s t r o nger csea news - seiu local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/csea-news-september-13.pdf ·...

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S T R O N G E R T O G E T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s Public Service Employees & Retirees VOL. 46, NO. 9 CSEA SEIU Local 2001 September, 2013 Postmaster: Please forward address changes to: CSEA, 760 CAPITOL AVE., HARTFORD, CT 06106 Visit Our Union’s Website at www.CSEA-CT.com On Wednesday August 14, United States Congressman Jim Himes experienced firsthand the important daily work performed by family child care providers. Congressman Himes spent part of the afternoon shadowing and assisting family child care provider Rhina Capone at her home where she cares for six preschool children. The congressman made lunches, read to preschoolers and assisted in educational activities. The event, sponsored by CSEA SEIU Local 2001 highlighted the importance of home-based child care to the system of early care and education and was part of a national day of action to bring attention to the devastating effects of sequestration and the need to maintain funding for vital services as cuts continue to take a toll on programs like the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), the federal program that provides funding to Connecticut’s Care 4 Kids program. “Family child care is a vital part of our early child care system. These providers take care of thousands of children in Connecticut every day while their parents go to work, often at times that are outside the regular hours of most child care centers. This was a great opportunity to experience firsthand the essential work performed by Rhina and spend time with the kids in her care.” said Congressman Himes. Many parents who receive subsidized child care through Care 4 Kids could potentially lose out as the threat to child care funding from sequestration could reduce access to the program. “Despite having a full-time job that I love, I am not in a financial position to afford childcare for my kids.Without Care4Kids, I would not be able to keep my children in a daycare facility as it would be too expensive for me. It would mean that my entire paycheck would go into taking care of my daycare bill.The only reason I’m still able to go to work every day and continue to make a difference in my community, is because Care4Kids has eased this financial burden for me.” said parent Yesenia Conde. Additionally, important proposed federal regulations could strain the system further if they are enacted without additional funding. “The emphasis used to be solely on custodial care. The proposed CCDF regulations requiring states to make their child care programs be of sufficient quality to promote optimal child development should be applauded, but if they are enacted without additional resources we fear they will result in a reduction of the number of families served; thereby leaving thousands of children in potentially compromising settings while a small number of children get great care.” said CSEA President Patrice Peterson. CSEA SEIU Local 2001 represents over 4000 family child care providers in the State of Connecticut who participate in the Federal/State Child Care Subsidy program known here as Care 4 Kids and funded through CCDF. CSEA SEIU Local 2001 is currently negotiating for the child care providers’ first contract. United States Congressman Jim Himes Spends Afternoon Working As A Child Care Provider “This was a great opportunity to experience firsthand the essential work performed by Rhina and spend time with the kids in her care.” -Congressman Himes. The Attorney General and individual defendants have received an extension to file a petition to the Supreme Court, asking them review the ruling on John Rowland’s 2003 firings. In June, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced his decision to seek an appeal at the United State’s Supreme Court of the 2nd Circuit federal court of appeals’ ruling. In August, the Attorney General requested more time to file the appeal petition.This request was granted by Justice Ginsburg and extends the time to file until October 14,2013. The 2nd Circuit Court’s decision was a huge victory for state employees, ruling that by singling out union members instead of including managers and other unrepresented employees, the Rowland Administration punished employees for exercising their fundamental right of free association, a right protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Effectively, the 2nd Circuit Court held that when a governor punishes people because of the group to which they belong - whether it’s a union or a political party, or a religion - he or she violates our Constitution’s most cherished provisions protecting free speech. As the Supreme Court decides which cases it wants to hear, parties who are not satisfied with the decision of a lower court must petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case. The Court usually is not under any obligation to hear these cases, and it usually only does so if the case could have national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal Circuit courts, and/or could have precedential value. In fact, the Supreme Court only accepts 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year. Under the Supreme Court’s rules, four of the nine Justices must vote to accept a case. Assuming the petition is actually filed, we would anticipate the Court deciding whether to hear the case sometime during its next term (October 2013 through June 2014). If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it would be decided sometime the following term. Rowland/Jepsen Appeal Update Important Prescription Drug Coverage Information for State Retirees In accordance with the 2011 SEBAC agreement, there are now lower copays for certain prescription drugs for retirees. These prescription drugs are referred to as maintenance drugs (90 day supply).You are now able to visit a participating pharmacy in the maintenance drug network to receive your maintenance medications. Full Story On Page 6

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Page 1: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

STRONGER

T O G E T H E RLocal 2001

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

VOL. 46, NO. 9CSEA SEIU Local 2001September, 2013

Postmaster: Please forward address changes to:

CSEA, 760 CAPITOL AVE., HARTFORD, CT 06106

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

On Wednesday August 14, United States Congressman Jim Himes experienced firsthand the important daily work performed by family child care providers. Congressman Himes spent part of the afternoon shadowing and assisting family child care provider Rhina Capone at her home where she cares for six preschool children. The congressman made lunches, read to preschoolers and assisted in educational activities. The event, sponsored by CSEA SEIU Local 2001 highlighted the importance of home-based child care to the system of early care and education and was part of a national day of action to bring attention to the devastating effects of sequestration and the need to maintain funding for vital services as cuts continue to take a toll on programs like the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF), the federal program that provides funding to Connecticut’s Care 4 Kids program.

“Family child care is a vital part of our early child care system. These providers take care of thousands of children in Connecticut every day while their parents go to work, often at times that are outside the regular hours of most child care centers. This was a great opportunity to experience firsthand the essential work performed by Rhina and spend time with the kids in her care.” said Congressman Himes.

Many parents who receive subsidized child care through Care 4 Kids could potentially lose out as the threat to child care funding from sequestration could reduce access to the program.

“Despite having a full-time job that I love, I am not in a financial position to afford childcare for my kids. Without Care4Kids, I would not be able to keep my children in a daycare facility as it would be too expensive for me. It would mean that my entire paycheck would go into taking care of my daycare bill. The only reason I’m still able to go to work every day and continue to make a difference in my community, is because Care4Kids has eased this financial burden for me.” said parent Yesenia Conde.

Additionally, important proposed federal regulations could strain the system further if they are enacted without additional funding. “The emphasis used to be solely on custodial care. The proposed CCDF regulations requiring states to make their child care programs be of sufficient quality to promote optimal child development should be applauded, but if they are enacted without additional resources we fear they will result in a reduction of the number of families served; thereby leaving thousands of children in potentially compromising settings while a small number of children get great care.” said CSEA President Patrice Peterson.

CSEA SEIU Local 2001 represents over 4000 family child care providers in the State of Connecticut who participate in the Federal/State Child Care Subsidy program known here as Care 4 Kids and funded through CCDF. CSEA SEIU Local 2001 is currently negotiating for the child care providers’ first contract.

United States Congressman Jim Himes Spends Afternoon Working As A Child Care Provider

“This was a great opportunity to experience firsthand the essential work performed by Rhina and spend time with the kids in her care.” -Congressman Himes.

The Attorney General and individual defendants have received an extension to file a petition to the Supreme Court, asking them review

the ruling on John Rowland’s 2003 firings. In June, Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced his decision to seek an appeal at the United State’s Supreme Court of the 2nd Circuit federal court of appeals’ ruling. In August, the Attorney General requested more time to file the appeal petition. This request was granted by Justice Ginsburg and extends the time to file until October 14,2013.

The 2nd Circuit Court’s decision was a huge victory for state employees, ruling that by singling out union members instead of including managers and other unrepresented employees, the Rowland Administration punished employees for exercising their fundamental right of free association, a right protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Effectively,

the 2nd Circuit Court held that when a governor punishes people because of the group to which they belong - whether it’s a union or a political party, or a religion - he or she violates our Constitution’s most cherished provisions protecting free speech.

As the Supreme Court decides which cases it wants to hear, parties who are not satisfied with the decision of a lower court must petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case. The Court usually is not under any obligation to hear these cases, and it usually only does so if the case could have national significance, might harmonize conflicting decisions in the federal Circuit courts, and/or could have precedential value. In fact, the Supreme Court only accepts 100-150 of the more than 7,000 cases that it is asked to review each year. Under the Supreme Court’s rules, four of the nine Justices must vote to accept a case.

Assuming the petition is actually filed, we would anticipate the Court deciding whether to hear the case sometime during its next term (October 2013 through June 2014). If the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it would be decided sometime the following term.

Rowland/Jepsen Appeal Update

Important Prescription Drug Coverage Information for State RetireesIn accordance with the 2011 SEBAC agreement, there are now lower copays for certain prescription drugs for retirees. These prescription drugs are referred to as maintenance drugs (90 day supply). You are now able to visit a participating pharmacy in the maintenance drug network to receive your maintenance medications.

Full Story On Page 6

Page 2: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 2September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

COUNCIL 400 DELEGATES: Thursday, September 19, 10:00 AM, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Union Hall, 760 Capitol Ave., Hartford. Speaker: Representative from the Comptrollers Office on Open Enrollment Contact: Retiree Coordinator Hollis Block at (800) 894-9479.

CHAPTER 401 (Hartford area): Thursday, September 5, Noon. CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, 760 Capitol Ave. Speakers: Andrea Salak and James Rooney of Morgan Stanley in West HartfordStrategies for Generating Income in Retirement. (All strategies presented will be legal.) The meeting will also feature a discussion on the FY budget for our chapter that will include the infu-sion of our 2012-2113 membership recruitment bonus. MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND! Contact Chairperson Al Marotta at (860) 712-1300 or Tom at (860) 674-8221.

CHAPTER 402 (Danbury area): Wednesday, September 11, 10:00 AM, United Methodist Church, 5 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury. Focus on the future of Chapter 402 Contact: President Dawn Gallagher at (203) 748-2018.

CHAPTER 403 (Norwich area): Tuesday, September 10, 1:30 PMRose City Senior Center, 8 Mahan Dr., Norwich. Speaker: TBD Contact: President Carol Burgess at (860) 303-7267.

CHAPTER 404 (Waterbury area): Tuesday, September 10, 10:00 AM, Donuts/Coffee at 10:30. Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway (exit 17 off I-84), Waterbury. Speaker: TBD Contact: President Ron Chasse at (860) 945-0768.

CHAPTER 405 (New Haven area): Wed, September 11, 1:00 PM, Smart Living Center, 297 Boston Post Rd., Orange.Speakers: TBD Contact: President Andy Gambardella at (203) 214-1828. Light lunch to be provided. CHAPTER 406 (Middletown area):Tuesday, September 10, 1:00 PM, American Legion Post 75, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Dr., Middletown. Speakers: TBD Coffee Social, Door Prizes,and a brief Business Meeting will be held Contact: President Joe Formica at (860) 347-4532.

CHAPTER 407 (Bridgeport area): Wednesday, September 18, 1:00 PM St. Joseph’s of Stratford National Catholic Church, 1300 Stratford Rd., Stratford (on Rt. 113 toward Sikorsky Airport). Speaker: TBD Contact: President Carol Donofrio at (203) 888-2920.

CHAPTER 408 (Willimantic area): September 11, 1:00 PM, Baptist Church, 945 Storrs Rd, Storrs CT. Speaker: Sue Audet the history of Kayaking. We will have coffee at 1:00 and the meeting at 1:30. Contact: President Donna Linkkila at (860) 455-0883.

CHAPTER 410 (Windsor Locks area):Monday, September 9, 1:00 PM, Suffield Senior Center, 145 Bridge St, Suffield. Speaker: Lt. Carol Thibedeau of the Southfield Fire Dept., on Senior Safety and Knox-Box protection. Contact Amelia Smith 860-684-1848

CHAPTER 411 (Rocky Hill area): Thursday, September 12, 1:00 PM, William J. Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield. Speaker: TBD Contact: President Sebastian Puglisi at (860) 529-8336.

CHAPTER 412 (Putnam area): Tuesday, September 17, 1:30 PM, Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main St, PutnamSpeaker: Attorney Alyson Aleman on senior health and estate issues (power of attorney, etc.). Contact: President Don Gladding at (860) 564-9092.

CHAPTER 414 (Torrington area): September 16, 10-11am Torrington UConn Campus Extension Building. University Drive,TorringtonSpeaker: Nancy Driscoll on Chapter membership recruitment Contact Karen Pineman 860-354-6727

CHAPTER 415 (Manchester area): Monday, September 23, 1:00 PM, Elks Lodge, 33 Bissell St. Manchester. Speaker: Andrew Salack of Morgan Stanley, Protecting Income in Retirement Contact: Dorothy Tomlinson at 860-647-1216

CHAPTER 416 (New London area): Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 PM, Waterford Public Library, Rope Ferry Rd, Speaker: CSEA Retiree Rep. Hollis Block, an update on retiree health care and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Contact Jean Thorson at 860-444-2011

CHAPTER 417 (Plainville area): Wednesday, September 11, 1:00 PM, Church of Our Savior Episcopal Church, 115 West Main St., Plainville. Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem BC/BS The meeting starts at 1:00 P.M. with the speaker scheduled for 1:30 P.M Contact: President John Lessor at (860) 628-0021. CHAPTER 418 (4Cs): Tuesday, September 10, 10:00 AM, 4Cs office, 907 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.Speaker Joanna Penta, CVS Caremark, Questions and Answers Contact: President Bill Searle at (860) 745-3692.

CHAPTER 421 (Central/Northern Area)SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 2013Piccadilly Cafeteria, 1700 West International Speedway Blvd, Volusia Mall, Daytona Beach, FloridaAny Questions Call Pat Albert: 386-615-6805

Chapter 425 (Sun Coast Area)Fall Picnic, September 17th 2013, 11AM–2PM Philippe Park, Safety Harbor. FL. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad and Soda to be provided by the Chapter. Members and guests are welcome to bring salad, side dishes and desserts. Please contact Ursula Bracker, Secretary, 727-848-0089 for further information.

CHAPTER 441 (Cape Cod area): Wednesday, September 18th, 9:30AMCape Cod 5 Bank, in South Dennis A brief business meeting will be held at 9:30am followed by a presentation by guest speaker Lee Culver. Lee is the Emergency Manager for the Town of Harwich and his topic will be Emergency Management of Cape Cod. Light refreshments will be served. Contact: George Levesque 508-771-4679

SEPTEMBER Meetings & Events

Back To School Back Pack DriveNow Until September 24th

CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 is hosting a “Back to School” Back Pack Drive to support our Para-Professional Council (Para’s) Schools. New student back packs (Stuffed with school supplies if possible!) can be donated during office hours (8:30am-4:30pm) at the Union Hall. All donations of back packs and school supplies (think pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers, calculators, binders) are appreciated. The back pack’s (and supplies) will be given to students in need that attend “ACES” Schools. Contact Dawn McKay at [email protected] or call 860-951-6614 for any questions.

CALL TOLL FREE 800-894-9479CSEA has eliminated the “Florida only” Toll Free number. You can now reach CSEA Toll Free from anywhere in the country by calling: 800-894-9479

Page 3: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 3September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

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

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

Patrice Peterson.......................................................................... PresidentStephen Anderson.................................................... 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: (800) 894-9479, 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

At the time of publication, CSEA had not yet received the complete list from the

Comptroller’s office. Our understanding is that the Comptrollers office is undergoing major work on their computer systems.

This section will return upon completion of that work.

Deaths Reported

Annual Dividend Rate Percentage Yield

REGULAR SHARES 0.65% 0.65%SHARE DRAFTS (Checking) 0.25% 0.25%CLUB ACCOUNTS 0.40% 0.40%

Minimumopeningbalance$25.00.Theannualpercentageyieldisaccurateasofthelastdividenddeclarationdate.Ratemaychangeaftertheaccountisopened.Feesorotherconditionsmayreducetheearningsontheaccount.

Dividend Rates - Second Quarter 2013

7 Full Service Offices To Serve YouNORWICH

UncasonThames401WestThamesSt.Norwich,CT06306

(860) 889-7378

MIDDLETOWNSilverandHolmesSt.

P.O.Box2485Middletown,CT06457

(860) 347-0479

HARTFORD84WadsworthSt.Hartford,CT06106

(860) 522-5388 (Savings) (860) 522-7147 (Loans)

STORRS1244StorrsRd.Storrs,CT06268(860) 429-9306

SOUTHBURYSouthburyTrainingSchool

P.O.Box644Southbury,CT06488

(203) 267-7610

NEW HAVEN1666LitchfieldTurnpikeWoodbridge,CT06525

(203) 397-2949

NEWINGTON O’NeilPlaza

2434BerlinTurnpikeNewington,CT06111

(860) 667-7668Hours:MainOffice:Mon-Fri,9am-4pmBranches:Mon-Fri,9:30am-4pmDrive-UpTeller(HartfordOnly):Mon-Fri,9am-4pm;PaydaysOpenUntil5pm

Visit Our Web Site: www.CSECreditUnion.com

CSEA Flu Shot Clinic10am , Tuesday, October 1st

At the CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 Union Hall760 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT, 06106

Bring Your State Employee Health Insurance CardPlease Call CSEA To Reserve Your Spot!

CHAPTER 411 (Rocky Hill area): Thursday, September 12, 1:00 PM, William J. Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield. Speaker: TBD Contact: President Sebastian Puglisi at (860) 529-8336.

CHAPTER 412 (Putnam area): Tuesday, September 17, 1:30 PM, Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main St, PutnamSpeaker: Attorney Alyson Aleman on senior health and estate issues (power of attorney, etc.). Contact: President Don Gladding at (860) 564-9092.

CHAPTER 414 (Torrington area): September 16, 10-11am Torrington UConn Campus Extension Building. University Drive,TorringtonSpeaker: Nancy Driscoll on Chapter membership recruitment Contact Karen Pineman 860-354-6727

CHAPTER 415 (Manchester area): Monday, September 23, 1:00 PM, Elks Lodge, 33 Bissell St. Manchester. Speaker: Andrew Salack of Morgan Stanley, Protecting Income in Retirement Contact: Dorothy Tomlinson at 860-647-1216

CHAPTER 416 (New London area): Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 PM, Waterford Public Library, Rope Ferry Rd, Speaker: CSEA Retiree Rep. Hollis Block, an update on retiree health care and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Contact Jean Thorson at 860-444-2011

CHAPTER 417 (Plainville area): Wednesday, September 11, 1:00 PM, Church of Our Savior Episcopal Church, 115 West Main St., Plainville. Speaker: Adrian Walker, Anthem BC/BS The meeting starts at 1:00 P.M. with the speaker scheduled for 1:30 P.M Contact: President John Lessor at (860) 628-0021. CHAPTER 418 (4Cs): Tuesday, September 10, 10:00 AM, 4Cs office, 907 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford.Speaker Joanna Penta, CVS Caremark, Questions and Answers Contact: President Bill Searle at (860) 745-3692.

CHAPTER 421 (Central/Northern Area)SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 2013Piccadilly Cafeteria, 1700 West International Speedway Blvd, Volusia Mall, Daytona Beach, FloridaAny Questions Call Pat Albert: 386-615-6805

Chapter 425 (Sun Coast Area)Fall Picnic, September 17th 2013, 11AM–2PM Philippe Park, Safety Harbor. FL. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad and Soda to be provided by the Chapter. Members and guests are welcome to bring salad, side dishes and desserts. Please contact Ursula Bracker, Secretary, 727-848-0089 for further information.

CHAPTER 441 (Cape Cod area): Wednesday, September 18th, 9:30AMCape Cod 5 Bank, in South Dennis A brief business meeting will be held at 9:30am followed by a presentation by guest speaker Lee Culver. Lee is the Emergency Manager for the Town of Harwich and his topic will be Emergency Management of Cape Cod. Light refreshments will be served. Contact: George Levesque 508-771-4679

Page 4: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 4September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

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 $3,500 in scholarship funds buy participating in the Butterbraid sales. That’s three scholarships that our children and grandchildren 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! 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!

Many of our 2013 Scholarship Winners sent thank you notes to our union. We received more than we have space to print, but the gratitude of these students really shows.

CSEA McCusker Scholarship Fund:

Page 5: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 5September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

After interviewing the three candidates who sought CSEA’s endorsement, CSEA’s Executive Council has endorsed Toni Harp for Mayor in the September 10th Democratic Primary. While all of the candidates interviewed presented positive visions for the city, it is Senator Harp’s 20 years in State Government that truly sets

her apart. Her experience and record has shown she understands how government functions and can get things done.

CSEA will be reviewing additional races for potential endorsements at the next Executive Council meeting on August 27th.

CSEA Endorses Toni Harp For Mayor of New Haven In the September 10th Democratic Primary

Toni Harp Meets With SEIU Members at the New Haven Candidate Interview in July, 2013.

In August, Gary Smith joined CSEA family as a Staff Representative. Gary comes to CSEA from Massachusetts where he served for 2 years as the Assistant Internal Organizing Director at SEIU Local 888, a public sector local representing municipal employees. Gary is also the Immediate Past President of the NH State Employees Association/SEIU Local 1984 where he came up through the ranks as a steward, chapter president, and Executive Board member.

New Addition To Our Union

UCONN/DOC StudyUCONN and Department of Corrections (DOC) have formed a partnership to study how the job affects the wellness of staff, especially cardiovascular issues. The study will track the progress of new staff as they enter into the agency and follow them throughout their career. Mentors will be assigned to them to assist them on their journey. The mentors consist of both NP-8 and NP-4

personnel whom together are involved in the selection process. The peer mentoring does not just encompass the stress of working in a correctional environment, but it also focuses on maintaining a healthy and physically fit lifestyle. The program is headed by UCONN but is fully supported by the agency. The UCONN/DOC committee will be meeting monthly. The CSEA NP-8 committee members are Captain Thomas Veno (CCI), Counselor Supervisor Barbara Segura (CRCI), Lieutenant Zandra Sheppard (NHCC), and Lieutenant Victor Colon (HCC).

The CT Partnership Plan has entered its second year providing health benefits and savings to towns, cities, boards of education and other public employers in the state. CSEA was instrumental in passing the legislation that created the CT Partnership Plan in 2011. The Plan launched last July to allow non-state governments to join the state health plan. The potential benefits to towns and cities that join the plan include lower administrative costs, state-negotiated discounts on prescription drugs, greater rate stability and quality health coverage. As of July 1, there are now 2,415 lives in the plan from eight different municipal entities, including Bristol Housing Authority, Griswold (town and school employees), New London (city and school employees), Sprague Board of Education, Union, Valley Council of Governments and Voluntown. Most participating municipalities are saving anywhere from 1 percent to 36 percent on health care.

New London Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said, “I am proud to have New London be the first city to enter all employees into the plan and I urge other cities to take notice of this plan’s benefits and join as well.” Voluntown Superintendent of Schools Adam S. Burrows said a projected 36-percent increase in the cost of health insurance for the school system required excessive cuts throughout their budget proposal for the 2012-2013 school year, but in May 2012 they received information regarding the availability of the CT Partnership Plan. “The Board of Education, in cooperation with the education

association, quickly agreed to make the changeover,” Burrows said. “This allowed programs to be restored as well as avoid an excessive increase to the local taxpayer. The Board of Education received a round of applause at the annual town meeting for this display of excellent fiscal responsibility.” The Voluntown Public School System just completed the first year with the CT Partnership Plan. CSEA represents the non-certified employees that work for the Voluntown Board of Education. “It was excellent,” Burrows said. “All of the health insurance participants were able to remain with their physicians and the coverage was actually better in some instances. We have now made a smooth transition to our second year with the CT Partnership Plan. The overall cost of the premium for 2013-2014 is actually lower than it was two years ago with another company. The CT Partnership Plan was always very helpful and supportive as a health insurance provider.” For some municipalities, the CT Partnership Plan offers immediate and sizable premium relief. Others have found the plan attractive due to its premium stability, as premium increases or decreases are limited to just three percentage points above or below the premium change for the state plan. In other cases, the plan provided better benefits at a price that is substantially lower than the group could find in the open market. CSEA continues to promote the Partnership Plan in municipalities where our members work and encourage those groups to request quotes to see if they will in fact save money.

CT Partnership Plan Continues to Grow

CSEA Contract Negotiation Update Settled Contracts:• Windsor BOE Administrative Support Unit, • Manchester Supervisory Unit,

Plainville BOE Paraprofessional Unit, • Hartford CHPEA unit, • Newtown Town Hall Unit, • Thomaston Town Hall Unit, • Windham Cafeteria Unit.

We are moving toward interest arbitration in the West Hartford BOE Professional Unit over defined benefit pension issues.

Page 6: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 6September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

Saturday, September 28th

A Day In Boston On Your Own!

Affordable Care Act’s Excise

“Cadillac” Tax on Health BenefitsA number of members have asked us about how the health benefits excise tax which begins in 2018– inaptly dubbed the “Cadillac tax” -- might impact state employee and retiree health benefits. Because some parts of that answer involve predictions of future health care rates, and because the federal government has yet to begin drafting regulations about it, some of the answers are not yet known. But there is much we can say for certain.

(1) The tax is not levied on employees, but on health plans or their sponsors (e.g. the State). Some members have been told that the Affordable Care Act places a tax on employees who receive health benefits. This is absolutely incorrect.

(2) The excise tax is a 40% tax placed on the value of benefits exceeding certain dollar thresholds. The thresholds for 2018 are $10,200 for individual coverage and $27,500 for family coverage (indexed to inflation). The amounts are higher for plans covering retirees, but because regulations have not yet been drafted, it is not clear exactly how that aspect would affect state plans

(3) Because our underlying pension and health care contract now extends through July 1, 2022, there is no way that such a tax, if it applied to

Connecticut, can change that contract or reduce our benefits.

(4) We cannot know for sure if our plans will exceed the thresholds in 2018 or in 2022. The reason for optimism is the increased emphasis the parties have put on keeping workers healthier as a way of containing costs (and improving lives). If the new Health Enhancement Program and other ongoing cost containment efforts work as well as anticipated, Connecticut’s costs are likely to stay below the thresholds.

(5) The “Cadillac” label is a misnomer. The labor movement opposed this aspect of the Affordable Care Act because it wrongly equates decent health care with a luxury item that people can do without. Repeal of this tax is a major objective of the national labor movement and a large number of other progressive organizations because beginning in 2018 (or 2022 in Connecticut’s case), it could encourage employers to reduce health benefits as a way of avoiding this penalty. The Affordable Care Act contains many more effective and less damaging ways to help contain the increases in health care costs, including encouraging wellness and chronic care initiatives like we have in Connecticut and payment reform measures which discourage low quality or unnecessary medical procedures.

Important Prescription Drug Coverage Information for State RetireesIn accordance with the 2011 SEBAC agreement, there are now lower copays for certain prescription drugs for retirees. These prescription drugs are referred to as maintenance drugs (90 day supply). You are now able to visit a participating pharmacy in the maintenance drug network to receive your maintenance medications. A list of the pharmacies in the maintenance drug network are listed on the Comptroller’s webpage at http://www.osc.ct.gov/empret/healthin/2011hcplan/MDPN/index.html or by calling Hollis Block at CSEA at 860-951-6614.

Co-pays (as always) are determined by a number of factors, including if a drug is maintenance or acute,

whether it is generic, a preferred brand, or a non-preferred brand, and your retirement date.

If you retired prior to October 2, 2011, your co-pays for a 90 day supply of maintenance medications are $0, if you go to a maintenance drug network pharmacy.

If you retired on October 2nd, 2011 or later you too will have reduced co-pays if you go to a maintenance drug network pharmacy, especially if you are enrolled in the Health Enhancement Program.

For a reference on the co-pays you can expect going forward, find the chart that corresponds to your retirement date.

Retirement Date: Prior to May 31, 2009

Non-Medicare: CVS/Caremark, Medicare Eligible: SilverScript

In Network

Acute Drugs Maintenance Drugs*

Generic $3 $0

Preferred Brand $6 $0

Non-Preferred Brand $6 $0 *You are required to fill your maintenance drugs using the maintenance drug network or CVS Caremark or SilverScript Mail Order. In order to receive $0 copay, you must obtain a 90-day supply of your maintenance medication. If you go out-of-network, the cost is 20% of the prescription cost.

Retirement Date: June 1, 2009—October 1, 2011

Non-Medicare: CVS/Caremark, Medicare Eligible: SilverScript

In Network

Acute Drugs Maintenance Drugs*

Generic $5 $0

Preferred Brand $10 $0Non-Preferred Brand

$25 $0

*You are required to fill your maintenance drugs using the maintenance drug network or CVS Caremark or SilverScript Mail Order. In order to receive $0 copay, you must obtain a 90-day supply of your maintenance medication. If you go out-of-network, the cost is 20% of the prescription cost.

Retirement Date: October 2, 2011 or Later

Non-Medicare: CVS/Caremark, Medicare Eligible: SilverScript

In Network

Acute Drugs

Maintenance Drugs*

HEP Enrolled (Maintenance Drugs to treat Chronic Conditions)

Generic $5 $5 $0Preferred Brand

$20 $10 $5

Non-Preferred Brand

$35 $25 $12.50

*You are required to fill your maintenance drugs using the maintenance drug network or CVS Caremark/Silverscript Mail Order. You must obtain a 90-day supply of maintenance medication; however you have a $0 co-pay for maintenance drugs. Chronic Conditions include: Diabetes, both Type 1 and 2, Asthma and COPD, Heart failure/Heart disease, Hyperlipidemia, and Hypertension. If you go out-of-network, the cost is 20% of the prescription cost.

Page 7: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Page 7September, 2013 CSEA NEWS

STRONGER

T O G E T H E RLocal 2001

Social Activities

Saturday, September 28th

Send Reservations and Payments to: CSEA Social Activities, 760 Capitol Ave, Hartford CT 06106Or Pay Online Via Credit Card/Paypal at www.CSEA-CT.com

$32 Per PersonOnline Paypal payments add $2 convenience fee.

Pick Up Points

Explore the great city of Boston at your own pace. Do whatever you like; view historic

sites, dine at fantastic restaurants, shop the many stores. Return Bus to Connecticut

leaves Boston at 5:30PM, so you’ll be home in time for dinner!

Manchester—9:15AM

Park & Ride Commuter Lot, Off Exit 62 on I-84 Buckland Street & Pleasant Valley Rd

Drop off /Pick Up Point in Boston: Quincy Market

Waterbury—8:30AM

Hamilton Ave Commuter Lot off I-84

A Day In Boston On Your Own!

CSEA is not responsible in whole or part for any loss, damage, injury, financial loss or whatever to persons or property however caused during or in

connection with any tour, trip or activity.

Earlier this summer, one hundred union women from northeastern states were welcomed to the 38th Annual Northeast Regional Summer School for Union Women at the Cornell University Institute of Labor Relations in Ithaca, NY. The six day training, “Raising Our Voices: Union Women Leading Democracy in Our Work Our Country & Our World” included daily workshops on labor and civil rights history, engaging young workers, using social media, global solidarity, knowing our rights and leadership skill building.

There were many highlights: Guest speaker Laura Reyes, Secretary-Treasurer AFSCME, AFL- gave an impassioned talk

about women’s struggle to rise to positions of leadership, and at 90 years old, guest attendee Ida Torres, Treasurer Emeritus RWDSU/UFCW, and Local 3 President of the New York City Central Labor Council was a fiery and inspiring presence all week. She spoke about her long history of support for workers’ rights, most notably for being part of organizing retail workers in NYC Bloomingdale’s.

“I learned so much about our rights as union members. I was inspired by the women in leadership and look forward to working with the women in our local.” said CSC’s Barbara Segura, speaking on her experience.

38th Annual Northeast Regional Summer School for Union Women

POTENTIAL SCAM ALERTA number of CSEA members have received letters from a California law firm offering to help collect money from the State’s Unclaimed Property Division if you sign an agreement authorizing them to act as your “finder” in exchange for 10% of the money they recover for you. CSEA has alerted the Attorney General’s office to these letters.

The Unclaimed Property Division makes it very easy to recover money owed to you. Simply visit www.ctbiglist.com , enter your name and follow the instructions.

You should not require outside help from out of state law firms to collect money owed to you.

Pictured: CSEA Staff Rep Eva Bermudez, Elizabeth Kavanah, CHPEA, Barbara Segura, Correcion Supervisors Council, and two SEIU 1199 NY members.

Page 8: S T R O NGER CSEA NEWS - SEIU Local 2001seiu2001.org/files/2013/03/CSEA-NEWS-SEPTEMBER-13.pdf · 2013-08-26 · S T R O N G E R T OGE T H E R Local 2001 CSEA NEWS The Voice of Connecticut’s

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

September, 2013 Page 8CSEA NEWS

* Tenure discount is not available in MA. MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates: Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home offices in Warwick, RI. Coverage, rates and discounts are available in most states to those who qualify. © 2012 MetLife Auto & Home L0912280044[exp0815][All States] © 2012 PNTS 1204-1707

Call MetLife Auto & Home today for free quotes:1 800 GET-MET 8 (1-800-438-6388)

State of Connecticut employees:

Make the most of your workplace benefi ts from MetLife Auto & Home®.

Maximize your company’s benefi t program:• Save up to an additional 10% right away with the Welcome Discount for

NEW customers.

• Qualify for a group discount.

• Save more with our superior driver discount.

• Choose from a variety of convenient payment options.

• Receive extra savings if you’ve been with your company for a long time.*

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

Life insurance. Nobody likes to think about it, much less talk about it. But if you want to help safeguard your family’s financial well being, you need to talk about it.

ING Employee Benefits is offering current State of Connecticut employeesour Premier Universal Life Insurance policy. This is life insurance that buildscash value1, and offers other benefits that you and your family can use right now.For more information, be sure to talk to a licensed insurance producer in yourfacility or department, or call 1-888-909-4274, extension 4.

Universal life insurance is one way you can be more prepared for the future.

Your future. Made easier.®

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

159360 03/21/2013

You can’t reduce yourlife’s value to a number...But you can help protect your family’s financial future with a number.

1 Universal Life Insurance builds cash values, changes in the current non-guaranteed interest rate, and changes in the current cost of insurance rates will affect cash value.However, the current nonguaranteed interest rate will never be less than the guaranteed rate shown in the policy.

Broker: Kronholm and McCollam Insurance

Issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company, a member of the ING family of companies. Administrative and Home Office: Minneapolis, MN

©2013 ING North America Insurance Corporation LG10735

159360_03212013_v2_Layout 1 3/21/13 2:25 PM Page 1

* Tenure discount is not available in MA. MetLife Auto & Home is a brand of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company and its affiliates: Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Metropolitan General Insurance Company, Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home offices in Warwick, RI. Coverage, rates and discounts are available in most states to those who qualify. © 2012 MetLife Auto & Home L0912280044[exp0815][All States] © 2012 PNTS 1204-1707

Call MetLife Auto & Home today for free quotes:1 800 GET-MET 8 (1-800-438-6388)

State of Connecticut employees:

Make the most of your workplace benefi ts from MetLife Auto & Home®.

Maximize your company’s benefi t program:• Save up to an additional 10% right away with the Welcome Discount for

NEW customers.

• Qualify for a group discount.

• Save more with our superior driver discount.

• Choose from a variety of convenient payment options.

• Receive extra savings if you’ve been with your company for a long time.*