STRONGER

T O G E T H E RLocal 2001

CSEA NEWSThe Voice of Connecticut’s Public Service Employees & Retirees

September, 2012 VOL. 45, NO. 09CSEA SEIU Local 2001

Postmaster: Please forward address changes to:

CSEA, 760 CAPITOL AVE., HARTFORD, CT 06106

Visit Our Union’s Website at www.CSEA-CT.com

Every election represents an opportunity for CSEA members to advocate for candidates who value and respect the work we do and the services we provide. Elections, whether they are Primary Elections or the General Election, give people choices over competing visions for the type of government we have and the type of society in which we live. Connecticut’s Primary Election on August 14 was no different.

CSEA’s candidate endorsement process is member-led and member-driven. Candidates seeking the CSEA endorsement first complete a detailed questionnaire which addresses a candidate’s position on issues of importance to CSEA members; like maintaining the promise of Social Security and Medicare, stopping outsourcing and privatization of public work, and protecting the jobs and benefits of CSEA members. Candidates then sit down with members of CSEA’s Legislative Action Committee for an in-depth interview. If the LAC votes to recommend an endorsement, that recommendation is next considered by and voted on by CSEA’s Executive Council.

Primary Election Results

Continued on Page 7

Continued on Page 6

Continued on Page 3

HEP Grievance Settlement The Health Enhancement Program (HEP) is presently available ONLY for active State Employees and their eligible dependents. Active employees may enroll in the HEP during Open Enrollment next year. State Retirees may not participate in this Program at this time, unless they retired after October 1st, 2011.

A recent revised Stipulated Agreement between the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) and the State of Connecticut pertaining to active employees and their eligible dependents enrolled in the HEP provides for settlement and clarification with regard to the dental cleanings, vision examination, and physical and occupational therapies.

On August 29th, Members of Council 400 Enjoyed Their Annual Picnic At Holiday Hills. Pictured above, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (center left) is greeting retirees. Additional Photos Inside

A conflict that threatens to reduce the pensions received by some retired correctional employees in hazardous duty job classifications has arisen. The IRS places a maximum on the size of pension payments an individual can receive in a given year. It was discovered that there are some correctional retirees who have surpassed the maximum after an audit by the state. The 415(B) Federal Pension cap, which includes an exception for police and firefighters, places a limit of $195,000 maximum, indexed by age so that the earlier you retiree the lower the maximum benefit cap. Retirees who received payments higher than the cap’s

415(b) Federal Pension Cap

Page 2September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

COUNCIL 400 DELEGATES: Thursday, Sept 20, 10:00 AM, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Union Hall, 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford. Contact: Retiree Coordinator Hollis Block at (800) 894-9479.

CHAPTER 401 (Hartford area): Thursday, Sept 6, at Noon. CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Ave. Speaker: Julie Evans-Star, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging.Contact Chairperson Al Marotta at (860) 712-1300 or Tom at (860) 674-8221.

CHAPTER 402 (Danbury area): Wed, Sept 12, 10:00 AM, United Methodist Church, 5 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury. Speaker: TBD Contact: President Dawn Gallagher at (203) 748-2018.

CHAPTER 403 (Norwich area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 1:30 PMRose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Dr., Norwich. Speaker: Melanie Buckley, Office of the State Comptroller, Healthcare Policy & Benefit Services Division Retirement & Benefit Systems Coordinator Topic: The State Health PlanContact: President Carol Burgess at (860) 303-7267.

CHAPTER 404 (Waterbury area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 10:30 AM, Donuts/Coffee at 10. Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway (exit 17 off I-84), Waterbury. Speaker: Hollis BlockContact: President Ron Chasse at (860) 945-0768.

CHAPTER 405 (New Haven area): Wed, Sept 12, 1:00 PM, Smart Living Center, 297 Boston Post Rd., Orange.Speaker: Richard Blake, Vitas, Palliative Care: Does your family know your wishes? Contact: President Andy Gambardella at (203) 214-1828.

CHAPTER 406 (Middletown area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 1:00 PM, American Legion Post 75, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Dr., Middletown. Speakers: Hollis Block, Our Union Updates and Chapter Recruiting Campaign& Jenifer Height of Citizens Bank to discuss Bank Fraud Contact: President Joe Formica at (860) 347-4532.

CHAPTER 407 (Bridgeport area): Wednesday, Sept 19, 1:00 PM St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Rd., Stratford (on Rt. 113 toward Sikorsky Airport). Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative Contact: President Carol Donofrio at (203) 888-2920.

CHAPTER 408 (Willimantic area): Wednesday, Sept 12, 1:00 PM, Baptist Church, 945 Storrs Rd, Storrs CT. Speaker: TBA Contact: President Donna Linkkila at (860) 455-0883.

CHAPTER 410 (Windsor Locks area): Monday, Sept 10, 1:00 PM, Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St, Suffield. Speaker: Probate Judge Timothy Kibbe, Issues of Probate in CTContact: Amelia Smith at (860) 687-1848

CHAPTER 411 (Rocky Hill area): Thursday, Sept 13, 1:00 PM, William J. Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield. Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative Contact: President Sebastian Puglisi at (860) 529-8336.

CHAPTER 412 (Putnam area): Tuesday, Sept 18, 1:30 PM, Putnam Library, 225 Kennedy Drive, PutnamSpeaker: State Rep Danny RoveroContact: President Don Gladding at (860) 564-9092.

CHAPTER 414 (Torrington area): Monday, Sept 17, 9:30 AM, UCONN 855 University Dr., Torrington, Torrington Campus Extension Center,Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem Retiree Representative Contact: President Karen Pineman (860) 354-6727.

CHAPTER 415 (Manchester area): Monday, Sept 24, 1:00 PM, Elks Lodge, 33 Bissell St. Manchester. Speaker: Richard Blake, Vitas, Palliative Care: Does your family know your wishes? Contact: President Ed Daly at (860) 871-9482.

CHAPTER 416 (New London area): Tuesday, Sept 11, 12:00 PM, Waterford Public Library, Rope Ferry RdSpeakers: TBA

CHAPTER 417 (Plainville area): Wednesday, Sept 12, 1:00 PM, Church of Our Savior Episcopal Church, 115 West Main St., Plainville. Speaker: Bob Rinker, CSEA Executive Director, on CSEA/SEIU DevelopmentsContact: President John Lessor at (860) 628-0021.

CHAPTER 418 (4Cs): Tuesday, Sept 11, 10:00 AM, 4Cs office, 907 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford. Speaker: Kevin Lembo, CT Comptroller Contact: President Bill Searle at (860) 745-3692.

CHAPTER 425 (Florida): Welcome Back Picnic, Tuesday Sept 11th, 11am-3pm, Philippe Park, Safety Harbor, FL. Hamburgers/Hotdogs soda and salad will be provided. Please Contact Ursula Bracker at 727-848-0089 for more info.

Chapter 431(Coastal South Carolina Area) Save the Date,October 23rd, 11am

CHAPTER 441 (Cape Cod Area): Wednesday, September 26, 10:00 AM. Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, 699 Main Street(Rt. 134 off Ext. 9), South Dennis. Short business meeting followed by apresentation by Att. Arthur Crooks Jr., who will discuss recent changes in Mass. Porbate Laws and related issues. Members are reminded that they should park in the lower parking lot behind the bank or across the street near Ring Bros. Market. Light refreshments will be served. Contact: President George Levesque at (508) 771-4679 or gjlevesque@comcast.net

SEPTEMBER Meetings & Events

MEDICARE OUTLOOKBy Irv Schwartz, co-chair 400 LAC

The population of seniors increases every year and they depend on Medicare to pay for healthcare. Of the 50 million people on Medicare, over a quarter of them receive coverage through private Medicare Advantage plans subsidized substantially by the Federal government. Enrollment is up 10 percent, and premiums are down 7 percent.

Republican Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Vice Presidential candidate, Chairman of the U.S. House Budget Committee, suggests a voucher program to substitute for Medicare, whereby the government would give you a set amount of money to buy your own health insurance on the market, or for traditional fee-for-service Medicare. We have no evidence that either plan would hold down costs. [R. Pear, Private Medicare Plans, NYT Aug. 28, 2012]

Then, you may ask, what about the quality of care and the result? People would prefer not to be re-admitted to the hospital, nor return many times to the doctor for the same treatment.

The Medicare Trust Fund may be exhausted by 2024. Is there not any solution to holding down health costs? Perhaps greater use of generic drugs costing less than brand name products in the pharmaceutical marketplace might help.

Ryancare is an effort to shift the cost burden to beneficiaries under Medicare, and to the states under Medicaid. It is not healthcare reform at all. The Democrats enacted the Affordable Care Act to slow down the relentless rising of healthcare costs. The Republicans still have no alternative to the Democratic healthcare reform. The private voucher idea would lead to higher out-of-pocket costs, forcing more elderly into nursing homes. The poor and disabled would pay more for care or forego treatment.

For decades, the Republicans have made clear their antipathy toward Medicare and Medicaid. Now they are trying to use the public’s legiti-mate concerns about the deficit to seriously cripple both programs. This is not real reform. [Editorial, NYT, April 5, 2011]

Turning Medicare into a voucher program defeats the Affordable Care Act, which changes the way we pay for healthcare to reward perfor-mance and high quality. You do not want to replace it with a system that mirrors the inefficiencies of the private insurance system that we already know is broken. [J.Podesta, Elderly will pay more, NYT, April 5, 2011]

Page 3September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

USPS # 224-100 ISSN # 0273-6055Published Monthly by

CONNECTICUT STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATIONLocal 2001, Service Employees International Union, CTW, CLC

Patrice Peterson.......................................................................... PresidentPaige Farnham........................................................... Secretary/TreasurerRobert D. Rinker........................................................ Executive DirectorBenjamin Phillips.......................................... Communications DirectorJason P. Webster...................................... Graphic/ Technical Assistance

INSERTION DEADLINE: 1st of prior month.

MAILING ADDRESS: CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106; PHONES: (860) 951-6614, toll-free in Connecticut: (800) 894-9479, toll-free in Florida: (800) 437-5630; FAX: (860) 951-3526; INTERNET: www.csea-ct.com.

“CSEA NEWS” (USPS 224-100, ISSN 0273-6055) is published monthly for $2.80 per year members, $5.00 per year non-members, by CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106-1263. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT. Postmaster: Send address changes to “CSEA NEWS,” 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106-1263.

CSEA NEWSThe Voice of Connecticut’s Public Service Employees & Retirees

STRONGER

T O G E T H E RLocal 2001

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

CSEA Flu Shot ClinicThursday, October 18th

10am-11:30amAt the CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Union Hall

760 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT, 06106Bring Your State Employee Health Insurance CardPlease Call CSEA To Reserve Your Spot!

Two (2) Free Dental Cleanings A Year If you are in the United Healthcare Enhanced dental plan and you or a participating dependent has had to pay additional billing for cleanings prior to July 1, 2012 due to the dentist being out-of-network, you should notify United Healthcare Dental. United HealthCare Dental will reimburse you the amount that was paid for the cleaning when you provide proof of payment. If the bill has not been paid, you should forward the bill to United and United will resolve the issue with the dentist.

The two free cleaning includes cleanings by a qualified dental professional, examinations by the dentist at the time of the cleanings, and one set of bitewing x-rays per year. It does not include panoramic films or fluoride treatments (regardless of age) as part of the free cleanings. You will be responsible for the applicable co-pay for these services.

EFFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2012, if you are in the United Enhanced Dental plan, in order to optimize the two free cleanings a year, you MUST go to an IN-NETWORK dentist otherwise you can be balance billed. This means that United HealthCare Dental will pay the out of network dentist 100% of the ‘usual and customary amount for that geographical area’ and you will be responsible to pay any difference.

Vision Examination The recent Stipulated Agreement also provides that members enrolled in the HEP are entitled to one (1) vision examination for $0 co-pay every two (2) years through a vision specialist. If you go more frequently, you will be responsible for a $15 co-pay. Going to the primary care doctor does NOT meet the screening requirement of the HEP, even if he or she checks off that a vision examination was completed. The vision examination must be completed by a vision specialist as the purpose is to look potential diseases, such as diabetes which can be spotted through the eye, and for general eye health.

If you have already gone for your vision examination between October 1, 2011 and September 1, 2012, your carrier (Anthem or United Oxford) will reprocess the claim. The provider of those services will be directed by the carriers to reimburse you and your dependents for the $15 co-payment. The carrier will send an Explanation of Benefits to you indicating the claim has been reprocessed. If the reimbursement from the provider does not occur, the carrier will provide a toll free number for you to call and resolve the issue.

Occupational and Physical Therapy Benefits The Stipulated Agreement re-enforces the administration of the procedures that were in place prior to October 1, 2011. Either the physical/occupational therapist provider and/or the physician must provide justification of medical necessity prior to commencement of these services. They are subject to review by either the carriers’ third party administrator, if any, or by the carriers’ in-house personnel and medical director. In addition, the provider must (re)submit continuing justification before the last set of sessions run out. There will be a consultative process if the carrier believes continuing therapy is not medically necessary before requests for additional services, if not modified by the provider, can be approved. As stated in the Revised SEBAC Agreement of 2011, any medical decisions will be made by you and your physician.

HEP Grievance Settlement

STRONGER

T O G E T H E RLocal 2001

Delegate Convention

Friday, September 21st

At Connecticut Central State University (CCSU)

All Chapters should get their elected delegate lists into Mike Nortz, 860-951-6614, mnortz@csea760.com

Page 4September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

Election 2012 Coverage2012 Democratic & Republican Party Platforms

2012 Democratic Party Platform“The United States continues to move forward towards a future of strong and sustained growth. Thanks to the leadership of President Obama and Democrats around the country, we’re fighting back from the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression by making investments to create jobs, grow the middle class, and lay the foundations for an economy that out-educates, out-builds, and out-innovates the rest of the world. Today, America is both stronger and safer than it was four years ago. Now, we must continue the work we’ve started so that the United States of America never fails to meet the tests of our time.”

Unions

• “Because the President and the Democratic Party believe in the right to organize and in supporting America’s workers with strong labor laws, the President rolled back harmful labor policies designed to undermine collective bargaining rights. The President appointed members of the National Labor Relations Board and National Mediation Board who understand the importance of standing up for the rights of workers.”

• “As new employment relationships evolve away from the traditional employee-employer model, we need to make sure our labor laws are modernized and keep pace with changes in our economy.”

• “Democrats believe that the right to organize and collectively bargain is a fundamental American value”

• “We will continue to fight for the right of all workers to organize and join a union. Unions helped build the greatest middle class the world has ever known.”

• “We will fight for labor laws that provide a fair process for workers to choose union representation, that facilitate the collective bargaining process, and that strengthen remedies for violations of the law.”

• “We will fight for collective bargaining rights for police officers, nurses, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, teachers, and other public sector workers “

• “We will continue to vigorously oppose “Right to Work” and “paycheck protection” efforts, and so-called “Save our Secret Ballot” measures whenever they are proposed.”

Social Security and Medicare

• “We will find a solution to protect Social Security for future generations. We will block Republican efforts to subject Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market through privatization. We reject approaches that insist that cutting benefits is the only answer. President Obama will also make it easier for Americans to save on their own for retirement and prepare for unforeseen expenses by participating in retirement accounts at work.”

• “Democrats adamantly oppose any efforts to privatize or voucherize Medicare; unlike our opponents we will not ask seniors to pay thousands of dollars more every year while they watch the value of their Medicare benefits evaporate.”

Economics

• “To help spur economic growth, President Obama and the Democratic Party cut taxes for every working family – providing $3,600 in tax relief to the typical family over the President’s first term in office – and we are committed to extending the middle class tax cuts for the 98 percent of American families who make

less than $250,000 a year, and we will not raise taxes on them.”

• “In order to reduce the deficit while still making the investments we need in education, research, infrastructure, and clean energy, the President has asked for the wealthiest taxpayers to pay their fair share. We have to cut what we don’t need in order to make room for the things we do need to grow our economy. We support allowing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest to expire and closing loopholes and deductions for the largest corporations and the highest-earning taxpayers. We are committed to reforming our tax code so that it is fairer and simpler, creating a tax code that lives up to the Buffett Rule so no millionaire pays a smaller share of his or her income in taxes than middle class families do. We are also committed to reforming the corporate tax code to lower tax rates for companies in the United States, with additional relief for those locating manufacturing and research and development on our shores, while closing loopholes and reducing incentives for corporations to shift jobs overseas.”

Health Care

• “We believe accessible, affordable, high quality health care is part of the American promise, that Americans Should have the security that comes with good health care and that no one should go broke because they get sick. Over the determined opposition of Republicans, we enacted landmark reforms that are already helping millions of Americans”

• “As a result of our efforts, today, young Americans entering the workforce can stay on their parents’ (health insurance)plans. Insurers can no longer refuse to cover kids with pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance companies will no longer be able to arbitrarily cap and cancel coverage, or charge women more simply because of their gender. People with private insurance are getting preventive services like cancer screenings, annual well-woman visits, and FDA-approved contraception with no out-of-pocket costs. We’ve established new Offices of Minority Health, and are helping state Medicaid programs fund home and community-based services. Small businesses are receiving tax credits to help them cover their workers, and businesses and families are receiving rebates from insurers who overcharged them.”

• “We will continue to invest in our public health infrastructure.” “The Recovery Act and the health reform law made historic investments in Community Health Centers, and Democrats will continue to support these valuable institutions.”

Campaign Finance Reform

• “Our political system is under assault by those who believe that special interests should be able to buy whatever they want in our society, including our government. Our opponents have applauded the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United and welcomed the new flow of special interest money with open arms. In stark contrast, we believe we must take immediate action to curb the influence of lobbyists and special interests on our political institutions.”

• “We support campaign finance reform, by constitutional amendment if necessary. We support legislation to close loopholes and require greater disclosure of campaign spending.”

• “We support requiring groups trying to influence elections to reveal their donors so the public will know who’s funding the political ads it sees. President Obama and the Democrats are fighting to reduce the influence of money in politics, and holding Congress to higher conflict-of-interest standards.”

Page 5September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

2012 Republican Party Platform

“The 2012 Republican Platform is a statement of who we are and what we believe as a Party and our vision for a stronger and freer America. The pursuit of opportunity has defined America from our very beginning. This is a land of opportunity. The American Dream is a dream of equal opportunity for all. And the Republican Party is the party of opportunity”. …“We respectfully submit this platform to the American People. It is both a vision of where we are headed and an invitation to join us in that journey.”

Unions

• “The current Administration has turned the National Labor Relations Board into a partisan advocate for Big Labor, using threats and coercion outside the law to attack businesses and, through “snap elections” and “micro unions,” limit the rights of workers and employers alike.”

• “We will restore the rule of law to labor law by blocking “card check,” enacting the Secret Ballot Protection Act”... “passing the Raise Act to allow all workers to receive well-earned raises without the approval of their union representative”... “We support the right of States to enact Right-to-Work laws and encourage them to do so to promote greater economic liberty. Ultimately, we support the enactment of a National Right-to-Work law to promote worker freedom and to promote greater economic liberty.”

• “We salute the Republican Governors and State legislators who have saved their States from fiscal disaster by reforming their laws governing public employee unions. We urge elected officials across the country to follow their lead in order to avoid State and local defaults on their obligations and the collapse of services to the public. To safeguard the free choice of public employees, no government at any level should act as the dues collector for unions. A Republican President will protect the rights of conscience of public employees by proposing legislation to bar mandatory dues for political purposes.” Editor’s Note: Union dues cannot be used for political purposes under current law.

Social Security and Medicare

• “Three programs-Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security- account for over 40 percent of total spending. While these levels of spending and debt are already harming job creation and growth, projections of future spending growth are nothing short of catastrophic, both economically and socially. And those dire projections do not include the fiscal nightmare of Obamacare, with over $1 trillion in new taxes, multiple mandates, and a crushing price tag.”

• “While no changes (to social security) should adversely affect any current or near-retiree, comprehensive reform should address our society’s remarkable medical advances in longevity and allow younger workers the option of creating their own personal investment accounts as supplements to the system. Younger Americans have lost all faith in the Social Security system, which is understandable when they read the non- partisan actuary’s reports about its future funding status.”

• “We must restructure the twentieth century entitlement state so the missions of important programs can succeed in the twenty-first century. Medicare, in particular, is the largest driver of future debt.”

• “Despite the enormous differences between Medicare and Medicaid, the two programs share the same fiscal outlook: their current courses cannot be sustained.”…. “The first step is to move the two programs away from their current unsustainable defined-benefit entitlement model to a

fiscally sound defined-contribution model [vouchers]. This is the only way to limit costs and restore consumer choice for patients and introduce competition.”

Economics

• “Excessive taxation and regulation impede economic development. Lowering taxes promotes substantial economic growth and reducing regulation encourages business formation and job creation. Knowing that, a Republican President and Congress will jumpstart an economic renewal that creates opportunity, rewards work and saving, and unleashes the productive genius of the American people.”

• “(We) call for a reduction of the corporate rate to keep U.S. corporations competitive internationally, with a permanent research and development tax credit, and a repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax. We call for a Constitutional amendment requiring a super-majority for any tax increase, with exceptions for only war and national emergencies, and imposing a cap limiting spending to the historical average percentage of GDP so that future Congresses cannot balance the budget by raising taxes.”

Healthcare

• “Congressional Republicans are committed to its repeal [The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – Obamacare]; and a Republican President, on the first day in office, will use his legitimate waiver authority under that law to halt its progress and then will sign its repeal. Then the American people, through the free market, can advance affordable and responsible healthcare reform that meets the needs and concerns of patients and providers.”

• “We believe that taking care of one’s health is an individual responsibility. Chronic diseases, many of them related to lifestyle, drive healthcare costs, accounting for more than 75 percent of the nation’s medical spending. To reduce demand, and thereby lower costs, we must foster personal responsibility while increasing preventive services to promote healthy lifestyles.”

• “To achieve a free market in healthcare and ensure competition, we will promote price transparency so that consumers will know the actual cost of treatments before they undergo them. When patients are aware of costs, they are less likely to over-utilize services.”

• “We support legislation to cap non-economic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, thereby relieving conscientious providers of burdens that are not rightly theirs and addressing a serious cause of escalating medical bills.”

Campaign Finance Reform

• “The rights of citizenship do not stop at the ballot box. They include the free speech right to devote one’s resources to whatever cause or candidate one supports. We oppose any restrictions or conditions that would discourage Americans from exercising their constitutional right to enter the political fray or limit their commitment to their ideals. As a result, we support repeal of the remaining sections of McCain- Feingold, support either raising or repealing contribution limits, and oppose passage of the DISCLOSE Act or any similar legislation designed to vitiate the Supreme Court’s recent decisions protecting political speech in Wisconsin Right to Life v. Federal Election Commission and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.”

As union members, public employees and as citizens, it is important for us to understand and make informed decisions about where politicians want to take us as a state and as a nation. As the CSEA news goes to print, Republicans and Democrats from across the United States have gathered at their respective conventions to nominate Mitt Romney and renominate Barack Obama for President of the United States. At these conventions Democrats and Republicans also do the business of adopting official party platforms for 2012. At 62 pages long for the Republicans and 39 pages for the Democrats, these lengthy platform documents offer a glimpse at the different visions the two parties have for our country, and they are very different. Below, we attempt to compare some key areas of interest for CSEA members and allow the parties to present their views through direct quotes from their official party platforms.

Page 6September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

SilverScripts Update State of Connecticut Generic Drug Dispensing Provision In response to numerous calls CSEA has been receiving from members with regard to the popular medication, Lipitor (for the control of high cholesterol) which now has a generic bioequivalent, we are restating the following information on the State “mandatory generic override” policy that has been in effect for many years.

“Mandatory generic override” means that if there is a generic medication available that is the bioequivalent to a brand name medication, the generic medication can be dispensed instead of the brand name, unless the doctor determines that the brand name is medically necessary.

There may be times when you can not take a generic medication and a brand medication is required. This should be discussed with your doctor. If he or she prescribes a generic equivalent, the doctor has determined, based on your medical condition(s), a generic is safe for you to use. If he or she determines that it is medically necessary for you to be prescribed the brand name, then he or she must complete a “Coverage Exception” form and submit it to either CVS Caremark (for those not on Medicare) or SilverScript (for those on Medicare). On this form is identifying information and a place where your doctor explains why it would be medically necessary for you to take the brand name instead of the generic medication. He or she may be required to provide additional information. If the doctor does not complete and submit this form, or does not indicate medical necessity, and you insist on the brand name, you will be responsible for the difference in cost between the generic medication and brand name medication plus your applicable co-pay. The “Coverage Exception” form is on the Comptroller’s website (www.osc..ct.gov) http://www.osc.ct.gov/empret/healthin/MandMailexception.pdf or members can call Hollis at 800-894-9479; 860-951-6614 or through e-mail at hblock@csea760 and she can assist you.

READY FOR BUTTERBRAIDS?

The McCusker Trustees will be selling Butterbraids again this fall for delivery in time the week of Thanksgiving. It’s too early to order now but the order form will be in the next newsletter. WATCH FOR IT!!!

By buying Butterbraids, you not only help raise funds for the McCusker Scholarship , but you also get quality, delicious pastry to bake and enjoy yourself, or freeze and have on hand for use at a later time. You can’t lose!

To date, members have raised $2,906.58 in scholarship funds buy participating in the Butterbraid sales. That’s just about three scholarships that lucky recipients would not have received.

Thank you again to all councils, chapters, and individuals who contributed to the McCusker Scholarship Fund. We were able to award 60 scholarships this year! Unfortunately, that is two less scholarships than last year. Please remember that McCusker is a worthy cause that our member’s children and grandchildren benefit from. It is never too late or too early to make a donation.

If you or someone in your family has benefited from an award, please try to give back and make a donation or participate in our Butterbraid Fundraiser coming up soon in time for Thanksgiving delivery!

CSEA McCusker Scholarship Fund:

maximum are under threat of having their annual pension rate reduced and to repay the State for payments over above the 415(b) Federal Pension Cap, if a favorable outcome can not be resolved. Our union is seeking to apply the police and fire exemption to all correctional supervisors, to the maximum extent allowed by federal law. In addition we are exploring other exemptions for employees who started work before the 415(b) cap was in place.

The Retirement Commission has retained the services of Ice Miller, a knowledgeable law firm from Indianapolis, Indiana, to look at issues surrounding the IRS 415(B) Federal Pension cap. The Retirement Commission is postponing any implementation of the 415B limit on retirement benefits pending an IRS review.

415(b) Federal Pension Cap Continued from page 1

Council 400 Summer Picnic

Trips sponsored by CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Social Activities Commit-tee (SAC). For more information call the Local hall in Hartford toll-free at (800) 894-9479, send email to sac@csea760.com, or visit the “In-centives” section at our website for access to flyers you can download and print .Make checks payable to “Social Activities Committee” and mail with reservation form below to the committee at: 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106.Please call for availability after deadline. No refunds on cancellations on or after deadline. Travel insurance (cancellation waivers) available on some trips (see flyer) due with initial reservation. Reservations ac-cepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

UPCOMING TRIPS and ACTIVITIES

Social Activities

SUPREME REFLECTIONS November 12, 2012 At the Aqua Turf Club. Supreme Reflections is a loving tribute to the most famous female singing group of all time. This sparkling trip down Motown’s memory lane is filled with all their hits we know so well. Delicious lunch at the elegant Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, ct Family Style Menu. $65 per person. Drive On Your Own. Deadline October 1st.

Annual Dividend Rate Percentage Yield

REGULAR SHARES 0.75% 0.75%SHARE DRAFTS (Checking) 0.35% 0.35%CLUB ACCOUNTS 0.50% 0.50%

Minimum opening balance $25.00. The annual percentage yield is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Rate may change after the account is opened. Fees or other conditions may reduce the earnings on the account.

Visit Our Web Site

www.CSECreditUnion.com

Find all the essential information about the products and services we have to offer. You can even print a loan application online! Best of all, it’s accessible from your personal computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dividend Rates - Second Quarter 2012

7 Full Service Offices To Serve YouNORWICH

Uncas on Thames401 West Thames St.Norwich, CT 06306

(860) 889-7378

MIDDLETOWNP.O. Box 2485

Middletown, CT 06457 (860) 347-0479

HARTFORD84 Wadsworth St.

Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 522-5388 (Savings) (860) 522-7147 (Loans)

STORRS1244 Storrs Rd.

Storrs, CT 06268 (860) 429-9306

SOUTHBURYSouthbury Training School

P.O. Box 644 Southbury, CT 06488

(203) 267-7610

NEW HAVEN1666 Litchfield TurnpikeWoodbridge, CT 06525

(203) 397-2949

NEWINGTON O’Neil Plaza

2434 Berlin Turnpike Newington, CT 06111

(860) 667-7668

Hours: Main Office: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Branches: Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4pm

Drive-Up Teller (Hartford Only): Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm; Paydays Open Until 5pm

Page 7September, 2012 CSEA NEWS

CSEA members have a well-deserved reputation for turning out voters in elections, and that is part of what makes our endorsement so important to candidates. The results of the 2012 Primary Election reflect CSEA’s ability to make a difference in races.

Full List of CSEA 2012 Primary Election Endorsement Results:

• US Senate -- Chris Murphy -- Won

• US House, 5th Congressional District -- Chris Donovan -- Lost

• State Senate, 19th District -- Cathy Osten -- Won

• State Senate, 23rd District -- Ed Gomes -- Lost

• State Senate, 33rd District -- James Crawford -- Won

• State House, 5th District -- Leo Canty – Won

• State House, 6th District -- Ed Vargas -- Won

• State House, 116th District -- Lou Esposito – Won

CSEA’s endorsed candidates did not win every contest, but our support made the difference in some key match-ups. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of CSEA members, candidates who appreciate and understand the work done by our members will be on the ballot for the November General Election.

Members interested in getting involved in the Legislative Action Committee should contact CSEA’s Political Director, Danny Medress, by email at dmedress@csea760.com or phone at 860.951.6614 ext. 111.

Primary Election ResultsContinued from page 1

415(b) Federal Pension Cap Continued from page 1

Page 8 September, 2012CSEA NEWS

We regret to learn of the deaths of the following retired CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 members, as reported by the State Comptroller’s Office Retirement Division:

Dorothy Bolton

of Chapter 415, July 18,

Norma Buhler 408, July 20,

Joseph Bulba 410, July 15,

Edward Charland 412, July 26,

Margaret Clossick 405, June 18,

Margaret Dellamonica 407, Aug. 1,

Owen Devereux 408, June 30,

Martin Devine 420, July 18,

Ann DiSalvatore 420, Aug. 7,

Jules Duclos 410, July 23,

Lorraine Fox 404, Aug. 6,

Marie Gammo 401, Aug. 16,

Rene Gauvin, Sr. 403, July 22,

Enzo Gronda 415, July 17,

Elizabeth Hall 410, July 17,

Cecile Hattem 401, Aug. 17,

Carolyn Howie 420, July 5,

Roy Jenkins 410, July 19,

Paul Klemens 408, July 26,

Rodolphe Laliberte 404, Aug. 2,

Sebastian Lisitano 406, July 13,

William Mason 401, July 13,

Harry McGowan 427, July 15,

Michael Mennone Jr. 420, July 28,

Vera Moore 405, July 28,

Paul Moriarty Jr. 411, July 18,

Raymond Pavlak 414, July 25,

Margaret Perry 408, July 30,

Lillian Pinckney 403, July 12,

Irene Pisch 415, July 24,

Katherine Purnell 408, July 30,

Raymond Quinn 406, Aug. 4,

Dorothy Quirk 401, Aug. 14,

William Rauscher 404, July 30,

Oswald Richards 410, July 31,

Bernice Rivers 412, July 18,

Olimpia Ryglinski 405, Aug. 2,

David Samson Jr. 405, Aug. 10,

Jerry Sirianni 407, June 10,

Ruth Small 401, July 22,

Mildred Specht 405, Aug. 3,

Theodore Stamos 401, Aug. 6,

Dianne Sullivan 403, Aug. 10,

Ilene Tobey 401, July 11,

Marion Warren 415, July 3,

DEATHSREPORTED

Great Food! US Representative Chris Murphy

Council 400 Summer Picnic Continued