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.
Friday, September 19, 2008
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.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
OVERRIDE OF EDUCATION BUDGET VOTE
We need your immediate help!
The President has vetoed the Fiscal Year 2008 Education Appropriations bill. This bill contains critical programs including: special and early childhood education, dropout prevention and student aid for the college bound.
NJEA is appealing to Congress to stand up for children and public schools by overriding the President’s veto. Therefore, we are asking both Democrats and Republicans to work together to override the veto when it comes up for a vote prior to Thanksgiving recess.
We are urging all local leaders to call their Congressional office (either their DC or District phone number) stressing a “yes” vote to override. The phone list for the Congressional offices is below.
Your calls and help are greatly appreciated as the time frame for action is very short.
Thank you.
110th CONGRESS
U.S. SENATORS
Frank Lautenberg (D) 202-224-3224
FAX: 202-228-4054
EMAIL: www.lautenberg.senate.gov
District Office: 973-639-8700
FAX: 973-639-8723
Robert Menendez (D) 202-224-4744
FAX: 202-228-2197
EMAIL: www.menendez.senate.gov
District Office: 973-645-3030
FAX: 973-645-0502
U.S. CONGRESSPERSONS
CD 01
Robert Andrews (D) 202-225-6501
FAX: 202-225-6583
EMAIL: rob.andrews@mail.house.gov
District Office: 856-546-5100
FAX: 856-546-9529
CD 02
Frank LoBiondo (R) 202-225-6572
FAX: 202-225-3318
EMAIL: lobiondo@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-625-5008
FAX: 609-625-5071
CD 03
H. James Saxton (R) 202-225-4765
FAX: 202-225-0778
EMAIL: jim.saxton@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-261-5800
FAX: 609-261-1275
CD 04
Christopher Smith (R) 202-225-3765
FAX: 202-225-7768
EMAIL: www.chrissmith.house.gov/zipauth.html
District Office: 609-585-7878
FAX: 609-585-9155
CD 05
Scott Garrett (R) 202-225-4465
FAX: 202-225-9048
EMAIL: www.house.gov/formgarrett/contact.shtml
District Office: 201-712-0330
FAX: 201-712-0930
CD 06
Frank Pallone (D) 202-225-4671
FAX: 202-225-9665
EMAIL: frank.pallone@mail.house.gov
District Office: 732-571-1140
FAX: 732-870-3890
CD 07
Michael Ferguson (R) 202-225-5361
FAX: 202-225-9460
EMAIL: www.ferguson.house.gov/index.cmf?
District Office: 908-757-7835
FAX: 908-757-7841
CD 08
William Pascrell (D) 202-225-5751
FAX: 202-225-5782
EMAIL: bill.pascrell@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-523-5152
FAX: 973-523-0637
CD 09
Steven Rothman (D) 202-225-5061
FAX: 202-225-5851
EMAIL: steven.rothman@mail.house.gov
District Office: 201-646-0808
FAX: 201-646-1944
CD 10
Donald Payne (D) 202-225-3436
FAX: 202-225-4160
EMAIL: donald.payne@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-645-3213
FAX: 973-645-5902
CD 11
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R) 202-225-5034
FAX: 202-225-3186
EMAIL: rodney.frelinghuysen@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-984-0711
FAX: 973-292-1569
CD 12
Rush Holt (D) 202-225-5801
FAX: 202-225-6025
EMAIL: rush.holt.@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-750-9365
FAX: 609-750-0618
CD 13
Albio Sires (D) 202-225-7919
FAX: 202-226-0792
EMAIL: www.house.gov/sires/
District Office: 201-222-2828
FAX: 201-222-0188
10/11/07
The President has vetoed the Fiscal Year 2008 Education Appropriations bill. This bill contains critical programs including: special and early childhood education, dropout prevention and student aid for the college bound.
NJEA is appealing to Congress to stand up for children and public schools by overriding the President’s veto. Therefore, we are asking both Democrats and Republicans to work together to override the veto when it comes up for a vote prior to Thanksgiving recess.
We are urging all local leaders to call their Congressional office (either their DC or District phone number) stressing a “yes” vote to override. The phone list for the Congressional offices is below.
Your calls and help are greatly appreciated as the time frame for action is very short.
Thank you.
110th CONGRESS
U.S. SENATORS
Frank Lautenberg (D) 202-224-3224
FAX: 202-228-4054
EMAIL: www.lautenberg.senate.gov
District Office: 973-639-8700
FAX: 973-639-8723
Robert Menendez (D) 202-224-4744
FAX: 202-228-2197
EMAIL: www.menendez.senate.gov
District Office: 973-645-3030
FAX: 973-645-0502
U.S. CONGRESSPERSONS
CD 01
Robert Andrews (D) 202-225-6501
FAX: 202-225-6583
EMAIL: rob.andrews@mail.house.gov
District Office: 856-546-5100
FAX: 856-546-9529
CD 02
Frank LoBiondo (R) 202-225-6572
FAX: 202-225-3318
EMAIL: lobiondo@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-625-5008
FAX: 609-625-5071
CD 03
H. James Saxton (R) 202-225-4765
FAX: 202-225-0778
EMAIL: jim.saxton@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-261-5800
FAX: 609-261-1275
CD 04
Christopher Smith (R) 202-225-3765
FAX: 202-225-7768
EMAIL: www.chrissmith.house.gov/zipauth.html
District Office: 609-585-7878
FAX: 609-585-9155
CD 05
Scott Garrett (R) 202-225-4465
FAX: 202-225-9048
EMAIL: www.house.gov/formgarrett/contact.shtml
District Office: 201-712-0330
FAX: 201-712-0930
CD 06
Frank Pallone (D) 202-225-4671
FAX: 202-225-9665
EMAIL: frank.pallone@mail.house.gov
District Office: 732-571-1140
FAX: 732-870-3890
CD 07
Michael Ferguson (R) 202-225-5361
FAX: 202-225-9460
EMAIL: www.ferguson.house.gov/index.cmf?
District Office: 908-757-7835
FAX: 908-757-7841
CD 08
William Pascrell (D) 202-225-5751
FAX: 202-225-5782
EMAIL: bill.pascrell@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-523-5152
FAX: 973-523-0637
CD 09
Steven Rothman (D) 202-225-5061
FAX: 202-225-5851
EMAIL: steven.rothman@mail.house.gov
District Office: 201-646-0808
FAX: 201-646-1944
CD 10
Donald Payne (D) 202-225-3436
FAX: 202-225-4160
EMAIL: donald.payne@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-645-3213
FAX: 973-645-5902
CD 11
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R) 202-225-5034
FAX: 202-225-3186
EMAIL: rodney.frelinghuysen@mail.house.gov
District Office: 973-984-0711
FAX: 973-292-1569
CD 12
Rush Holt (D) 202-225-5801
FAX: 202-225-6025
EMAIL: rush.holt.@mail.house.gov
District Office: 609-750-9365
FAX: 609-750-0618
CD 13
Albio Sires (D) 202-225-7919
FAX: 202-226-0792
EMAIL: www.house.gov/sires/
District Office: 201-222-2828
FAX: 201-222-0188
10/11/07
Monday, October 29, 2007
PRESIDENTS' OVERNIGHTER - NOV. 16-17
The Camden County Presidents' Overnight Workshops will be held at the Princeton Hyatt on November 16 - 17. Due to NJEA Convention and vacation schedules at the county office, RSVPs MUST reach the CCCEA office no later than Friday, November 2. Don't miss out on this very memorable event. Get your RSVPs in today!
Friday, October 05, 2007
NEW MEMBER FAIR
The new member fair scheduled for October 17 is rapidly filling up! If you have members who are interested in attending, please let us know ASAP. As of today, we have some exciting vendors that will be participating. Some include Borders, Unlimited Day Spa, who will be on hand to give massages and discounts on services; Camden River Sharks have tons of giveaways for those attending; clowns, jugglers, and caricatures will surely be part of the fun. Our endorsed vendors, such as Buyers Edge, Prudential, Wachovia Bank, Camden Children's Garden, Philadelphia Soul, and many others, will be on hand to share information with our members. Don't miss out on this fun event.
Check your emails on Tuesday for a poster you can add to your bulletin boards.
Check your emails on Tuesday for a poster you can add to your bulletin boards.
Monday, September 24, 2007
ATTEND THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SUMMIT
The 2007 NJEA Jim George Collective Bargaining Summit will be held in New Brunswick on Saturday, October 13. Please note that there have been problems with the lock box, and to date, we have no one registered from Camden County. If you have sent in registration forms for you or members in your local, please contact this office immediately.
This year's summit will be our 40th anniversary celebration of the Asbury Park rally and is designed specifically for NJEA members involved in the bargaining process. Local presidents, negotiations teams, and other members involved in the bargaining process will benefit from discussions on NJEA’s success in protecting the health benefits they negotiate, as well as post-retirement medical benefits.
This year's summit will be our 40th anniversary celebration of the Asbury Park rally and is designed specifically for NJEA members involved in the bargaining process. Local presidents, negotiations teams, and other members involved in the bargaining process will benefit from discussions on NJEA’s success in protecting the health benefits they negotiate, as well as post-retirement medical benefits.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
COMMUNICATIONS TOOLS WORKSHOP
On October 27th, the NJEA's Communications Tools Workshop will be held in our headquarters office in Trenton. This is a great workshop for association newsletter editors, PRIDE chairs, and even ARs! For a registration form, please contact lgalley@njea.org. This is a great opportunity for you, as president, to recruit someone to do this much needed job.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
LAST CALL!! NEW MEMBERSHIP WORKSHOP
As you know, there will be a Membership Chair workshop at the CCCEA office on Monday, September 17. To date, we have attendees from only five locals (Educational Assistants of Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Black Horse Pike, Haddon Township, and Clementon.)
Please encourage your membership chairs to attend this training. They will hear all about NJEA's latest membership and organizing resources, how to update membership records on NJEA's electronic membership system (MARS on the web), and much more. And last but not least, they will receive an exclusive Year of the Leader golf shirt just for attending!!!
Please contact the CCCEA office at 856-489-1267 today to confirm your seat. It's important that your records and ours are kept as up to date as possible for accurate funding purposes.
If you have any questions, please don't hestitate to contact us.
Please encourage your membership chairs to attend this training. They will hear all about NJEA's latest membership and organizing resources, how to update membership records on NJEA's electronic membership system (MARS on the web), and much more. And last but not least, they will receive an exclusive Year of the Leader golf shirt just for attending!!!
Please contact the CCCEA office at 856-489-1267 today to confirm your seat. It's important that your records and ours are kept as up to date as possible for accurate funding purposes.
If you have any questions, please don't hestitate to contact us.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
BILL LOCKING IN POST RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS PASSES LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
We will soon witness an historic moment in NJEA history:
In 1988, NJEA secured state-paid health benefits for teacher retirees. The state budgeted money for these benefits on a yearly basis. Benefits were guaranteed for that year.
In 1992, we secured the same state-paid health benefits for ESP and higher ed members.
In 1997, we secured a legal “lock” (a contractual right) on members’ pensions.
And in 2007, in a political climate openly hostile to public employees’ pensions and health benefits, NJEA will soon secure a legal guarantee to premium-free retiree health benefits for all members. Once this legislation is passed, the state, regardless of its fiscal health, can never renege on our retirees’ health benefits.
Earlier today, S-3004/A-5005, which guarantees public school employees’ post-retirement medical benefits, unanimously passed from committees in both houses of the legislature. The legislation is expected to pass, and Governor Corzine is expected to sign the legislation soon.
As you know, the new health plan will be a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) with an extensive, national network of doctors. An appointment with a doctor would cost $10 dollars. In the event that a non-network doctor or facility is needed, members will still have access to the doctor or facility of their choice without a gate-keeper. If they choose an out-of-network doctor, their co-pay would be 80/20, although the out-of-pocket maximums will increase for out-of-network services.
In addition, the plan will be governed by a new independent body of nine individuals, with NJEA having a significant voice on the board. The board will be comprised of the State Treasurer, the Commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance, a member appointed by the Governor, a member appointed by the Governor from among three persons nominated by the New Jersey School Boards’ Association, three members appointed by the Governor from among five persons nominated by the New Jersey Education Association, a member appointed by the Governor from among three persons nominated by the education section of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, and a member appointed by the governor with agreement from NJEA who shall be the chairperson.
Most importantly, the legislation guarantees that there will be no premium sharing for retirees now or in the future, a guarantee similar to the “lock” that school employees now have on their pensions.
Also as a result of this legislation, the uniformity clause that now requires all local governing bodies, including school districts that are in the State Health Benefits Plan, to receive the same level of benefits as state employees, would no longer apply. Consequently, it prevents school employees’ health benefits from being bargained by other unions.
The option for a district not to participate in the state plan will remain as it is now. A district that now has a private plan could remain in that plan.
S-3004/A-5005 also includes changes to the pension system and the State Investment Council that we have discussed previously.
As soon as possible, information about the legislation and the plan will be available on www.njea.org.
In 1988, NJEA secured state-paid health benefits for teacher retirees. The state budgeted money for these benefits on a yearly basis. Benefits were guaranteed for that year.
In 1992, we secured the same state-paid health benefits for ESP and higher ed members.
In 1997, we secured a legal “lock” (a contractual right) on members’ pensions.
And in 2007, in a political climate openly hostile to public employees’ pensions and health benefits, NJEA will soon secure a legal guarantee to premium-free retiree health benefits for all members. Once this legislation is passed, the state, regardless of its fiscal health, can never renege on our retirees’ health benefits.
Earlier today, S-3004/A-5005, which guarantees public school employees’ post-retirement medical benefits, unanimously passed from committees in both houses of the legislature. The legislation is expected to pass, and Governor Corzine is expected to sign the legislation soon.
As you know, the new health plan will be a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) with an extensive, national network of doctors. An appointment with a doctor would cost $10 dollars. In the event that a non-network doctor or facility is needed, members will still have access to the doctor or facility of their choice without a gate-keeper. If they choose an out-of-network doctor, their co-pay would be 80/20, although the out-of-pocket maximums will increase for out-of-network services.
In addition, the plan will be governed by a new independent body of nine individuals, with NJEA having a significant voice on the board. The board will be comprised of the State Treasurer, the Commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance, a member appointed by the Governor, a member appointed by the Governor from among three persons nominated by the New Jersey School Boards’ Association, three members appointed by the Governor from among five persons nominated by the New Jersey Education Association, a member appointed by the Governor from among three persons nominated by the education section of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, and a member appointed by the governor with agreement from NJEA who shall be the chairperson.
Most importantly, the legislation guarantees that there will be no premium sharing for retirees now or in the future, a guarantee similar to the “lock” that school employees now have on their pensions.
Also as a result of this legislation, the uniformity clause that now requires all local governing bodies, including school districts that are in the State Health Benefits Plan, to receive the same level of benefits as state employees, would no longer apply. Consequently, it prevents school employees’ health benefits from being bargained by other unions.
The option for a district not to participate in the state plan will remain as it is now. A district that now has a private plan could remain in that plan.
S-3004/A-5005 also includes changes to the pension system and the State Investment Council that we have discussed previously.
As soon as possible, information about the legislation and the plan will be available on www.njea.org.
SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SPARKS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
This year's Summer Leadership Conference program includes a first-ever scholarship program for Sparks. The five-day pilot program runs throughout Workshop I and II, beginning on August 4 and concluding on August 8.
During Workshop I, attendees will participate in the highly successful Sparks program, where they get to explore a variety of advocacy and leadership roles. This unique five-day program will then give the participants an opportunity to receive "on-the-job" training by attending one of a selected group of seminars during Workshop II.
At this point, the enrollment is low, and we are asking for your assistance in reaching out to your members to see who might be interested in this all-expense paid training opportunity.
A description of the program, as well as the information needed, is in the SLC brochure. Due to the late date, the interested member can either fax or email the information to Toni Boyle at UniServ HQ -- since the rooms can only be held for a short amount of time, we are asking for all participants to submit their information no later than Friday, June 22.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please let us know.
Thanks for your assistance in helping to make this pilot program a success.
During Workshop I, attendees will participate in the highly successful Sparks program, where they get to explore a variety of advocacy and leadership roles. This unique five-day program will then give the participants an opportunity to receive "on-the-job" training by attending one of a selected group of seminars during Workshop II.
At this point, the enrollment is low, and we are asking for your assistance in reaching out to your members to see who might be interested in this all-expense paid training opportunity.
A description of the program, as well as the information needed, is in the SLC brochure. Due to the late date, the interested member can either fax or email the information to Toni Boyle at UniServ HQ -- since the rooms can only be held for a short amount of time, we are asking for all participants to submit their information no later than Friday, June 22.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please let us know.
Thanks for your assistance in helping to make this pilot program a success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)