As you begin planning your winter and spring PRIDE projects and close out your fall projects, we remind you that NJEA will not accept receipts for any merchandise which has been purchased at either Sams Club or Wal Mart. If these receipts are submitted to us, they will be returned.
The Region 3 UniServ office has 20 mauve conference room high-back chairs that we no longer will be using. If any association would like them for their office or for their staff lounges, please contact Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org by Friday, January 9. You will be responsible for picking them up.
We wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
PAID FAMILY LEAVE ACT
HIGH IMPORTANCE
In preparation for upcoming implementation of Paid Family Leave Act, all local leaders are advised to be alert for any Board resolutions or policy adoptions related to child-rearing leaves (sometimes called maternity leaves), leaves due to the adoption of children, illness-in-the-family leaves, or any form of family sickness/disability leave.
Local leaders should also review Board actions over the last six (6) months for any activity in these areas. Any activity should be reported to the UniServ regional office immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.
Local leaders should contact their field reps for assistance with negotiation as to any action or proposals as to any aspect of family illness/disability or child-rearing leave, including, but not limited to, any proposed private insurance for such leaves. Particular attention must be given to actions or proposals regarding the use of sick days or other paid time off with regard to family illness/disability or child-rearing leaves.
Please contact UniServ with the information you have gathered no later than Friday, December 5.
In preparation for upcoming implementation of Paid Family Leave Act, all local leaders are advised to be alert for any Board resolutions or policy adoptions related to child-rearing leaves (sometimes called maternity leaves), leaves due to the adoption of children, illness-in-the-family leaves, or any form of family sickness/disability leave.
Local leaders should also review Board actions over the last six (6) months for any activity in these areas. Any activity should be reported to the UniServ regional office immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem.
Local leaders should contact their field reps for assistance with negotiation as to any action or proposals as to any aspect of family illness/disability or child-rearing leave, including, but not limited to, any proposed private insurance for such leaves. Particular attention must be given to actions or proposals regarding the use of sick days or other paid time off with regard to family illness/disability or child-rearing leaves.
Please contact UniServ with the information you have gathered no later than Friday, December 5.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
REGIONALIZATION AND CONSOLIDATION ALERT
As discussed at our Presidents' Roundtable, please contact the UniServ office ASAP if you have been approached by your administrator on this topic, or if you have been asked to serve on any committees that deal with this topic at either the local or county level.
Your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Friday, September 19, 2008
AIG Insurance
In an effort to answer your questions about AIG insurance, Phil Lomonico has provided the following information for you and your members who purchase insurance through our endorsed vendor. We hope this will be helpful and reassuring as we all deal with these rough economic times. In the unlikely event your members experience with AIG, please let us know. We will keep you updated should anything change with this matter.
NAIC Press release 9/16/08: (The NAIC is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
“We have a very strong message for consumers: If you have a policy with an AIG insurance company, they are solvent and have the capability to pay claims. Our job is to ensure that they continue to have the ability to pay.”
Insurance Specific:
AIG is a solid company with over $1 trillion in assets and substantial equity which back by profitable operating subsidiaries that meet or exceed local regulatory capital requirements.
AIG is committed to meeting our customer’s needs and keeping their business.
We are different from other financial institutions that have been under pressure in that we have strong, well-positioned businesses in diverse markets around the world.
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York have agreed to provide AIG a two year, $85 billion secured loan to ensure the company can meet its liquidity needs.
The Federal government’s willingness to act highlights AIG’s critical role in the global financial markets.
The loan will protect all AIG policyholders, address rating agency concerns, and give AIG the time to conduct asset sales in an orderly basis.
· AIG's Property Casualty Insurance's financial strength ratings are excellent and compare favorably with most major companies including an ‘A’ (Excellent) rating from AM Best.
In addition to our commitment to meet the needs of our customers, AIG’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that include requirements to maintain adequate reserves to satisfy obligations to our policyholders, such as the ability to pay claims.
· Insurance policies written by AIG member companies are direct obligations of our related insurance companies around the world. These companies are well capitalized and meet or exceed local regulatory capital requirements. These companies continue to operate in the normal course to meet our obligations to our policyholders.
NAIC Press release 9/16/08: (The NAIC is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
“We have a very strong message for consumers: If you have a policy with an AIG insurance company, they are solvent and have the capability to pay claims. Our job is to ensure that they continue to have the ability to pay.”
Insurance Specific:
AIG is a solid company with over $1 trillion in assets and substantial equity which back by profitable operating subsidiaries that meet or exceed local regulatory capital requirements.
AIG is committed to meeting our customer’s needs and keeping their business.
We are different from other financial institutions that have been under pressure in that we have strong, well-positioned businesses in diverse markets around the world.
The Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York have agreed to provide AIG a two year, $85 billion secured loan to ensure the company can meet its liquidity needs.
The Federal government’s willingness to act highlights AIG’s critical role in the global financial markets.
The loan will protect all AIG policyholders, address rating agency concerns, and give AIG the time to conduct asset sales in an orderly basis.
· AIG's Property Casualty Insurance's financial strength ratings are excellent and compare favorably with most major companies including an ‘A’ (Excellent) rating from AM Best.
In addition to our commitment to meet the needs of our customers, AIG’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that include requirements to maintain adequate reserves to satisfy obligations to our policyholders, such as the ability to pay claims.
· Insurance policies written by AIG member companies are direct obligations of our related insurance companies around the world. These companies are well capitalized and meet or exceed local regulatory capital requirements. These companies continue to operate in the normal course to meet our obligations to our policyholders.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
LOBBY DAY CANCELED!!!
Please note -- June 26 lobby day has been canceled!!!
Following are the contents of an email from NJEA President Joyce Powell regarding results of Friday's legislative meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
Just after 9:30 tonight, the Assembly Budget Committee, followed in short order by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, voted out A-2818, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts.
Final language on A-2818 was hammered out by Speaker Roberts, Senate President Richard Codey, and leaders of both houses. A-2818 supersedes S-1962, S-1964, and S-1969, none of which was voted on by either committee. Those three bills were on a list of 13 proposed bills that NJEA was originally facing in this fight.
As a result, Senator Stephen Sweeney’s proposal to calculate pensions by using the highest 5 years’ salary instead of the highest 3 is DEAD. Senator Barbara Buono’s proposal for a minimum 30-hour per week requirement for participation in either the TPAF or PERS pension funds is DEAD. Senator Buono’s proposal to require employees to choose only one job for the purpose of calculating pensions is DEAD. We also protected the post-retirement medical benefits of part-time employees, which were threatened by both of Senator Buono’s bills.
In short, NONE of the original legislation that launched this epic battle will become law.
For the record, NJEA opposes A-2818. Here’s what it contains: it increases the retirement age for all future employees from 60 to 62. And it raises the annual salary threshold for pension eligibility for all new employees to $7,500 per year, adjusted annually by the CPI or 4 percent, whichever is LESS. In addition, members earning less than $7,500, but more than $500 (TPAF) or $1,500 (PERS) will be eligible for the state’s defined contribution pension plan.
NJEA believes neither of these changes is necessary or appropriate. However, given where we started in this struggle, we believe this outcome represents a clear victory over Senators Sweeney, Buono, and others who sponsored or vigorously supported the original three bills. They include Senators Kevin O’Toole, Thomas Kean, Jr., “Kip” Bateman, Nicholas Scutari, and Raymond Lesniak.
Today, according to reports from 35 sites across New Jersey, more than 10,000 NJEA members – and probably many more than that, based on only partial data – turned out to demonstrate against 30 members of the New Jersey Senate who either supported the three bills we ended up defeating, or were undecided about them. There is no question that NJEA turned the tide against these proposals, which would have reduced or eliminated the pensions of countless NJEA members in the future.
Again: there will be NO pension reductions as a result of A-2818.
This has been an extraordinary experience for all of us at NJEA. We conducted highly effective lobby days and a major demonstration in Trenton on June 12. Only five days later, almost 1,000 NJEA local association presidents, county leaders, retired educators, DA and Executive Committee members, and staff met in an unprecedented war council to plan today’s events. For more than a week, we blitzed the state with a massive TV, radio, and print advertising campaign informing legislators and the public that they were targeting the WRONG people with their trio of ill-conceived legislative proposals.
Then, today, more members than we ever could have imagined turned out in location after location, from Cape May Courthouse to Sparta, to stand up for the rights of untold generations of future members, and to make the case that all NJEA members have a right to a dignified retirement.
Let me close by being crystal clear on two points.
First, this was NEVER about “pension reform,” because there was NOTHING in any of those three bills – or in A-2818 – that addressed the documented abuses that continue to drain our pension systems every day. This was about pension REDUCTION, and NJEA and its members won the battle to stop that effort in its tracks. When I testified before both committees tonight, I told members of the Senate and Assembly that “our members did not create this problem. If you don’t end pension abuse for good, this whole process will have been a cruel charade. You will have failed – once again – to address true pension reform or the abolition of abuses that are occurring every day.”
That’s a fact, and thanks to everything NJEA and its members did over the past couple of weeks, the entire Legislature knows it.
My final point is this: we will remember the legislators who were with us in this fight, and we will remember those who were not. Those legislators, who mounted an unnecessary and craven attack on NJEA members and their pensions; who treated us with contempt and disrespect; and who sought to scapegoat us for their own failings, will soon come to understand that there is a price to pay for that kind of behavior.
I salute each and every one of you. We did not get everything we wanted out of this confrontation, but we won a decisive battle against a group of legislators who, for reasons only they will ever know, decided that NJEA members were the problem. On that point, there is no longer any question.
Following are the contents of an email from NJEA President Joyce Powell regarding results of Friday's legislative meeting.
___________________________________________________________________
Just after 9:30 tonight, the Assembly Budget Committee, followed in short order by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, voted out A-2818, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts.
Final language on A-2818 was hammered out by Speaker Roberts, Senate President Richard Codey, and leaders of both houses. A-2818 supersedes S-1962, S-1964, and S-1969, none of which was voted on by either committee. Those three bills were on a list of 13 proposed bills that NJEA was originally facing in this fight.
As a result, Senator Stephen Sweeney’s proposal to calculate pensions by using the highest 5 years’ salary instead of the highest 3 is DEAD. Senator Barbara Buono’s proposal for a minimum 30-hour per week requirement for participation in either the TPAF or PERS pension funds is DEAD. Senator Buono’s proposal to require employees to choose only one job for the purpose of calculating pensions is DEAD. We also protected the post-retirement medical benefits of part-time employees, which were threatened by both of Senator Buono’s bills.
In short, NONE of the original legislation that launched this epic battle will become law.
For the record, NJEA opposes A-2818. Here’s what it contains: it increases the retirement age for all future employees from 60 to 62. And it raises the annual salary threshold for pension eligibility for all new employees to $7,500 per year, adjusted annually by the CPI or 4 percent, whichever is LESS. In addition, members earning less than $7,500, but more than $500 (TPAF) or $1,500 (PERS) will be eligible for the state’s defined contribution pension plan.
NJEA believes neither of these changes is necessary or appropriate. However, given where we started in this struggle, we believe this outcome represents a clear victory over Senators Sweeney, Buono, and others who sponsored or vigorously supported the original three bills. They include Senators Kevin O’Toole, Thomas Kean, Jr., “Kip” Bateman, Nicholas Scutari, and Raymond Lesniak.
Today, according to reports from 35 sites across New Jersey, more than 10,000 NJEA members – and probably many more than that, based on only partial data – turned out to demonstrate against 30 members of the New Jersey Senate who either supported the three bills we ended up defeating, or were undecided about them. There is no question that NJEA turned the tide against these proposals, which would have reduced or eliminated the pensions of countless NJEA members in the future.
Again: there will be NO pension reductions as a result of A-2818.
This has been an extraordinary experience for all of us at NJEA. We conducted highly effective lobby days and a major demonstration in Trenton on June 12. Only five days later, almost 1,000 NJEA local association presidents, county leaders, retired educators, DA and Executive Committee members, and staff met in an unprecedented war council to plan today’s events. For more than a week, we blitzed the state with a massive TV, radio, and print advertising campaign informing legislators and the public that they were targeting the WRONG people with their trio of ill-conceived legislative proposals.
Then, today, more members than we ever could have imagined turned out in location after location, from Cape May Courthouse to Sparta, to stand up for the rights of untold generations of future members, and to make the case that all NJEA members have a right to a dignified retirement.
Let me close by being crystal clear on two points.
First, this was NEVER about “pension reform,” because there was NOTHING in any of those three bills – or in A-2818 – that addressed the documented abuses that continue to drain our pension systems every day. This was about pension REDUCTION, and NJEA and its members won the battle to stop that effort in its tracks. When I testified before both committees tonight, I told members of the Senate and Assembly that “our members did not create this problem. If you don’t end pension abuse for good, this whole process will have been a cruel charade. You will have failed – once again – to address true pension reform or the abolition of abuses that are occurring every day.”
That’s a fact, and thanks to everything NJEA and its members did over the past couple of weeks, the entire Legislature knows it.
My final point is this: we will remember the legislators who were with us in this fight, and we will remember those who were not. Those legislators, who mounted an unnecessary and craven attack on NJEA members and their pensions; who treated us with contempt and disrespect; and who sought to scapegoat us for their own failings, will soon come to understand that there is a price to pay for that kind of behavior.
I salute each and every one of you. We did not get everything we wanted out of this confrontation, but we won a decisive battle against a group of legislators who, for reasons only they will ever know, decided that NJEA members were the problem. On that point, there is no longer any question.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Your Help Urgently Needed!
Pension in Danger
The Legislature has drafted a series of bills that have major impact to our pensions. We know the timing is awful but that should only prove how very important it is that we get members out on June 12 -
Lobby Day:
The potential proposed legislative changes take the following form:
1. Change the pension formula to utilize the highest five (5) years of salary instead of the current three (3). Change the veteran’s formula to utilize the highest three (3) years of salary instead of the current one (1).
2. Change the threshold for entitlement to a defined benefit pension (TPAF/PERS) to a set number of hours per week instead of the current minimum salary.
3. People would have to select one job / pension system for life.
4. Anyone earning $10,000 or less per year would only be entitled to a Defined Contribution plan. Anyone working less than 35 hours per week would not be entitled to health insurance.
5. Purchases of out-of-state pension credit would not count towards eligibility (25+ years) for post-retirement health insurance benefits.
NJ State Senators Sweeney, Lesniak, Buono, and Scuteri have been identified as prime movers / supporters of this series of bills.
These bills – or other similar bills – could be introduced as early as tomorrow (Friday) or Monday. Support for these bills is also connected to support for the NJ State Budget which will be introduced in the same timeframe.
*This will not be a typical Lobby Day. In addition to speaking with legislators there will be other special activities.
Please email Dawn Sacks with the names and the number of members that will be attending by Wednesday the 11th at dsacks@njea.org.
Information on travel, parking, and other logistics will follow.
Presidents are advised to approach superintendents to cooperate in releasing members. Pensions and benefits are issues of mutual concern to our members and admininstration alike.
If you as local presidents need UniServ to get involved with release time feel free to contact Donna and Gail.
The Legislature has drafted a series of bills that have major impact to our pensions. We know the timing is awful but that should only prove how very important it is that we get members out on June 12 -
Lobby Day:
The potential proposed legislative changes take the following form:
1. Change the pension formula to utilize the highest five (5) years of salary instead of the current three (3). Change the veteran’s formula to utilize the highest three (3) years of salary instead of the current one (1).
2. Change the threshold for entitlement to a defined benefit pension (TPAF/PERS) to a set number of hours per week instead of the current minimum salary.
3. People would have to select one job / pension system for life.
4. Anyone earning $10,000 or less per year would only be entitled to a Defined Contribution plan. Anyone working less than 35 hours per week would not be entitled to health insurance.
5. Purchases of out-of-state pension credit would not count towards eligibility (25+ years) for post-retirement health insurance benefits.
NJ State Senators Sweeney, Lesniak, Buono, and Scuteri have been identified as prime movers / supporters of this series of bills.
These bills – or other similar bills – could be introduced as early as tomorrow (Friday) or Monday. Support for these bills is also connected to support for the NJ State Budget which will be introduced in the same timeframe.
*This will not be a typical Lobby Day. In addition to speaking with legislators there will be other special activities.
Please email Dawn Sacks with the names and the number of members that will be attending by Wednesday the 11th at dsacks@njea.org.
Information on travel, parking, and other logistics will follow.
Presidents are advised to approach superintendents to cooperate in releasing members. Pensions and benefits are issues of mutual concern to our members and admininstration alike.
If you as local presidents need UniServ to get involved with release time feel free to contact Donna and Gail.
Monday, May 19, 2008
403b RESOURCES FOR LEADERS
New 403(b) regulations require compliance by end of 2008
With the new IRS regulations taking full effect on January 1, 2009* local school districts need to set up their compliance mechanism during 2008 to protect the tax-favored status of 403(b) retirement accounts. There are resources available from the IRS, Association of School Business Officials, NEA, and other sources aimed at facilitating compliance and maximizing the value to members. Each school district must prepare a written plan that controls the district's 403(b) program.
Find out if any of the following will change because of the board’s compliance with the 403(b) regulations:
Choice of investment vehicles – It is important that the members have sufficient choices in selecting how they wish to invest their 403(b) funds. The selection process of the investment options needs to be carefully planned and performed so that it is objective and serves the best interests of members. Products should include low-cost mutual funds, retirement age target-date funds, and advisor-assisted products for members who wish to have face-to-face assistance. Roth 403(b) accounts are also permissible to allow for after-tax contributions that grow tax-free into retirement.
Administration of the plan – Some boards may use outside administrative services. Other boards may perform most administrative functions in-house. The Association of School Business Officials has resources and training meetings for business administrators that offer step-by-step assistance in complying with the new regulations. Association leaders should be concerned if one of the 403(b) providers performs the district's administrative services, placing that provider in a potentially, preferred position as the central recipient of information from all of the 403(b) providers in the district.
Plan options – There are optional characteristics (like loans, hardship withdrawals, catch-up provisions, and rollovers) that should be clearly identified and agreeable to the members. In order to maintain the existing 403(b) products, they must conform to the terms of the district's written plan.
Internet Resources - The following online resources contain details on the new regulations, compliance, and 403(b) plans in general:
NEA 403(b) Toolkit - http://www.neamb.com/savings/403btoolkit.jsp
NEA provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources that enable school employees and Association leaders to understand the new IRS regulations that govern 403(b) plans and their impact on interactions between the local Association and board of education.
Association of School Business Officials - http://www.asbointl.org/index.asp?bid=9709
ASBO provides detailed resources for school business officials in complying with IRS regulations governing 403(b) plans.
IRS site for Retirement Plans - http://www.irs.gov/retirement/sponsor/article/0,,id=155347,00.html
The IRS provides information on starting and maintaining a retirement plan, including what kinds of plans there are, how they work, and their benefits.
Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust - http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/fact35.htm
The Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust of New Jerses (SACT) is a voluntary investment program that provides retirement income separate from, and in addition to, your basic pension plan.
403(b) Wise - http://www.403bwise.com
This website was started by two teachers disappointed with the lack of unbiased 403(b) education, and the lack of quality low-fee investment choices offered by public school employers.
*School districts with 403(b) plans that are maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement (in effect before July 26, 2007) have until the end of the agreement, or until July 26, 2010, whichever is earlier to comply with the new regulations.
Questions may be e-mailed to PLomonico@NJEA.org.
With the new IRS regulations taking full effect on January 1, 2009* local school districts need to set up their compliance mechanism during 2008 to protect the tax-favored status of 403(b) retirement accounts. There are resources available from the IRS, Association of School Business Officials, NEA, and other sources aimed at facilitating compliance and maximizing the value to members. Each school district must prepare a written plan that controls the district's 403(b) program.
Find out if any of the following will change because of the board’s compliance with the 403(b) regulations:
Choice of investment vehicles – It is important that the members have sufficient choices in selecting how they wish to invest their 403(b) funds. The selection process of the investment options needs to be carefully planned and performed so that it is objective and serves the best interests of members. Products should include low-cost mutual funds, retirement age target-date funds, and advisor-assisted products for members who wish to have face-to-face assistance. Roth 403(b) accounts are also permissible to allow for after-tax contributions that grow tax-free into retirement.
Administration of the plan – Some boards may use outside administrative services. Other boards may perform most administrative functions in-house. The Association of School Business Officials has resources and training meetings for business administrators that offer step-by-step assistance in complying with the new regulations. Association leaders should be concerned if one of the 403(b) providers performs the district's administrative services, placing that provider in a potentially, preferred position as the central recipient of information from all of the 403(b) providers in the district.
Plan options – There are optional characteristics (like loans, hardship withdrawals, catch-up provisions, and rollovers) that should be clearly identified and agreeable to the members. In order to maintain the existing 403(b) products, they must conform to the terms of the district's written plan.
Internet Resources - The following online resources contain details on the new regulations, compliance, and 403(b) plans in general:
NEA 403(b) Toolkit - http://www.neamb.com/savings/403btoolkit.jsp
NEA provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources that enable school employees and Association leaders to understand the new IRS regulations that govern 403(b) plans and their impact on interactions between the local Association and board of education.
Association of School Business Officials - http://www.asbointl.org/index.asp?bid=9709
ASBO provides detailed resources for school business officials in complying with IRS regulations governing 403(b) plans.
IRS site for Retirement Plans - http://www.irs.gov/retirement/sponsor/article/0,,id=155347,00.html
The IRS provides information on starting and maintaining a retirement plan, including what kinds of plans there are, how they work, and their benefits.
Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust - http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensions/fact35.htm
The Supplemental Annuity Collective Trust of New Jerses (SACT) is a voluntary investment program that provides retirement income separate from, and in addition to, your basic pension plan.
403(b) Wise - http://www.403bwise.com
This website was started by two teachers disappointed with the lack of unbiased 403(b) education, and the lack of quality low-fee investment choices offered by public school employers.
*School districts with 403(b) plans that are maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement (in effect before July 26, 2007) have until the end of the agreement, or until July 26, 2010, whichever is earlier to comply with the new regulations.
Questions may be e-mailed to PLomonico@NJEA.org.
PEN BEN AGAIN!!!
PEN BEN AGAIN —Your retirement benefits under fire!!
It never ends….
First it was the threat of a constitutional amendment to require voter approval for state spending on things like construction of schools, roads, and bridges.
Then, a plan got floated for “countywide” collective bargaining.
Last week, the tuition tax credit/voucher bill passed the first hurdle in the Senate.
And now, NJEA is hearing rumblings from the Statehouse that we will likely be facing new attacks on public employee retirement benefits.
During Gov. Corzine’s town hall meetings on his toll hike plan, many speakers asked the Governor to make deeper cuts in budget and programs. And some policymakers are running with that.
A recent Star Ledger article says legislators are looking for ways to breathe life back into some proposals that never moved out of the Special Legislative Session.
We’ve got the scoop and here’s their plan:
Eliminating pension credit for part-time employees;
Increasing the salary threshold for PERS/TPAF eligibility to $15,000;
Changing the pension formula from N/55 back to N/60; and
Raising the retirement age from 60 to 62.
If that’s not enough, they’re also looking to put an end to:
Employer-sponsored health benefits for part-time public employees; and
Defined benefit retirement plans for all new hires.
Although most of these changes would impact new hires, we know that cuts in benefits for any of our members ultimately hurt us all. For one thing, tiering benefits creates morale problems and a hostile work environment.
What else would you expect when workers get different levels of compensation and benefits for doing the same work?
Besides that, these attacks come out of misplaced blame. There’s no doubt that New Jersey is facing a serious fiscal crisis. But we continued to uphold our end of the bargain by making our payments into the pension system. It’s not our fault that the State took a decade-long “pension holiday” from paying its fair share and is now paying the price for its own bad judgment!
Legislation is being drafted, and the Senate will move quickly when it is introduced.
That’s why we NEED you to contact members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, Senate President Dick Codey, and your local legislators. Send an email now! Go to NJEA's Cyberlobbying site, click “Take Action” under “PEN BEN AGAIN!” and follow the instructions.
And come to NJEA lobby days in Trenton and SPEAK OUT! We keep adding more days. Find one that works for you and go to town!
It never ends….
First it was the threat of a constitutional amendment to require voter approval for state spending on things like construction of schools, roads, and bridges.
Then, a plan got floated for “countywide” collective bargaining.
Last week, the tuition tax credit/voucher bill passed the first hurdle in the Senate.
And now, NJEA is hearing rumblings from the Statehouse that we will likely be facing new attacks on public employee retirement benefits.
During Gov. Corzine’s town hall meetings on his toll hike plan, many speakers asked the Governor to make deeper cuts in budget and programs. And some policymakers are running with that.
A recent Star Ledger article says legislators are looking for ways to breathe life back into some proposals that never moved out of the Special Legislative Session.
We’ve got the scoop and here’s their plan:
Eliminating pension credit for part-time employees;
Increasing the salary threshold for PERS/TPAF eligibility to $15,000;
Changing the pension formula from N/55 back to N/60; and
Raising the retirement age from 60 to 62.
If that’s not enough, they’re also looking to put an end to:
Employer-sponsored health benefits for part-time public employees; and
Defined benefit retirement plans for all new hires.
Although most of these changes would impact new hires, we know that cuts in benefits for any of our members ultimately hurt us all. For one thing, tiering benefits creates morale problems and a hostile work environment.
What else would you expect when workers get different levels of compensation and benefits for doing the same work?
Besides that, these attacks come out of misplaced blame. There’s no doubt that New Jersey is facing a serious fiscal crisis. But we continued to uphold our end of the bargain by making our payments into the pension system. It’s not our fault that the State took a decade-long “pension holiday” from paying its fair share and is now paying the price for its own bad judgment!
Legislation is being drafted, and the Senate will move quickly when it is introduced.
That’s why we NEED you to contact members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, Senate President Dick Codey, and your local legislators. Send an email now! Go to NJEA's Cyberlobbying site, click “Take Action” under “PEN BEN AGAIN!” and follow the instructions.
And come to NJEA lobby days in Trenton and SPEAK OUT! We keep adding more days. Find one that works for you and go to town!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cyberlobby News on S-1607
CYBERLOBBY NEWS on S-1607
Don't let it go further!
Corporate tax credit/voucher scheme moves out of
Senate committee!
Despite all our efforts, it’s passed the first hurdle, folks! Legislation to give corporations dollar-for-dollar tax credits when they give “scholarship” money for tuitions to private and religious schools passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee on May 8.
The bill, S-1607 would make available $360 million for these “scholarships” in eight pilot districts: Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Lakewood, Newark, Orange, Paterson, and Trenton.
Next stop: the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. That could happen as early as May 19, although the bill is not yet scheduled for a hearing there.
This legislation would drain approximately $360 million from the State Treasury at a time when the State faces a multi-billion deficit. And those contributions would cost corporations nothing, since they would receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their state taxes.
This doesn’t make sense, we know. It’s unacceptable and irresponsible! And it’s a sneaky way to funnel public funds to private schools.
Don’t just sit there! Let your legislators know that this is unacceptable! Call them, email them, and come to lobby in Trenton.
Visit NJEA's cyberlobbying site, click Take Action under "School voucher bill advances," and follow the instructions to send an e-mail to members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and your state Senator.
Tell them that this backdoor voucher scheme is bad for New Jersey!
Don’t wait. There is no time to lose!
Don't let it go further!
Corporate tax credit/voucher scheme moves out of
Senate committee!
Despite all our efforts, it’s passed the first hurdle, folks! Legislation to give corporations dollar-for-dollar tax credits when they give “scholarship” money for tuitions to private and religious schools passed the Senate Economic Growth Committee on May 8.
The bill, S-1607 would make available $360 million for these “scholarships” in eight pilot districts: Camden, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Lakewood, Newark, Orange, Paterson, and Trenton.
Next stop: the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. That could happen as early as May 19, although the bill is not yet scheduled for a hearing there.
This legislation would drain approximately $360 million from the State Treasury at a time when the State faces a multi-billion deficit. And those contributions would cost corporations nothing, since they would receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their state taxes.
This doesn’t make sense, we know. It’s unacceptable and irresponsible! And it’s a sneaky way to funnel public funds to private schools.
Don’t just sit there! Let your legislators know that this is unacceptable! Call them, email them, and come to lobby in Trenton.
Visit NJEA's cyberlobbying site, click Take Action under "School voucher bill advances," and follow the instructions to send an e-mail to members of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and your state Senator.
Tell them that this backdoor voucher scheme is bad for New Jersey!
Don’t wait. There is no time to lose!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
AAP RALLY RSVPs NEEDED!!!!
Thank you for your responses in supporting Camden County College's AAP. This local is continuing its fight against premium sharing and they need your help!
We strongly urge you to reach out to your members and ask them to attend the rally on May 6. Details and directions are listed below. Please RSVP with the number of attendees from your local no later than May 2 to Gale Quinn (gquinn@njea.org)in the Region 3 office. They are counting on you!!!
Don't forget to wear red and bring a sign identifying your local association!
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Camden County College - Blackwood Campus
We will meet at the Madison Connector Building -
(off of Peter Cheeseman Rd.)
DIRECTIONS
From Cherry Hill/Voorhees/Marlton
From Rt. 70, take Springdale Rd. South approximately 9 miles (note that the road name changes to White Horse Rd., Laurel Road, College Drive) until the traffic light at Little Gloucester and Peter Cheeseman Roads. Turn left onto Peter Cheeseman Road; the College is on the right side.
From Philadelphia/Camden
Take Rt. 42 South. Exit at the Blackwood/Clementon exit. Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp (onto Blackwood-Clementon Road.) Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Erial Rd.) Follow Erial Rd. to the second traffic light and turn right (onto Little Gloucester Rd.) Continue straight past the next traffic light. The Blackwood Campus is on the right side.
From 295
Take Rt. 295 South. Follow directions to Rt. 42 South (in the direction of Atlantic City.) Proceed exactly as above (from Philadelphia/Camden.)
From the South Jersey Area
Take Rt. 42 or the Black Horse Pike North. Exit at the Rt. 168/Blackwood/Sicklerville exit. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Rt. 168 North.) Turn right at the first road (onto College Drive.) Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Peter Cheeseman Rd.) The Blackwood Campus is on the right side.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Region 3 UniServ office at 856-782-1225.
We strongly urge you to reach out to your members and ask them to attend the rally on May 6. Details and directions are listed below. Please RSVP with the number of attendees from your local no later than May 2 to Gale Quinn (gquinn@njea.org)in the Region 3 office. They are counting on you!!!
Don't forget to wear red and bring a sign identifying your local association!
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: Camden County College - Blackwood Campus
We will meet at the Madison Connector Building -
(off of Peter Cheeseman Rd.)
DIRECTIONS
From Cherry Hill/Voorhees/Marlton
From Rt. 70, take Springdale Rd. South approximately 9 miles (note that the road name changes to White Horse Rd., Laurel Road, College Drive) until the traffic light at Little Gloucester and Peter Cheeseman Roads. Turn left onto Peter Cheeseman Road; the College is on the right side.
From Philadelphia/Camden
Take Rt. 42 South. Exit at the Blackwood/Clementon exit. Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp (onto Blackwood-Clementon Road.) Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Erial Rd.) Follow Erial Rd. to the second traffic light and turn right (onto Little Gloucester Rd.) Continue straight past the next traffic light. The Blackwood Campus is on the right side.
From 295
Take Rt. 295 South. Follow directions to Rt. 42 South (in the direction of Atlantic City.) Proceed exactly as above (from Philadelphia/Camden.)
From the South Jersey Area
Take Rt. 42 or the Black Horse Pike North. Exit at the Rt. 168/Blackwood/Sicklerville exit. Turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Rt. 168 North.) Turn right at the first road (onto College Drive.) Turn right at the first traffic light (onto Peter Cheeseman Rd.) The Blackwood Campus is on the right side.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Region 3 UniServ office at 856-782-1225.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
AAP RALLY - MAY 6
Our colleagues at the Camden County College (local AAP) continue to fight premium sharing in prolonged negotiations. The climate is deteriorating in light of the college’s unilateral change into SEHBP.
The last Board meeting of 2007-08 is scheduled for May 6 at the Blackwood Campus. Each CCCEA local is asked to send at least two representatives to rally from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Please wear red and bring a sign identifying your local association.
Our unified action is key in protecting benefits for all of us!
The last Board meeting of 2007-08 is scheduled for May 6 at the Blackwood Campus. Each CCCEA local is asked to send at least two representatives to rally from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Please wear red and bring a sign identifying your local association.
Our unified action is key in protecting benefits for all of us!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Region 3 is on the Move!
The Region 3 office is scheduled to move on Friday, March 14. Please note – our phone lines and computers may be down from noon Thursday, March 13 through Monday, March 17. If you have an urgent matter that cannot wait for our return, please contact the Region 4 UniServ office at 856-964-2800.
Our new address will be 1020 Laurel Oak Road, Suite 101, Voorhees, NJ 08043 and is located at the corner of Laurel Oak Road and Haddonfield-Berlin Road. Our phone and FAX numbers will remain the same.
We look forward to seeing you in our new office!
Our new address will be 1020 Laurel Oak Road, Suite 101, Voorhees, NJ 08043 and is located at the corner of Laurel Oak Road and Haddonfield-Berlin Road. Our phone and FAX numbers will remain the same.
We look forward to seeing you in our new office!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
This is a reminder that the Governor will be holding Camden County’s town hall meeting about asset monetization on Monday, January 28th. Please try to attend and encourage your members to go, as well.
MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008 7-9 p.m. – CAMDEN, Voorhees
Voorhees Middle School - Performing Arts Center
1000 Holly Oak Drive
Voorhees, NJ 08043
RSVP: 609-292-9763
http://www.state.nj.us/townhallmeetings/rsvp/index.html
Here are some sample questions you could ask:
As we all know, funding for new school construction and repair was depleted. But the needs are still out there. How do you plan to address these very real needs in your debt restructuring plan?
It’s been reported that the portion of tolls paid by New Jersey residents falls disproportionately on those living NEAR the toll roads, while ALL residents will hopefully benefit from debt restructuring. Why wouldn’t you consider an increase in the income tax, which is not only evenly distributed, but more progressive than toll increases?
You just signed a school funding law to provide aid to districts that have not had aid increases in a very long time. How will you pay for that if the Legislature agrees to your freeze on state spending?
MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008 7-9 p.m. – CAMDEN, Voorhees
Voorhees Middle School - Performing Arts Center
1000 Holly Oak Drive
Voorhees, NJ 08043
RSVP: 609-292-9763
http://www.state.nj.us/townhallmeetings/rsvp/index.html
Here are some sample questions you could ask:
As we all know, funding for new school construction and repair was depleted. But the needs are still out there. How do you plan to address these very real needs in your debt restructuring plan?
It’s been reported that the portion of tolls paid by New Jersey residents falls disproportionately on those living NEAR the toll roads, while ALL residents will hopefully benefit from debt restructuring. Why wouldn’t you consider an increase in the income tax, which is not only evenly distributed, but more progressive than toll increases?
You just signed a school funding law to provide aid to districts that have not had aid increases in a very long time. How will you pay for that if the Legislature agrees to your freeze on state spending?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
URGENT REQUEST FOR YOUR HELP!!!CRISIS RALLY, CAMDEN COUNTY COLLEGE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 5:30 p.m.
AAP, an NJEA local affiliate at Camden County College, is in a bargaining crisis. They are fighting against premium sharing, an issue which impacts all Camden County locals.
As of this date, less than 10 of our county members have signed up to attend. Their administration and trustees are fully aware that a rally is planned. WE CANNOT LET DOWN OUR COLLEAGUES WITH LOW ATTENDANCE!!! Please organize a group from your local (at least two per local, more if possible.) Bring your local sign and WEAR RED.
RSVP to gquinn@njea.org ASAP and no later than Friday, January 25.
As of this date, less than 10 of our county members have signed up to attend. Their administration and trustees are fully aware that a rally is planned. WE CANNOT LET DOWN OUR COLLEAGUES WITH LOW ATTENDANCE!!! Please organize a group from your local (at least two per local, more if possible.) Bring your local sign and WEAR RED.
RSVP to gquinn@njea.org ASAP and no later than Friday, January 25.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
YOUR HELP NEEDED!!!
Camden County College Association of Administrative Personnel is asking for our help. They are negotiating, and premium sharing is on the table. Our colleagues at the college negotiate with a Board of Trustees. The county freeholders assigned to the college have made premium sharing a priority. This has potential impact on ALL associations throughout the county. Therefore, they would like you and your local association to join them as they rally at their Board of Trustees meeting. EACH LOCAL IS ASKED TO SEND TWO OR MORE REPS,AND PLEASE WEAR RED. Participants are asked to please bring signs identifying your local's support, for example, GTEA SUPPORTS AAP.
WHERE: Camden County College, Blackwood Campus
WHEN: Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP: gquinn@njea.org by Friday, 1/25
More details regarding parking and directions will be supplied when you register.
WHERE: Camden County College, Blackwood Campus
WHEN: Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
RSVP: gquinn@njea.org by Friday, 1/25
More details regarding parking and directions will be supplied when you register.
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