State Pension Task Force Meeting
Watch a recording of the December 9 State Pension Task Force Meeting on YouTube here.
Past Legislative Leader Pens Letter Blasting Some Lawmakers Reluctance To Find New Revenue Source For Pensions
In advance of Thursday’s important meeting of the State Pension Task Force–and with knowledge of Rep. Copeland-Hanzas’ steadfast opposition to a new revenue stream to help fund state employee, teacher, and trooper pension plans–past gubernatorial candidate and legislative leader Doug Racine penned this excellent letter to VTDigger:
VTDigger’s recent report on the work of the Legislature’s pension committee shows many members who seem determined to break promises made over the years to public employees.
They continue to insist that cuts in pensions must be made instead of finding new revenues. Some are now hiding behind the governor’s opposition to new taxes.
Why not do what is right by keeping commitments and then letting the governor either sign or veto? Instead, they seem ready to let him off the hook.
URGENT! It’s About Your Pension! December 9 Meeting Reminder!
A recent VTDigger story let labor representatives on the State Pension Task Force, including three VSEA members, know that a much-needed revenue source to help fund employee, teacher, and trooper pension plans is not going to be part of any plan presented to the legislature in 2022. Labor representatives continue to voice their anger about the decision, and concerned VSEA members and retirees are urged to attend the meeting in a show of support for labor and a new, designated revenue source.
State Pension Task Force Meeting
Thursday, December 9, 2021
New Location:
Pavilion Building
109 State Street
Lecture Hall
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
If you’ll be attending in person, please let VSEA know by contacting VSEA Organizer Giovanna Zaccaria at GZaccaria@vsea.org. Thanks in advance!
This meeting will also be available to view online, via YouTube, but, again, if you can attend in person, you are urged to do so.
Help Spread The Word!
Download, distribute and post this flyer in your worksite! Thanks!
Note: VSEA members attending the December 9 Pension Task Force meeting at the Pavilion Building will receive mileage reimbursement.
With AHS Secretary’s Departure, VSEA Calls On Governor To Vet Replacement Carefully
AHS Secretary Mike Smith announced yesterday that he is leaving state service, prompting this quote from VSEA Executive Director in a VtDigger story about Smith’s departure:
“[VSEA is] hoping that, when the governor chooses his replacement, he’ll find somebody who has more human services experience and find someone who sees state employees as valuable assets — not just numbers in the machine.”
With all the issues currently adversely impacting frontline Corrections, Health Department, Department for Children and Families, Labor Department workers and employees in other agencies and departments, Howard’s request would seem fair and in Vermont’s best interest.
For now, the governor has appointed Deputy Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson as interim secretary.
VSEA’s Week In Action Newsletter: December 3, 2021!
URGENT! It’s About Your Pension!
Corrections Unit Contract Negotiations Headed To Fact Finding
Corrections Unit Members Meet With Key Lawmaker
VSEA Mourns Lisa Kelley’s Death
December 16 Council Meeting To Include 2022 Legislative Agenda Review
Fall 2021 VSEA Membership Recruitment Drive Contest Winners
Help Your VSEA Chapter! Help The Vermont Foodbank!
Reminders:
Join The VSEA Legislative Committee
Discounted Bolton Valley Passes For VSEA Members
VSEA Diversity Committee Seeking Members
View/Download Your Contract on VSEA.org
Solidarity Stories:
NLRB Orders New Election For Amazon Workers In Alabama
UAW Announces Official Results Of John Deere Workers’ Contract Vote
Kelloggs Workers To Vote On Tentative Agreement
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