Fwd: Lead the March on Lobby Day

Subject: Lead the March on Lobby Day
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
<image001.gif> Lobby Day is our chance to say loud and clear that state employees care. We will stand up for our jobs, our pension, our health care, and for work we do for the people of our state. With the threats to state services and state jobs greater than ever, our show of solidarity and determination also has to be greater than ever. Be there – Austin – April 6.	Lead the way on April 6 Lobby Day ticket contest will decide march order This year the march order for TSEU groups will be determined by how many members come to Lobby Day from each area of the state. The state has been divided into nine Lobby Day ticket regions. These regions are based partly on the twenty two TSEU service areas and partly on probable bus routes. We have calculated the number of members in each Lobby Day ticket region. We will divide the total number of tickets into the total number of members to get a percentage. The march order on April 6 will be determined by this percent of tickets to members, with the top group leading the march. Below are the broad region categories and the percentages of tickets with regards to the number of members in that region. <image002.gif> Go to the LOBBY DAY page of the TSEU website for a listing of cities to know exactly with which group you are a part. Contact your organizer for details or materials to increase the number of tickets in your area.	For more details contact: MIKE GROSS TSEU AUSTIN OFFICE 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org <image003.jpg>
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

 

Fwd: Reminder: Rally in Houston against budget cuts

Subject: Reminder: Rally in Houston against budget cuts
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
"SAVE our STATE" Statewide Week of Action - Houston Events TSEU and our Texas Forward coalition partners, led by TOP (Texas Organizing Project) will be standing up against proposed state budget cuts during the TOP "Save Our State" week of action. The proposed cuts to public education, state services and programs, and higher education will have an impact on every community. Our April 6th Lobby Day, will give us a chance to send a message to Legislators; during the Week of Action we can send a message to our own communities about what the cuts mean for our own neighbors. Texas Organizing Project "SAVE OUR STATE" Week of Action Please call the TSEU Office if you have any questions and if you are planning to attend TUESDAY, MARCH 22 / 4:00 PM Austin High School (1700 Dumble Street, Houston 77023) THURSDAY, MARCH 24 / 10:30am WIC Acres Home Multi Service Center (6719 W. Montgomery, Houston)	Lobby Day - March & Rally Wednesday, April 6 / Austin, TX / BE THERE! Be there for Lobby Day, April 6th in Austin. During the past few weeks, thousands of Texans have filled the Capitol to tell elected leaders to find a better way to balance the budget. We need to keep up the pressure to show legislators that Texans want quality state services. Be part of the movement to stop these attacks on public services and public employees Get your ticket today and GET ON THE BUS! Join thousands of other state employees, union members, friends, families, and supporters as we march, rally, and meet with legislators. 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, CWA Local 6222 (1730 Jefferson, downtown), Richmond, Prairie View A&M, and Brenham Go to the LOBBY DAY page of the TSEU website for more information or call the Houston TSEU office if you have any questions. 713-661-9030	For more details contact: MYKO GEDUTIS TSEU HOUSTONOffice 713.661.9030 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

 

Fwd: Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees!

Subject: Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees!

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   March 22, 2011.

 

Monday, March 21^st Day of Action

Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees!

 

Rep. Myra Crownover has filed a bill (HB 1766) that would convert our ERS health insurance to a "consumer-directed" health plan. This is just another name for the same health saving account legislation that has been shopped around session after session. This bill will be heard in committee on Tuesday, March 22^nd. TSEU is calling for a day of action on Monday, March 21^st to take a stand against this bill.

We need action now!

Please call your legislator and members of the Pension, Investments, and Financial Services committee, and ask them to oppose HB 1766 by Rep. Crownover.

Tell them that:

        "Health Savings Accounts won't slow down the overall growth of healthcare costs. It will only force state employees to not seek medical attention due to the costs."

Find out who represents you: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Members of Pension, Investments and Financial Services Committee:

Vicki Truitt (Southlake), Committee Chair: 512-463-0690

Rafael Anchia (Dallas), Committee Vice-Chair:  512-463-0746

Charles "Doc" Anderson (Waco): 512-463-0135

Brandon Creighton (Conroe): 512-463-0726

Anna Luna Hernandez (Houston):512-463-0614

Ken Legler (Pasadena): 512-463-0460

Barbara Nash (Arlington): 512-463-0562

Rob Orr (Burleson): 512-463-0538

Marc Veasey (Ft. Worth): 512-463-0716

 

What are Health Savings Accounts?

Health Savings Accounts are tax protected savings accounts that can only be spent on healthcare expenses. In order to qualify for a Health Savings Account, state employees will have to drop out of their comprehensive healthcare plan and enroll in a high deductible health care plan.

Health Savings Accounts are bad for State Employees because:

1. They impose an unfair burden on women in their child-baring years. This is because women in this age group usually utilize more routine medical exams, the cost of which can add up quickly.

 

2. Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to avoid, skip, or delay health care because of cost. This often leads to great problems down the road.

 

3. The average yearly salary of a State Employee is $38,000. Most studies show that Health Savings accounts discourage low-income workers from seeking treatment for health problems. Many state employees and retirees fit into the category of low-income workers. Health Savings Accounts have shown to only benefit more affluent employees making $75,000 and above. 

 

4. Our comprehensive healthcare plan only works if we have a mixture of employees in the risk pool. If younger, healthier, and wealthier participants opt for Health Savings Accounts, there will be fewer people in our comprehensive plan. This will shrink the risk pool, making healthcare more expensive for those who remain in a comprehensive coverage plan. At some point, the cost of comprehensive coverage could become so expensive that the state drops it altogether and no longer offers it as a benefit to anyone.

 

For more information or questions contact Derrick Osobase at 512-448-4225 or your local organizer. To find your organizer go to: http://www.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: TSEU Legislative Update for March 18, 2011

Subject: TSEU Legislative Update for March 18, 2011
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
		For more details contact: DERRICK OSOBASE or MIMI GARCIA TSEU AUSTIN Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
March 18, 2011 Furlough Bill filed by the Chair of House Appropriations committee Mini Lobby Days: HHSC, DFPS, DSHS Funding for FY2011 and the Rainy Day Fund Sunset Bill Proposes Merger of Texas Youth Commission and Texas Juvenile Probation Commission See past LegeUpdates and more on the TSEU Legislative Pages. <CLICK HERE> Appropriations Committee Pitts - CHAIR (R) (512) 463-0516 Turner - VICE CHAIR (D) (512) 463-0554 Aycock (R) (512) 463-0684 Button (R) (512) 463-0486 Chisum (R) (512) 463-0736 Crownover (R) (512) 463-0582 Darby (R) (512) 463-0331 Dukes (D)- (512) 463-0506 Eiland (D) (512) 463-0502 Giddings (D) (512) 463-0953 Gooden (R) (512) 463-0458 Hochberg (D) (512) 463-0492 Johnson (D) (512) 463-0586 King (R) (512) 463-0718 Margo (R) (512) 463-0728 Martinez, Armando (D) (512) 463-0530 McClendon (D) (512) 463-0708 Miller, Doug (R) (512) 463-0325 Morrison (R) (512) 463-0456 Otto (R) (512) 463-0570 Patrick (R) (512) 463-0624 Riddle (R) (512) 463-0572 Schwertner (R) (512) 463-0309 Shelton (R) (512) 463-0608 Torres (R) (512) 463-0484 Villarreal (D) (512) 463-0532 Zerwas (R) (512) 463-0657	Furlough Bill filed by the Chair of House Appropriations committee - Pay cut will devastate the state's workforce Representative Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie) filed HB 2720 on March 9th. This bill would direct state agency heads to institute furloughs up to 30 days for state employees. The bill will allow state employees who are furloughed to continue to receive full time health care contribution from the state, however it will reduce the person's compensation for purposes of calculating retirement benefits. State services will be severely damaged by the furlough program. Texans are still in need of services and furloughing state employees means the quality and prompt delivery of services will be diminished. Turnover in many state agencies is dangerously high; furloughs will only make a bad situation worse. This is a full frontal attack on workers and the services that we provide. FIGHT TO STOP FURLOUGHS *Buy your ticket to lobby day. Legislators have to see that state employees care about their jobs and the services. *Organize your co-worker, we can't stop these attacks alone, we need thousands of state employees standing together to protect the services we provide, our benefits, and jobs. *Call your legislator and members of the appropriations committee and ask them to oppose any initiative that would furlough or layoff state employees. (names and numbers listed in left column)   Mini Lobby Days: HHSC On Wednesday, February 23rd, 10 leaders from the TSEU statewide HHSC/DADS caucus came to the capitol to for the TSEU Mini Lobby Day. Samm Almaguer (Houston), Sheila Badzioch (Houston), Yoly Griego (El Paso, ERS Board Member), Lynette Johnson (Houston), Chickitha King (Dallas), Judy Lugo (El Paso, TSEU President), Naiman Rigby (Austin), Charles Shedd (Austin), Maria (Francis) Ortiz (San Antonio), Christina Vargas (El Paso) were in attendance. In all, members met with 22 legislators and their staffers to discuss the proposed budget cuts. Members stressed the immediate need to hire thousands more front-line staff and urged legislators to pass legislation requiring cost-benefit analysis for current and any future contracted eligibility services. In addition, members met to discuss TSEU's plan for defeating the attacks on state employees and services. We will have the largest turn-out ever at the all-agency/university/friends Lobby Day on April 6th. Ask co-workers to join the Union and COPE, get others to sign and send Stop the Cuts Postcards to their legislators, and be the front line of building a coalition to save state services. We also discussed the importance of getting Bob Stewart elected onto the ERS board of trustees. For more information contact Jamie Berry at jberry@cwa-tseu.org or 713-661-9030 DFPS On Wednesday, March 2nd, TSEU activists in DFPS met in Austin for the FPS mini Lobby Day at the Capitol. A list of members who participated follows. Members met with State Legislators and their staff to seek support for our bills to lower caseloads and set caseload goals. We also explained how the proposed budget cuts would affect our clients, and urged all who would listen to find a better way to balance the budget. Our work paid off, and we found more support for our bills. Getting firm commitments to oppose the proposed cuts was more difficult though. We'll have to continue to build pressure to stop the irresponsible cuts in the budget. Before heading to the Capitol, we met at the union office and discussed the various efforts to stop the budget cuts- Lobby Day on April 6th, postcards we're sending to legislators, and most importantly, getting more of our coworkers to join the union. In order to grow, we discussed how we need to ask more non-members to sign up, and get out a clear message that we are fighting for better services for our clients and vulnerable Texans. Coworkers "thinking about it" and "waiting to see what happens" will do nothing to stop the cuts; helping build the union will make a difference. If you work with one of the participants, thank them for taking the time to trek all over the Capitol to get our message out. FPS mini lobby day participants were Elizabeth Goble (Austin), April Cumberbatch (Arlington), Susan Rial (Arlington), Stephanie Diaz (Corpus Christi), Henry Gutierrez (El Paso), Sally Baker (Houston), Christie Fleming (Houston), Patricia Johnson (Houston), Rayetta Riggans (Houston), Harriet Thomas (Houston), Lilly Cisneros (San Antonio), Jim Funk (San Antonio), Karen Gafford (San Antonio), Ray Kirsch (San Antonio), Sonia Samples (San Antonio) DSHS Wednesday, March 9th, members from the Department of State Health Services participated in their own mini lobby day. In attendance were Liz Bruns and KayLin Mueller from the WIC program, Jonathon Poe from the STD/HIV/TB Surveillance program, Joanne Day from the Laboratory, and Karen Bitto from travel reimbursement. The team worked together and did an excellent job presenting the union's issues and concerns about the current budget situation and the states response. Primarily that message was that Texas is last in the country in most indicators of health, mental health, disease prevention, etc. because the state does not adequately fund services. Now is not the time to cut. Now is the time to increase revenue. That message was delivered to the offices of 10 Senators and Representatives. For more information on DSHS and how to get involved with the caucus, contact Jim Branson at jbranson@cwa-tseu.org.   Funding for FY2011 and the Rainy Day Fund State comptroller Susan Combs certified earlier this year that the state was running a $4.3 billion deficit for the current budget year. In order to makeup for this shortfall the governor asked agencies to make an additional 2.5% on top of the 5% cuts called for last year. Even with all these cuts the agencies were only able to cut about $1.2 billion from the current budget. In order to cover the difference in the shortfall and the amount cut in the budget, House Appropriations Committee chairman, Rep. Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie), filed HB 275. This bill would open up the Economic Stabilization Fund (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) to use $4.3 billion in the current budget. Thus began a week long tug of war between Governor Perry of and members of the House, particularly Rep. Pitts. Early last week the governor met with the house Republican Caucus, pushing them to hold firm on their commitment not to use any of the Rainy Day Fund. He claimed that there was more to cut in the budget and he would not approve using the fund until those cuts had been exhausted. Rep. Pitts called a hearing on the bill, after a series of cancelations and rescheduled meetings, invited testimony was taken on Thursday, March 10. Representatives from the governor's office, including former state representative and senator, Ken Armbrister, presented the governor's proposals of cuts and stood firm against using the Rainy Day Fund. On Monday Rep. Pitts invited the governor's office to come to the floor to discuss the use of the bill and was stood up by the office. Tuesday afternoon in a joint press release from the governor's office, the office of the Speaker of the House, Joe Straus, and the Comptroller, Susan Combs, announced that they would approve the use of no more than $3.2 billion of the Rainy Day Fund for the current fiscal year. Between increased sales tax revenue, cuts made from the 5% and 2.5% agency cuts, and the $3.2 billion from the Rainy Day Fund the current fiscal year will be funded and the state will not default or go bankrupt. Use of the Rainy Day Fund now reduces the amount available for FY2012-2013 to $6 billion. However, Governor Perry also stated, "As we craft the next two-year budget, Texas leaders will continue to focus on a more efficient, fiscally responsible government, essential state services, and private sector job creation. I remain steadfastly committed to protecting the remaining balance of the Rainy Day Fund, and will not sign a 2012-2013 state budget that uses the Rainy Day Fund." While this is a move in the right direction, it does not do anything to solve our budget problems for the next budget cycle. TSEU remains committed to pushing for a more balanced approach to writing this state budget. This means using all of the Rainy Day Fund, maximizing all available federal funds, increasing revenue, and fixing the $5 billion a year structural deficit.   Sunset Bill Proposes Merger of Texas Youth Commission and Texas Juvenile Probation Commission House Bill 1915 (HB 1915) was heard last week in the House Corrections Committee. The bill is a "shell bill" based off of recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission. This legislation, filed by Correction Committee Chairperson Jerry Madden, would merge the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. In addition to closing three TYC facilities and possibly six probation offices, the bill would pass the responsibility of caring for and housing youth offenders to the counties. In her testimony on the bill last week, Mimi Garcia, TSEU's Outreach Coordinator testified - It is tempting to think that by closing down state-run facilities and turning these youth over to cheaper, county-run residential facilities the state can save money and help close the immediate budget hole. However, this amounts to an unfunded mandate for county governments, most of which lack the resources, funds, and specialized workforce to deal with the TYC's specialized population of offenders. In addition, leaving it up to individual counties to develop their own programs, standards, and methods of running these facilities will create a patchwork of juvenile justice systems across the state. This will make it extremely difficult for future legislatures to adequately oversee such a wide range of programs. Texas needs a state-run, fully integrated system with uniform standards, goals, and accountability. TSEU supports gradually transitioning TYC towards a system of smaller, residential facilities similar to the nine halfway houses already in operation around the state. These facilities could offer a wide range of programs to better suit the individual needs of incarcerated youth who come to TYC with mental health issues, histories of abuse, drug addictions, and little education. These smaller facilities would allow the state to increase the staff-to-youth ratio and thereby create a safer environment. The issue of long travel times for families of incarcerated youths coming to visit them would be reduced with these small facilities scattered all over the state. These young offenders are here in our communities right now, and if we are not ready to deal with them now, if we do not put the resources into rehabilitating them before they wind up committing even more serious crimes, we will seriously regret our lack of foresight. The problem is real and simply pushing it down the road or trying to ignore it will not make it go away. TYC is holding a series of community meetings on the facility closures over the next several weeks. All TYC members and TSEU members in the community should go to voice how important these facilities are for youth and the community. Community TYC Meeting Schedule: All Meetings held 10am-2pm * March 19, Mart: Mart Community Center, 805 East Bowie Street, Mart, TX March 26, Brownwood: Brownwood High School, 2100 Slayden, Brownwood, TX April 2, Edinburg: University of Texas Pan American, Location on campus TBD April 9, Crockett: Crockett High School, 1600 SW Loop 304, Crockett, TX April 16, Beaumont: TBD April 30, Giddings: Giddings High School Cafetorium, 2337 North Main, Giddings, TX May 7, Corsicana: Navarro College Dawson Auditorium, 3200 West 7th Ave, Corsicana, TX May 14, Gainesville: TBD For more information contact Seth Huchinson at shutchinson@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

 

Fwd: Monday, March 21st Day of Action! Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees

Subject: Monday, March 21st Day of Action! Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

Monday, March 21^st Day of Action

Take a stand against Health Savings Accounts for State Employees!

 

Rep. Myra Crownover has filed a bill (HB 1766) that would convert our ERS health insurance to a "consumer-directed" health plan. This is just another name for the same health saving account legislation that has been shopped around session after session. This bill will be heard in committee on Tuesday, March 22^nd. TSEU is calling for a day of action on Monday, March 21^st to take a stand against this bill.

We need action now!

Please call your legislator and members of the Pension, Investments, and Financial Services committee, and ask them to oppose HB 1766 by Rep. Crownover.

Tell them that:

        "Health Savings Accounts won't slow down the overall growth of healthcare costs. It will only force state employees to not seek medical attention due to the costs."

Find out who represents you: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Members of Pension, Investments and Financial Services Committee:

Vicki Truitt (Southlake), Committee Chair: 512-463-0690

Rafael Anchia (Dallas), Committee Vice-Chair:  512-463-0746

Charles "Doc" Anderson (Waco): 512-463-0135

Brandon Creighton (Conroe): 512-463-0726

Anna Luna Hernandez (Houston):512-463-0614

Ken Legler (Pasadena): 512-463-0460

Barbara Nash (Arlington): 512-463-0562

Rob Orr (Burleson): 512-463-0538

Marc Veasey (Austin): 512-463-0716

 

What are Health Savings Accounts?

Health Savings Accounts are tax protected savings accounts that can only be spent on healthcare expenses. In order to qualify for a Health Savings Account, state employees will have to drop out of their comprehensive healthcare plan and enroll in a high deductible health care plan.

Health Savings Accounts are bad for State Employees because:

1. They impose an unfair burden on women in their child-baring years. This is because women in this age group usually utilize more routine medical exams, the cost of which can add up quickly.

 

2. Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to avoid, skip, or delay health care because of cost. This often leads to great problems down the road.

 

3. The average yearly salary of a State Employee is $38,000. Most studies show that Health Savings accounts discourage low-income workers from seeking treatment for health problems. Many state employees and retirees fit into the category of low-income workers. Health Savings Accounts have shown to only benefit more affluent employees making $75,000 and above. 

 

4. Our comprehensive healthcare plan only works if we have a mixture of employees in the risk pool. If younger, healthier, and wealthier participants opt for Health Savings Accounts, there will be fewer people in our comprehensive plan. This will shrink the risk pool, making healthcare more expensive for those who remain in a comprehensive coverage plan. At some point, the cost of comprehensive coverage could become so expensive that the state drops it altogether and no longer offers it as a benefit to anyone.

 

For more information or questions contact Derrick Osobase at 512-448-4225 or your local organizer. To find your organizer go to: http://www.cwa-tseu.org/

 

Fwd: Rally in Houston against budget cuts

Subject: Rally in Houston against budget cuts
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
"SAVE our STATE" Statewide Week of Action - Houston Events TSEU and our Texas Forward coalition partners, led by TOP (Texas Organizing Project) will be standing up against proposed state budget cuts during the TOP "Save Our State" week of action. The proposed cuts to public education, state services and programs, and higher education will have an impact on every community. Our April 6th Lobby Day, will give us a chance to send a message to Legislators; during the Week of Action we can send a message to our own communities about what the cuts mean for our own neighbors. Texas Organizing Project "SAVE OUR STATE" Week of Action Please call the TSEU Office if you have any questions and if you are planning to attend TUESDAY, MARCH 22 / 4:00 PM Austin High School (1700 Dumble Street, Houston 77023) TUESDAY, MARCH 24 / 10:30am WIC Acres Home Multi Service Center (6719 W. Montgomery, Houston)	Lobby Day - March & Rally Wednesday, April 6 / Austin, TX / BE THERE! Be there for Lobby Day, April 6th in Austin. During the past few weeks, thousands of Texans have filled the Capitol to tell elected leaders to find a better way to balance the budget. We need to keep up the pressure to show legislators that Texans want quality state services. Be part of the movement to stop these attacks on public services and public employees Get your ticket today and GET ON THE BUS! Join thousands of other state employees, union members, friends, families, and supporters as we march, rally, and meet with legislators. 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, CWA Local 6222 (1730 Jefferson, downtown), Richmond, Prairie View A&M, and Brenham Go to the LOBBY DAY page of the TSEU website for more information or call the Houston TSEU office if you have any questions. 713-661-9030	For more details contact: MYKO GEDUTIS TSEU HOUSTONOffice 713.661.9030 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

 

Fwd: Day of Outrage Rally Tomorrow & Lobby Day Preparations

Subject: Day of Outrage Rally Tomorrow  & Lobby Day Preparations

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
Lobby Day is our chance to say loud and clear that state employees care. We will stand up for our jobs, our pension, our health care, and for work we do for the people of our state. With the threats to state services and state jobs greater than ever, our show of solidarity and determination also has to be greater than ever. Be there – Austin – April 6.	To all HOUSTON Area TSEU members TSEU Lobby Day, Wednesday April 6th is less than a month away! Several events that will help us prepare for Lobby Day are coming up: Tomorrow: "Day of Outrage" Rally Houston City Hall / March 15 / 4:30-6:30pm This is an opportunity for us to voice our opposition to the proposed state budget cuts, and to stand up with fellow public workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, and other states who are pushing back against attacks on public services and public employees. In Texas, the proposed budget cuts will slash funding for public education, higher education, and state services. Our own benefits and jobs are also under attack. Call the TSEU office if you are interested in attending, and look for the TSEU banner at the rally. Sign and Banner Making Party, TSEU Office / Saturday March 19 / 11am-3pm 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. Be on the bus to take a stand for our jobs and the services we provide / Wednesday, April 6th Be there for Lobby Day, April 6th 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, CWA Local 6222 (1730 Jefferson, downtown), Richmond, Prairie View A&M, and Brenham Go to the LOBBY DAY page of the TSEU website for more information or call the Houston TSEU office if you have any questions. 713-661-9030	For more details contact: MYKO GEDUTIS TSEU HOUSTONOffice 713.661.9030 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

 

Fwd: Bob Stewart for ERS Board -- Vote today!

Subject: Bob Stewart for ERS Board -- Vote today!

Bob Stewart for ERS Board of Trustees
Vote today!
TSEU election campaign update

Ballots are out!
Don't let yours go to waste.

Use your paper ballot or vote on-line
Ballots have been mailed to every eligible voter to the address on file with ERS

Why it's so important

We need ERS Board members who will stand up for state employees. Since 2003, the Texas Legislature has approved numerous cuts and employee cost hikes in our
ERS pension and health plans. Now legislators are considering plans that include:

* slashing the state contribution to the pension plans
* converting our pensions to 401-k type "defined contribution" plans
* forcing ERS to convert our health plan to a high deductible plan
* making employees pay much more out of our paychecks for health coverage
* reducing health coverage for retirees

State employees need representatives on the ERS Board who will stand up to the
politicians, call for full funding of our pension and health care plans and who will oppose all
cuts.

When the ERS board voted in 2010 to increase employee-paid costs in our health plan,
the vote was 6 to 1. Only TSEU member Yolanda Griego voted against the cost increases. Bob
Stewart will stand with Yolanda to be a second vote on the Board who will oppose cuts.

Who can vote
All active state agency employees
All Texas legislators and legislative staff
All state judges and court staff
All ERS retirees

When do we vote?
March 4 – April 8

To use your paper ballot:
1. Be sure you write in the last four digits of your Social Security number in the spaces
2. Be sure you sign your ballot
3. Be sure you print your name
4. Be sure to mark the box to vote
5. Seal your ballot in the envelope that came with the ballot
6. Send in your ballot with other TSEU members where you work (See "Build voter turnout" below)              

You can also vote on-line:
1. Go to www.ers.state.tx.us
2. Click the VOTE NOW link at the top center of the home page
3. Type in your Employee (ERS) ID an click "SUBMIT"
4. When asked, type in the last four digits of your Social Security number
5.Follow the directions to vote

Caution: do note vote more than once.
IF YOU DO, ALL YOUR VOTES WILL BE VOID. If you vote on-line, don't use your paper ballot. If you use your paper ballot, don't vote on-line.

Work with your co-workers to win this election
Only about 12% of eligible voters voted in the 2009 election. This position is a crucial one and TSEU members are doing everything we can to increase understanding and participation.

 TSEU members in many locations are doing Get Out The Vote campaigns where they work. Members are setting up ballot boxes, organizing  ERS voting lunches, or making a chart of who has voted. Note that all ballots collected will be mailed through the U.S. Post Office, which is the only way ballots can be returned. TSEU members will also have "I Voted for Bob" stickers available for members and non-members who have voted.

Fwd: Spirit of Wisconsin moves Texas: Lobby Day march & rally. April 6.

Subject: Spirit of Wisconsin moves Texas: Lobby Day march & rally. April 6.

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
	Update to TSEU members APRIL 6 / AUSTIN Lobby Day & general mobilization March, rally & lobbying for state services, public workers, and education	For more details contact: MIKE GROSS TSEU AUSTIN Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
UPDATE: MARCH 8, 2011	TSEU Lobby Day will be a general mobilization for state services, public workers, education Forty organizations united in the Texas Forward Coalition have agreed to join with TSEU and make April 6 a general, united mobilization to push back against the proposed budget cuts that will cripple state services and education if passed into law. Some organizations will send their own buses, others will encourage members to ride on TSEU's buses. Be on the bus: $15 TSEU is chartering buses to run from all over the state. Check the LOBBY DAY PAGE of TSEU's web site http://www.cwa-tseu.org/ or contact TSEU for a map of bus routes and information about stops. General Information Gathering point: Waterloo Park (Trinity St @ 14th St) in Austin Lunch: Will be served at about 10:30 at Waterloo Park March Route: through the Capitol Complex, around the Capitol to the Capitol South Steps Rally: 12 noon, Capitol South Steps Lobbying: 1:30 – 4:30. Pre-arranged appointments for every group. Lobby Day is our chance to say loud and clear that state employees care. We will stand up for our jobs, our pension, our health care, and for work we do for the people of our state. With the threats to state services and state jobs greater than ever, our show of solidarity and determination also has to be greater than ever. Be there – Austin – April 6.
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

 

Fwd: ERS Election Update: Ballots out today!

From: "TSEU Broadcast" <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>
Date: March 4, 2011 2:15:39 PM CST
To: <tseu-notice@server.cwa-tseu-mail.org>
Subject: ERS Election Update: Ballots out today!
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION / CWA LOCAL 6186
		For more details contact: MIKE GROSS TSEU AUSTIN Office 512.448.4225 www.cwa-tseu.org
ERS BOARD OF TRUSTEES CAMPAIGN UPDATE: Ballots come out today - Don't let yours go to waste! ELECT BOB STEWART Ballots will be mailed to every eligible voter in the ERS Board of Trustees election. The ballots will be mailed to the address on file with ERS. Who can vote * All active state agency employees * All Texas legislators and legislative staff * All state judges and court staff * All ERS retirees When do we vote? March 4 – April 8 To use your paper ballot: 1. Be sure you write in the last four digits of your Social Security number in the spaces 2. Be sure you sign your ballot 3. Be sure you print your name 4. Be sure to mark the box to vote 5. Seal your ballot in the envelope that came with the ballot 6. Send in your ballot with other TSEU members where you work (See "Build voter turnout" below) You can also vote on-line: 1. Go to www.ers.state.tx.us 2. Click the VOTE NOW link at the top center of the home page 3. Type in your Employee (ERS) ID an click "SUBMIT" 4. When asked, type in the last four digits of your Social Security number 5.Follow the directions to vote Caution: do note vote more than once. IF YOU DO, ALL YOUR VOTES WILL BE VOID. If you vote on-line, don't use your paper ballot. If you use your paper ballot, don't vote on-line Build voter turnout: make it a group activity Only about 12% of eligible voters voted in the 2009 election. This position is a crucial one and TSEU members are doing everything we can to increase understanding and participation. TSEU members in many locations are doing Get Out The Vote campaigns where they work. Members are setting up ballot boxes, organizing ERS voting lunches, or making a chart of who has voted. Note that all ballots collected will be mailed through the U.S. Post Office, which is the only way ballots can be returned. TSEU members will also have "I Voted for Bob" stickers available for members and non-members who have voted. Join the statewide election committee <CLICK HERE> for more information.	Why it's important We need ERS Board members who will stand up for state employees Since 2003, the Texas Legislature has approved numerous cuts and employee cost hikes in our ERS pension and health plans. Now legislators are considering plans that include: * slashing the state contribution to the pension plans * converting our pensions to 401-k type 'defined contribution' plans * forcing ERS to convert our health plan to a high deductible plan * making employees pay much more out of our paychecks for health coverage * reducing health coverage for retirees State employees need representatives on the ERS Board who will stand up to the politicians, call for full funding of our pension and health care plans and who will oppose all cuts. When the ERS board voted in 2010 to increase employee-paid costs in our health plan, the vote was 6 to 1. Only TSEU member Yolanda Griego voted against the cost increases. Bob Stewart will stand with Yolanda to be a second vote on the Board who will oppose cuts.
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

 

Fwd: Legislative Update: March 4, 2011

Subject: Legislative Update: March
Reply-To: <tseubroadcast@cwa-tseu.org>

TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES UNION

EMAIL BROADCAST UPDATE TO MEMBERS   March 4, 2011.

 

Legislative Update: March 4, 2011

 

A Tough Union for Tough Times

Balancing the Texas Budget with unfunded mandates to Texas communities

TDCJ Lay offs

First Shot fired— bill was filed to convert new employee's pension to a "defined contribution" plan

State Employee Healthcare Under Attack: Higher Premiums and Health Savings Accounts

Member Commentary: "We are all Wisconsin!"

GOP legislators call for a balanced approach to the budget despite Tea Party rhetoric

 

 

A Tough Union for Tough Times

By Derrick Osobase, TSEU Legislative Coordinator

 

As we're well aware public workers across the country are under attack from North to South, East to West.  We all share a common bond. One thing that the massive demonstrations has shown is that state workers  have been the first to step up and fight this slash and burn approach to state services. Our message isn't just about bargaining rights or protecting our benefits. It's also been about the families who we serve every day, keeping people safe and healthy, keeping the promise to our students that they can have a decent primary and secondary education, and access to an affordable college education.

 

As the public at large begins to wake up and see these attacks for what they are – nothing more than a right wing agenda to destroy public sector unions and public services and working people – they'll begin to turn on them and their agenda. And there are already signs of this in national polling.

 

But more importantly, now is the time for us to seize on this moment and strengthen our hand.  It's time for us to recommit ourselves to building a union that not only protects our benefits and pay but also those citizens here in Texas, who are afraid they might get kicked out of their nursing home or the student who's done everything right but won't be able to afford college because the state cut over a billion dollars in scholarship money.

 

Our power is measured in numbers. It's that simple. The first step starts with you turning to your co-worker and saying, "you need to join the union so this never happens to us again. Here's an application. Fill it out. Building a strong union starts with you."

 

 

 

Balancing the Texas Budget with unfunded mandates to Texas communities

Lege plans to walk its tab, pass $31 million bill to counties.

 

The Texas Legislature has decided to solve its $27 billion problem by passing the buck. The cuts in state spending on health and human services, education, criminal justice, youth services, and many others will leave county and city governments, school districts, and hospital districts liable for billions of dollars to provide services that they will not be able to dodge.

 

1. Abandon seven state parks. $8 million.

One plan to reduce the state budget is to transfer responsibility for seven state parks from the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife to the counties or cities.  The seven are:

            Wyler Arial Tramway (El Paso)

            Big Spring State Park

            Daingerfield State Park

            Blanco State Park

            Lockhart State Park

            Sebastopol House State Historic Park (Seguin)

            Lake Casa Blanca International State Park (Laredo)

 

While the state would save about $8 million, it would mean that the cities or counties would have to come up with funding to operate the parks. All are critical parts of the local economies, but it is unlikely that they add enough to the economy to offset the costs of operating them. Traditionally, of course, the State of Texas has taken the responsibility to operate the state parks, which benefit all the people of our state.

 

2. Close another TYC facility. $23 million.

Budget writers are looking to cut an additional $23 million from the budget of the Texas Youth Commission. This additional cut would require the closing of a third TYC youth facility (Legislators already had written in plans to shut down two). TYC facilities are residential placements for youth who have committed serious (felony level) crimes. Without TYC placements, cities and counties would be forced to create or expand programs and facilities to handle these youth.

 

What to do now.

All across the state, TSEU members are talking to county commissioners, city council members, and others about passing resolutions to oppose the unfunded mandates planned by the Texas Legislature. Contact your TSEU office or organizer to find out how to set up meetings with local elected officials where you live. www.cwa-tseu.org

 

 

 

TDCJ Lay offs

Last week 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 up back up in prison."

 

This latest blow comes in the wake of the Texas Education Agency's announcement yesterday that they will begin laid 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 shortfall. "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."

 

 

First Shot fired— bill was filed to convert new employee's pension to a "defined contribution" plan

This week TSEU members Lily Cisneros (DFPS, San Antonio), Jim Funk (DFPS, San Antonio), Susan Bradley (ROC, Austin), and TSEU's ERS board of trustees candidate, Bob Stewart (TWC, Austin), testified against proposed cuts to state employee retirement plans at the Senate Finance Committee hearing. Proposals to convert our defined-benefit retirement plans to defined-contribution (401-k) plans have already been filed in the state House of Representatives.

 

Representative Kenneth Sheets filed HB 1974 on March 2^nd, which would convert all new state employee pensions to a defined-contribution plan.

 

What is a defined contribution plan?

It is where the employer and employee contribute each month to a 401K type account, which is invested by the employee in various stocks, mutual funds, etc. The employee's pension at retirement depends solely on the funds available in their individual account. Each individual employee accepts all the risks and hopes the investments made will be enough to provide a secure retirement.

 

Currently, our pension is determined by a formula that includes the employee's years of services and salary.  The fund itself, and the state of Texas, accept the risk of changes in the economy and guarantee each employee a pension.

 

Past history of states that converted employees to defined contribution plans

Nebraska and West Virginia both converted their pension plans to defined contributions.  The impact on retirees under these plans was shocking.  In the case of Nebraska, workers averaged about a 6% return on their money, while the state's professional investors who managed the plans earned 11%.

 

A couple of disturbing things were revealed about defined contributions pans. First, employees assumed all the risks.  If the stock market collapsed and lost the employee's invested money, too bad. If you didn't invest enough or your portfolio was too conservative which resulted in your account not having sufficient funds to retire – you are out of luck.  In the case of West Virginia, retirees were out-living their pensions even though they were making the contributions recommended by the state's pension professionals.

 

Secondly, the experiment in Nebraska revealed that 401(k) type plans charge numerous fees and surcharges to the employees. Fund managers were getting rich nickel and diming employees, which lowered the total amount of funds in their accounts.

 

Since these debacles, both states have returned back to traditional defined benefit plans.

 

How does this affect you?

If Texas were to convert new employees to a defined contribution plan, the soundness of the current retirement plan would be in jeopardy. The state would have to split its contribution to the employees between two retirement funds, costing the state more money to maintain two funds and by diluting number of employees contributing to the traditional plan.  Currently, all employees contribute to one fund and money is invested together.

 

Take Action Now! Call your legislator today and ask him/her to oppose house bill 1974 by Rep. Kenneth Sheets to convert state employees' pensions to a defined contribution plan. The benefit package for state employees is the only incentive left to attract and retain qualified state employees. We worked hard for our pension.  Will the Representative oppose HB 1974?

Find out who represents you: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

 

 

State Employee Healthcare Under Attack: Higher Premiums and Health Savings Accounts

Currently, proposed cuts to agency employee ERS health insurance would cost families an extra $135 a month in premium sharing. Currently the state covers 100% of the premiums for employees and 50% of the premium for dependents. The house budget recommends reducing that coverage. The state would only cover 80% of the premiums for employees and 40% of the premium for dependents. 

 

Today, a state employee with ERS health care coverage for their family pays $394.60 per month in premium sharing. Under the proposed plan, employees would pay $530.42 per month to cover his or her family. This increase of $135.82 per month amounts to an annual pay cut of nearly $1630.

 

Just as some legislators are pushing for defined-contribution retirement plans, they're now looking to defined-contribution health plans. TSEU is standing against the consumer-directed health plans (HSA) being proposed by Rep. Crownover in HB 1766 and HB1362 by Laubenberg.

What are Health Savings Accounts?

Health Savings Accounts are tax protected savings accounts that can only be spent on healthcare expenses. In order to qualify for a Health Savings Account, state employees will have to drop out of their comprehensive healthcare plan and enroll in a high deductible health care plan.

Health Savings Accounts are bad for State Employees because:

1. They impose an unfair burden on women in their child-baring years. This is because women in this age group usually utilize more routine medical exams, the cost of which can add up quickly.

 

2. Employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to avoid, skip, or delay health care because of cost. This often leads to great problems down the road.

 

3. The average yearly salary of a State Employee is $38,000. Most studies show that Health Savings accounts discourage low-income workers from seeking treatment for health problems. Many state employees and retirees fit into the category of low-income workers. Health Savings Accounts have shown to only benefit more affluent employees making $75,000 and above. 

 

4. Our comprehensive healthcare plan only works if we have a mixture of employees in the risk pool. If younger, healthier, and wealthier participants opt for Health Savings Accounts, there will be fewer people in our comprehensive plan. This will shrink the risk pool, making healthcare more expensive for those who remain in a comprehensive coverage plan. At some point, the cost of comprehensive coverage could become so expensive that the state drops it altogether and no longer offers it as a benefit to anyone.

 

We need action now! Please call your legislator and members of the Pension, Investments, and Financial Services committee, and ask them to oppose HB 1766 by Rep. Crownover and HB 1362 by Laubenberg. Tell them that:

      "Health Savings Accounts won't slow down the overall growth of healthcare costs. It will only force state employees to not seek medical attention due to the costs."

Find out who represents you: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

 

 

Member Commentary: "We are all Wisconsin!"

Caroline O'Connor was TSEU's political and legislative coordinator and an organizer for several years. She recently began working for the Los Angeles Central Labor Council. Last week she went to Wisconsin to support the public workers there. Below is her report from the trip.

 

We invite TSEU members to add commentary to our Legislative Updates. Please send brief commentary on issues affecting state workers to Mimi Garcia at mgarcia@cwa-tseu.org. 

 

Last week I went to Wisconsin for 30 hours with 160 workers from LA, representing 40 different unions. Though it was also a lot of work to organize and execute, what I was able to witness in Wisconsin was something I didn't think was possible. The people of Wisconsin literally took over their Capitol in a way that I could never have imagined and turned it into their own. It really was the most democratically run Capitol I've ever stepped foot in.

When we marched into the Capitol our first day there, it was like walking into an Iron Maiden concert in South America that included a massive drum circle.  All ages.  Students, workers, elderly, toddlers, moms, dudes, people with disabilities, and workers all keeping a loud and hypnotizing beat. 161 of us made our way through the crowds of cheering people into the rotunda. When you looked up, there were three levels of circular balusters draped with banners and filled with people above who were clapping and chanting  "Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!"  A lot of high-fiving.

There were signs and banners everywhere!  Very clever and damning handwritten signs, and union banners from across the country in support.  All signs on the walls were taped with blue painters tape so not to leave a mark.  I can't quite describe the feeling of walking through the center of it except that it literally took away my breath. I couldn't even chant...

The demonstrators inside the Capitol had turned it into a little town. They had food stations where free pizza, bratwursts, bagels, soup, drinks, cookies, etc...were delivered throughout the day.  The sign above read, "Take what you need."  That was the prevailing sentiment.  If you showed up without a sleeping bag, you would be fed and given a bed on the floor so you could stay, participate, and keep the effort going.

There was a medical/first aid station staffed with volunteer nurses and med students.  There was a guy that set up his massage chair and gave free massages.  There was a family section of the Capitol for families and kids to play and sleep.  There was a charging station for cell phones and computers where people could leave their devices and return to them fully charged.

The occupation of the Capitol was started by 2,000 graduate teaching assistants and union members from Univ. of Wisconsin Madison on Monday, Feb. 14.  By Wednesday, Feb. 16, they said there were 35,000 people at the Capitol.  It happened so fast.  They said it was like running after a train, getting everything up and running, but they did. The TAs had a war room on the third floor north wing of the Capitol.  There was a massive wall of bedding and sleeping bags available for anyone to stay the night.  They had their own food and coffee station.  They had a study area for students who needed it, even though it was difficult to escape the booms of the crowds and drums that came and went throughout the day.  There were also signs and organizing charts and notes all over the walls with listings of movies to show at night in the rotunda, sign-up shifts for being a floor monitor, running nonviolence trainings, taking out trash, refilling food stations, handing out hand sanitizer, etc....

And everyone took turns.  The students, graduate and undergrads, were the real thrust behind the organization of the Capitol takeover, along with the unions.  At night, it was like a massive slumber party and everyone was invited.  You could sit down on a sleeping bag island and play Apples to Apples, Settlers of Catan, or Yahtzee with a group of strangers who felt like your cousins.  You could wander into several musical performances.  You could watch "Bob Roberts" in the rotunda.  No drinking no drugs.  Everyone was told if they were going to drink, they should go home and come back when they sobered up. Everyone was really clear about the event being peaceful.

All kinds of groups would march through the rotunda during the day. There were firefighters playing bagpipes.  There were med students in their white coats with a banner that read, "Future Doctors for Workers Rights and Medicaid."  They chanted "Do not, do not, do not resuscitate!"  (talking about the bill).  There were "Cops for Labor."  There were retirees for unions.  There were Teamsters and Laborers. There were moms with babies in strollers. The groups would spontaneously spring up, inject the building with a new inspiration, and make their way through.

When groups like ours weren't marching in, there was an open mic in the middle of the rotunda for anyone who wanted to speak.  People would get on the mic and say why they were there. The stories told and the words used were compelling and would elicit a lot of cheers.  Kooky stuff would happen. Sometimes people would sing or play a song. A fifth grader got up to talk about her favorite teacher and then got nervous and ran away. One kid breakdanced.  Once a yoga instructor led the entire Capitol through a breathing exercise and told everyone she would be on the second floor if anyone wanted to stretch later. A Teamster chanted "Om."

I think what struck me most was the real unity and solidarity that was in that building--union/nonunion, cops/students, old/young, hipsters/everyone else.  It was really a beautiful thing and something I didn't want to leave.  I must admit, I think the fact that it was happening in the heart of America, Wisconsin, the Midwest, had a lot to do with the very nice, genuine, and familial vibe that ran throughout.

Someone from our trip made a video. It's at:  http://www.youtube.com/whywisconsin.  You can get a sense of the LA labor folks and what it was like.

These attacks on public sector collective bargaining, organized labor and really the American middle class are spreading to six or seven other states -- including Ohio, Indiana, New Hampshire. Obviously, Texas is a state that they are looking to emulate, and many of us know how difficult it is to organize public sector workers in Texas without this right.  If this is happening in a state near you, I highly recommend showing up to the demonstrations and protests.  You'll actually get to participate in what democracy can look like.  And you'll be continuing what started in Wisconsin and needs to spread.

 

 

GOP legislators call for a balanced approach to the budget despite Tea Party rhetoric

Sen. Robert Deuell (Greenville), Sen. Kevin Eltife (Tyler), and Rep. John Zerwas (Houston) all came out in support of using the state's $ 9 billion emergency fund known as the "Rainy Day Fund". Even though some extreme right wing legislators in the Tea Party Caucus, led by Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston, urged lawmakers in a letter to stand firm on deep cuts to state services and layoffs.

 

Sen. Deuell was quoted to say, "I'm advocating using the rainy day fund – All of it. I also think we should raise the gas tax 10 cents a gallon and close loopholes in the sales tax."

 

We need more legislators who will stand up and fight for a balanced approach to the budget that includes new sources of revenue.

 

TSEU members are urged to call these legislators, even if you don't live in their district. As these reasonable republicans fight for an even-handed approach to the budget that doesn't just consist of cuts, they'll need our help.

 

Call their offices and tell them: "I'm a member of the state employees union and a taxpayer. I support your position on using the rainy day fund. Thank you for standing up for our most vulnerable Texans."

 

Sen. Robert Deuell : 512-463-0102

Sen. Kevin Eltife: 512-463-0101

Rep. John Zerwas: 512-463-0657

 

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

 

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