverage would decrease from the current 50% of premium to 40% of premium. This could increase the cost of coverage for member and family about $135.82.

 

Secondly, restructuring the plan as a high deductible health insurance plan (HAS) with one of the two options:

 

A. $2,400 deductible with the plan paying 80% after the deductible is met. In addition to the deductible, each participant would pay $2,000 in coinsurance before the plan started paying 100%. The member's total out-of-pocket liability would be $4,400 for single coverage, and $11,900 for family coverage.

 

B. $3,400 deductible with the plan paying 100% after the deducible is met. The member's total out-of-pocket liability would be $3,400 for single coverage, and $11,900 for family coverage.

 

If a high-deductible plan was implemented, a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) could be made available to employees and retirees up to age 65. Single members could contribute $3,050 per year to an HSA and families could contribute $6,150 per year to an HSA. Unspent balances could be rolled forward at the end of the plan year.

 

If all five of the proposed LBB options were implemented (that we laid out in previous updates), the estimate savings would be $444 million, which is $ 147 million shy of the $591 million shortfall.

 

LBB recommendations:

Reduce the state contribution for health insurance to 90%

Implement a tobacco user surcharge on health insurance premiums

Implement a tiered coinsurance plan for state employees

Establish a pill-splitting program

Implement a tiered contribution plan for state retirees, based on years of state service

 

However, all of these recommendations would be disastrous for state employees. A cut to benefits without an increase in pay is a cut in pay.

 

 

Legislators are saying the only option is to cut services, but do they really mean it?

Now that the potential impact from the cuts is hitting home some are quietly looking for ways to keep their districts untouched. Many counties and cities heavily depend on revenue from the state. Lawmakers who represent big state facilities or groups of public employees will be hard pressed to explain to their constituents why the biggest employer in their area no longer exists or why the school district had to close two elementary schools.   Most legislators understand that protecting their districts is the number one priority.

 

Factions have begun to form in the legislature as members see how the cuts affect their districts. One faction wants to use the Rainy Day Fund and look at fixing the business tax, also known as the franchise tax, in order to raise more revenue. The other group believes they were elected by large margins in November because the people wanted less government this session. As the process gets underway in the house the tension between the groups will become more and more visible. This could be an opportunity for TSEU and other advocate groups to pressure and form relationships with lawmakers who understand the dangers of an all-cuts approach to the budget. The most effective way to pressure politicians is in their districts. History has shown us that lawmakers respond to issues when they know their constituents care about a particular issue.  Join TSEU's statewide mobilization against the budget cuts by organizing co-workers, coming to lobby day, and contacting your local government.

 

 

TSEU's plan to Fight Back against the Cuts – We need your help!

State services are under attack. All budget proposals slash deep cuts into the fabric of Texas. The budget cuts mean thousands of Texans will be out of work, schools will be more crowded, our streets less safe, and millions of us who are having a hard enough time in the economy will be left without even the most basic of resources.

 

TSEU is fighting back! We are fighting back with a massive statewide strategy to demand a better Texas. We can and must do better. And you are a part of this solution. We are going to need the efforts and the energy of ALL TSEU members, their friends, and their families to turn this state around.

 

First, we must have an all-out push for organizing. Our number one problem as state workers is not the budget, it is not the pay, it isn't even the work load. Our number one problem is that we are not organized. And without an organization we will never be able to fully defend and fight for what is right in this state. Organizing is not just the work of paid staff, is the work of all union members to ask their coworkers, families, and friends to join the union and put their money where their mouth is.

 

Secondly, we must have a full on mobilization to call our legislators. Politicians are by their nature political and should and will be responsive to pressure from their constituents. We need to be calling our legislators and asking them to oppose the cuts, find revenue, use the Rainy Day Fund, and support a balanced approach to writing this budget. Each of us needs to make that call and to get our friends and families to call as well. To find your legislators go to http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/.

 

As a companion to the call-in campaign, we are currently undertaking a statewide post card campaign to "STOP THE CUTS!" Contact your organizer to get a stack of post cards. If you don't already know your organizer, go to the link below for a full list of TSEU organizers and staff.

 

We need to take this message to our local governments. When the state cuts funding for programs often the burden falls to counties and cities to make up the difference. Local governments are often even less able to pay for these programs. Go to your city council, council members, county commissioners, commissioners' court, and school boards and ask them to pass resolutions and write letters in support of state services and against the budget cuts. We are currently working on packets with county impacts of the cuts. Get in touch with TSEU and your organizer to help.

 

Finally, we are helping to build a statewide coalition of organizations who are standing up for a better Texas. If you are a member of a church, synagogue, civic group, PTA, or any organization that believes that we need a more balanced approach to our state budget, please ask them to join TexasForward (http://www.txforward.org/).

 

 

Rep. Villarreal's Petition

State representative Mike Villarreal (D- San Antonio), has a petition addressed to Gov. Perry supporting "a comprehensive review of our state's tax system, focused on creating a revenue stream that keeps pace with the growing needs of the Texas economy. We must eliminate wasteful tax loopholes that cost our state billions.  And finally, we must consider tapping the state's Rainy Day Fund in combination with developing a plan to put the state on sound fiscal ground beyond this current budget."

You can read and sign the petition here:

http://www.mikevillarreal.com/Action/SignaPetition/tabid/81/Default.aspx

 

Get involved/Stay in the loop

TSEU has a facebook page! Become a fan today. http://www.facebook.com/CWA.TSEU

Want to get text updates from the Capitol? Email your cell phone number to Derrick Osobase at dosobase@cwa-tseu.org.

 

******************************************************************************

 

To add or remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts (you must be a TSEU member):

     send an email to tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org

     Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line

     Put your full name and work location in the text of the email

     Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues

     call your TSEU office

 

To contact TSEU for more information or for materials:

     Austin: 512 448-4225

     Houston: 713 661-9030

     San Antonio: 210 354-2900

     Dallas: 214  942-4305

     Harlingen: 956 428-0251

     Lubbock: 806 741-0044

 

For information about contacting your state legislators, go to the TSEU website

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/hhsc_fdstmp_contact.html

Fwd: Houston, COPE Meeting tomorrow

Subject: Houston, COPE Meeting tomorrow
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   February 1, 2011.

 

Houston COPE members,

 

Now is the time to get involved. We have a very steep hill to climb this legislative session, lawmakers are proposing deep cuts to state services, personnel, and our benefits. There is a steady drum beat that conservatives and like-minded groups continue to beat. They are taking their message to our cities and our communities all over the state, calling for deep cuts in services and no new revenue.  These cuts if implement threaten to shut down hundreds of nursing homes, canceling programs for the mentally ill, endanger children, and further erode the state's ability to delivery services to Texans. 

 

These threats are very real, and it's time that we provide a real response. TSEU's plan is to confront these  attacks head on and defend state services by:

1. All out organizing: It will take a large and committed grassroots movement to move the political debates away from budget slashing. No amount of public advocacy, communications with legislators, or other mobilization efforts will stop the attacks unless they are based on a large and growing organization of committed state employees.

 

2. Calls to legislators: TSEU members will start a massive campaign of calls from state employees and other voters to the legislators who represent them, calling on these elected representatives to oppose massive cuts and support a balanced approach.

 

3. Post card campaign: as a companion to the call-in campaign, TSEU members will generate thousands of post cards from constituents to legislators, calling on them to oppose massive cuts and support a balanced approach.

 

4. Lobby Day and Mini Lobby Days: TSEU will mobilize thousands of members to show up in Austin for Lobby Day and the mini lobby days in a massive show of opposition to the cuts and determination to win more balanced policies.

 

5. Take the message out to local governments: TSEU will undertake an effort to have members meet with local governments, chambers of commerce, and other bodies. We will make it clear what the proposed cuts in the state budget mean for local economies, and ask these bodies to communicate to legislators a demand that other solutions besides massive cuts be found.

 

6. Help build a coalition: TSEU will continue to work with Texas Forward and other organizations to build a united grassroots movement that demands responsible revenue and budget policies for our state. Members will ask our church  civic groups to join the Texas Forward coalition

 

 

We'll discuss in the COPE meeting how we get started on beating back these attacks and updates from the legislature.

 

Place: Houston office

9247 South main

 

Time: 6:30pm

 

Date: February 2^nd

 

******************************************************************************

 

To add or remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts (you must be a TSEU member):

     send an email to tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org

     Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line

     Put your full name and work location in the text of the email

     Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues

     call your TSEU office

 

To contact TSEU for more information or for materials:

     Austin: 512 448-4225

     Houston: 713 661-9030

     San Antonio: 210 354-2900

     Dallas: 214  942-4305

     Harlingen: 956 428-0251

     Lubbock: 806 741-0044

 

For information about contacting your state legislators, go to the TSEU website

http://www.cwa-tseu.org/hhsc_fdstmp_contact.html

Fwd: TSEU Legislative Update, February 1, 2011

Subject: TSEU Legislative Update, February 1, 2011
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
In this issue: Get text updates on your cell phone Senate Bill 1: Second Verse, Same as the First State Worker Pensions State Worker and Retiree Health Care Continues to be discussed at the Legislature Legislators zero out SKIP for CHIP Senate Committees Senate Finance Committee Hearings: Deficit Continues to Grow Bills to Watch TSEU Legislative Update February 1, 2011 Get text updates on your cell phone If you would like to receive updates from the capitol on your cell phone, email your cell phone number to Derrick Osobase (dosobase@cwa-tseu.org). Senate Bill 1: Second Verse, Same as the First Last week SB 1, the Texas Senate's version of the budget, came out. While the proposed Senate budget is strikingly similar to the House version, there are a couple of key differences. Like the House budget the Senate's budget is written without using any of the Rainy Day Funds, does not replace the one-time federal stimulus money, and does not account for growth. Unlike the House bill, the Senate bill maximizes use of dedicated funds. The bottom line is that the senate's version allocates about $2.3 billion more that the house version and lays off about 1,400 fewer FTEs. However, the shortfall to maintain services in the state and account for increased population growth is still around $25-27 billion and the consequences of the drastic program and staffing cuts are enormous. Similar to the proposed house budget some of the senate budget proposals include: 10% provider rate cut for Medicaid Closure of at least onr State Supported Living Center Privatization of at least 2 State Mental Health Hospitals Reduction of 124 FTEs in State Mental Health Hospitals Reduction of 749.5 FTEs from DFPS in foster care, adoption, and TANF childcare programs Higher Education funding cut by $1.09 billion Reduction of 503.3 FTEs at TYC facilities and closure of some facilities Elimination of funding for Project Reintegration of Offenders (RIO)at TWC State Worker Pensions On Thursday, January 27th, House Chairwoman Vikki Truitt and Senate Chairmen Robert Duncan hosted a briefing on the state of Texas pension and health care plans. Chairwoman Truitt spent about hour explaining the differences between Texas's pension plan and others states that find their pensions in trouble. She further went on to make the case for the advantages of the define benefit plan. Chairwoman Truitt citied that defined benefit plans, like our current ERS/TRS pension plans, promote longevity amongst the workforce, this helps keep turnover low in our agencies. Rep. Truitt's comments indicated that she supports our current define benefit pension plan and believes it shouldn't be changed. Former Representative Talmadge Heflin, now the Director of the Center for Fiscal Policy at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a right wing conservative think tank, believes the state should convert its define benefit plan over to a define contribution plan. His primary reason was that tax payers should not be responsible for paying for state employee pension plans that they no longer have. "Municipalities and cities pension plans are becoming a burden on taxpayers across the country. Texas can be a leader in this area by converting to a define contribution type plan and that's what the Center for Fiscal Policy will be proposing to the legislature this session." Mr. Heflin's presentation lacked the facts pertaining Texas's pension plan specifically. Furthermore, there was no evidence why our plan should be converted to defined contribution plans, especially since the Texas pension plan is in the top 5% compared to other states ( 83% funded ratio). Facts about Texas Pension Plan: 1.-State employees' pension plan make up less than 2% (1.95 exactly) of Texas' budget 2. State retirees do not receive automatic costs of living adjustments (COLA) 3. Texas State employees pay more in contributions to the plan than most other state employees State Worker and Retiree Health Care Continues to be Discussed at the Legislature Many recommendations have been floating around the capital regarding health care for state employees and retirees, but some more than others. Some legislators and the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) are voicing concerns about exploding health care costs. Some believe that retirees should pay more out of pocket for themselves and dependents. In a study performed by LBB, they report that some of the highest health care cost to the plan can be attributed to retiree dependents. Other proposals being floated around the capitol require employees to work for a certain length of time before being eligible for 100% premium coverage. At the January 27th briefing Chairwoman Truitt stated that she was concerned about the price of retiree health care and said, "the legislature should take a look at the issue and decide whether the legislature should continue to provide health care after employment with the state." Furthermore, in testimony for the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, January 31st, LBB director John O'Brien recommended that current employees start paying 10% of their premiums of which the state currently pays 100%. This would amount to a pay cut for current state employees. Legislators zeros out SKIP for CHIP For the past thirteen years, children of state employees who are eligible for health care from the state employee health care plan have been excluded from applying for CHIP. Due to that federal provision the Texas Legislature created State Kids Insurance Plan (SKIP) for state employees to help them pay for their children's medical premiums. Now state employees are eligible to apply for CHIP because of the National Health Care Reform Act signed by President Obama last year. In order to qualify for CHIP there are two requirements. First the state must meet "Maintenance of Effort." This means that the state must contribute to health benefits on behalf of employees, including dependent coverage, for the most recent state fiscal year. This level cannot be less than the amount it expended in Fiscal Year of 1997 increased for inflation. Second, the individual worker must meet the requirements of a hardship waiver. This means that the total annual total amount of premiums and cost-sharing for coverage of the family of the child in the state employee plan in more than 5% of the family income. If the state meets the first condition (maintenance of effort) any child of a state employee that meets the hardship requirement can be enrolled in CHIP. The hardship condition is applicable on a family by family basis. Because of this change in national law, budget writers have discontinued funding for the "SKIP" program and will encourage the 6,000 state employees who are participating in this program to apply for CHIP. Income eligibility requirements are virtually the same between the two programs. TSEU will continue to monitor this issue as the budget process goes on. If you have any questions as to how this can affect you and your family please contact Derrick Osobase, (dosobase@cwa-tseu.org) Legislative Director. Senate Committees Late last week the Senate set membership for the various committees. Below is a list of committee members for some the committees most relevant for TSEU members. For a complete listing go to: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Commit.htm   Senate Finance Committee Hearings: Deficit continues to grow Monday, January 31st was the first day of hearings for the Senate Finance Committee. The Committee took testimony from the Comptroller's office, the director of the Legislative Budget Board, and began hearing from Article II agencies from the Health and Human Services Commission. In these hearings John Heleman, Comptroller's chief revenue estimator, was pressed on just how large the state's structural deficit has grown. The persistent $10 billion hole has resulted from years of underperforming business taxes that were intended to fill the hole left by the massive property tax cut in 2006. "That gap is not closing up," said Heleman. Legislators will have to deal with this hole, it's not going away and is the direct result of poor fiscal planning and policy from the legislature. The finance committee will be taking public testimony on issues in the five human services agencies (HHSC, DADS, DARS, DFPS, DSHS) this week. All members of the public, including state employees who are only representing themselves and not the agency, may testify. Below is the proposed schedule, although it is subject to change. Please be sure to check the schedules at the link below: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/mytlo/mobile/meetings.aspx?chamber=S Senate Finance Hearing Schedule- Tuesday, February 1, 2011: 6:00PM, Committee will begin hearing testimony on all HHS agencies (HHSC, DADS, DARS, DFPS, DSHS), E1.036 Wednesday, February 2, 2011: 9:00AM, Committee will continue hearing public testimony on all HHS agencies (HHSC, DADS, DARS, DFPS, DSHS), E1.036 Thursday, February 3, 2011: 9:00AM, Committee will continue hearing public testimony on all HHS agencies (HHSC, DADS, DARS, DFPS, DSHS), E1.036 Bills to Watch: HB 60: Support Cost of living increase to Teacher Retirement System: Sponsored by Rep. Mando Martinez, Establishes a cost of living adjustment based on inflation, growth, and the consumer price index. However the bill also limits the payment of cost of living increases (COLA) to years when the fund is actuarially sound. HB 471: Opposed Election through secret ballot of a labor union as the exclusive bargaining representative: Sponsored by Rep. Doc Anderson, Amends current labor code Section 101.1035 to restrict the method in which unions can be elected and established at a work site through secret ballot or mail-in ballot only. HB 762: Opposed Establishing pill splitting program to reduce health plan costs for certain public employees: Sponsored by Jose Manuel Lozano, Established a program to allow doctors to proscribe more potent doses of certain medications that individuals may split pills at home to the appropriate dose. The program is voluntary but includes a copay incentive for program participants. HB 832: Support Cost of living increase applicable to benefits pay by the Teacher's Retirement System: Sponsored by Rep. Jose Manuel Lozano, Similar to HB 60 (described above) but excludes the section about limiting cost of living increases relative to fund soundness. SB 218: Opposed Relating to procedures in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship and the operation of the child protective services and foster care system: Sponsored by Sen. Jane Nelson. Among other amendments to the family code, the bill established a redesign of the foster care system implementation. Section 9 lays out a plan for expanding foster care privatization basing payment on performance rather than on services utilized.	For more details contact: MIMI GARCIA TSEU Austin Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
To add/remove your name to/from the list for these broadcasts: <CLICK HERE> You must be a TSEU member .Put "subscribe me" or "unsubscribe me" in the subject line Put your full name and work location in the text of the email .Note: this address is only to subscribe to the TSEU broadcast network. For other issues contact your nearest TSEU OFFICE