VSEA’s Week In Action Newsletter: February 1, 2019

 

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VSEA Analysis Of State’s Annual Budget Address

Following the State’s annual formal budget address last week, VSEA Policy Analyst Adam Norton provided VSEA leaders and interested lawmakers with his comprehensive analysis of the speech and what proposals VSEA members and retirees can support and what they cannot. Here is a quick outline of Norton’s summary:      
 
General:

  • Budget covers July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020;
  • Indicates modest economic growth, attributed to revenue generated by current law(s), higher-than-anticipated tax receipts and proposed revenue enhancements; and
  • Overall, one of the “least-harmful” budget proposals for state employees in a decade.

 
VSEA Supports State’s Proposed: 

  • Full funding of Pay Act (employee salaries and benefits);
  • Full funding of the actuarially required contribution (ARC) to the state employees’ pension fund;
  • Increasing Department for Children and Families budget to fund additional social workers and alleviate current employees’ caseloads; and
  • Increasing funding for Vermont State Colleges by $3.2 million—a more than 10 percent bump.

 
VSEA Opposes State’s Proposed: 

  • Four RIFs from closure of Salisbury Fish Hatchery;
  • 21 yet-to-be-identified AHS position reductions, via attrition; and
  • Joint Family & Medical Leave Act initiative with New Hampshire.

 
State’s Proposed Tax Cuts & Fee Increases: 

  • Allocate $8 million from estate tax to Lake Champlain’s EPA-mandated clean up;
  • Income tax exemption for military pensions;
  • Repealing land-gains tax on properties owned for less than six years;
  • More than doubling the current estate-tax exemption from $2.75 million to $5.75 million over four years, which benefits Vermont’s wealthiest citizens;
  • Fee increases totaling $8.75 million, primarily tied to the Department of Financial Regulation; and
  • A 92% tax on e-cigarette products. 

 
Other:
 
To offset the loss of General Fund revenue from the State’s estate tax proposal—and fund new initiatives and relieve budget pressures–it proposes tightening online vendors’ sales-tax compliance and implementing Air B&B rentals rooms-tax compliance. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Mayfair decision allows states to impose a sales tax on e-commerce sales, and it’s estimated that increasing compliance will generate $9 million for the budget. The State is proposing to allocate $7 million of this new revenue to increasing child-care assistance to low- to moderate-income families. The State’s budget also proposes an additional $1 million to weatherize rental homes and $1 million Vermont’s highly publicized remote-worker program, which reimburses Americans working remotely for their moving costs if they relocate to Vermont.
 

State’s Just-Announced Infants-To-Work Proposal On The Table At Next Weeks’ VSEA Board Meeting

Without VSEA’s knowledge, the State announced yesterday that it is introducing a proposal to allow state employees to bring infants to work. VSEA members who feel strongly one way or the other about this proposal are urged to reach out ASAP to a VSEA Board of Trustees’ member to let him or her know how you feel. Your input will be invaluable when the Board meets next week to formally deliberate the proposal. 

VSEA Board of Trustees’ Members’ Contact Information

New Enrollment Period For VSEA Vision Insurance Program Begins February 1!

February 1, 2019, is the day VSEA members can begin enrolling in your union’s popular vision-care program.

Learn more about the vision benefit being offered here!

Springfield P&P Bomb Threats Generate Seven Days‘ Story About Employee Safety Concerns

Image: Seven Days

With two bomb threats recently phoned in to the Springfield Probation & Parole Office, and another recent "veiled threat" against DCF employees in Morrisville, VSEA is again reminding members about the BGS’ eAlert system to report threats. VSEA is also working to assess what threat alert system is currently in place for DCF employees (different than the BGS system), some telling VSEA that a link provided for alerts connects to a dead webpage. 

Seven Days published a piece yesterday, titled "Vermont State Workers in Springfield ‘Do Not Feel Safe After Bomb Threats" 

From the story:

[VSEA Executive Director Steve] Howard said security problems at state buildings are common, and trained security staff should be stationed in every state office. He said the August 2015 murder of DCF social worker Lara Sobel in a Barre parking lot started a conversation about security in state offices, but didn’t lead to much action. 

“There are whole buildings without any security staff at all, there are parking lots that aren’t secured,” Howard said. “When they have a bomb threat, it’s chaotic and there’s confusion everywhere.”

A similar communication breakdown happened Tuesday in Morrisville, according to Howard. State workers there noticed a police cruiser driving repeatedly past the building and asked their managers what was happening, he said. Only then, according to Howard, did managers send out an email explaining that police were on site because someone made a “veiled threat” against DCF during a court appearance, and the person was expected for an appointment at those state offices Tuesday afternoon. 

Howard said workers should be told when there’s a threat against their workplace, adding that communication alone won’t solve the problem. 

“We need significant investment in trained law enforcement in the state office buildings, particularly those that have DCF offices,” he said. “We are working to get our probation and parole officers the opportunity to be trained to carry defensive weapons. And that actually does make a lot of the state office buildings a little bit more secure because there would be people there who are trained to deal with those situations.” 

[State spokesperson Rebecca] Kelley said the [State] was looking into the assertion that the Springfield building’s intercom system wasn’t working properly during the recent bomb threats. She said state money for security is designated for new security measures as well as maintenance of existing security infrastructure.

Note: After the Seven Days story published, Springfield workers did receive an email yesterday afternoon from DOC Commissioner Mike Touchette, which read, in part, "Todays email is to recognize that these situations are stressful and unsettling. I will do what I can to support changes or to support you individually."

Reminder: State Employees Who Are Threatened On The Job Should File "eAlert" Form

VSEA is reminding members that there is an online form to fill out if you are threatened while at work

Find The State’s “eAlert” Homepage Here
 
Important: Once you land on the eAlert page, you will see an entry labeled “threat” in the menu provided. Click on it and you land on a page with written instructions and fields to complete.
 
In November 2017, the current Secretary of the Administration sent the State’s “Workplace Safety and Security” policy to state employees, and VSEA members are encouraged to read through the different policies, examples and responses, prior to an actual event occurring.

Debate About A New Woodside Facility Begins 

DCF Commissioner Ken Schaatz testified this week to a House committee that he supports allocating funds to build a new, 30-bed juvenile facility in Vermont. Photo: VTDigger

VTDigger reports on January 31 that a plan to build a new $23.3 million juvenile facility is on the table at the State House, but no formal action has occurred to date because, according to the chair of the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions, other committees are also looking at the issue and heave yet to weigh in. 

“I think I can say for the committee, and if I’m wrong someone correct me, but I think Woodside is a priority for this committee," Rep. Alice Emmons, D-Springfield, committee chair, said during debate. “I say that because we need to address a deficient building and our youth should not be traumatized anymore,” Emmons said, adding, “The sooner we can act the better.”

“We believe it is beneficial to the state to build a 30-bed facility with the potential to alleviate the necessity of sending so many youths to out-of-state residential programs,” according to DCF Commissioner Ken Schatz. “This would allow some of the youth who are currently out of state to be successfully treated here in Vermont.”

Michael Kuhn, the design and construction program chief for state Department of Buildings & General Services, educated the committee about the status of the current facility, giving a special shout out to the dedicated workers there.

“I will give DCF staff and volunteers a lot of credit, that facility is certainly not conducive to the rehabilitation and treatment of these juveniles and they do an outstanding job with what they’re provided,” Kuhn said.

A major sticking point right now is that the State did not allocate any new funds in the FY2020 budget to begin construction on a new juvenile facility.

State Considering Stopping Funding For Sheriff "Supervision" Of Psychiatric Patients In Hospital ERs

Graphic: Seven Days

VTDigger reports on January 29 that the State is considering ending payments to sheriff’s deputies to “supervise” psychiatric patients in Vermont’s hospital emergency rooms, citing "a recent rash of regulatory problems." 

From the story:

"…[State] officials say it’s an important move because hospitals are running afoul of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services due to improper use of law enforcement when dealing with mental health patients.

“Sheriffs are not allowed to physically intervene with (patients) in emergency rooms, and that is something that CMS is paying attention to,” state Mental Health Commissioner Sarah Squirrell said. “We have had findings in our state related to that, and it puts hospital certification at risk.”

However, the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems says the change could exacerbate problems for hospital emergency staff who are “already under significant stress” due to an influx of psychiatric patients.

“Elimination of this funding will increase costs for hospitals who rely on the support of local sheriffs to ensure the safety of those in our care,” said Devon Green, the association’s vice president of government relations.

The plight of Vermont’s emergency departments has been the highest-profile symptom of the state’s overburdened mental health system. Due to a lack of available inpatient psychiatric beds, mental health patients have been stranded in emergency rooms that are ill-equipped to care for them – sometimes for weeks at a time. 

Note: VSEA and its VPCH members flagged the State’s use of sheriffs years ago as a potential IMD infraction. Once, when the State was considering closing the old Vermont State Hospital, and again, post-Irene, telling State officials and lawmakers to build a large, State-owned, stand-alone facility to accommodate an anticipated growth in the number of Vermonters seeking treatment for mental illness. Unfortunately, VSEA’s urgent plea fell on deaf ears and here we are today, desperately searching for remedies.

2019 VSEA Scholarship Application Coming Next Week!

Beginning next week, the VSEA Scholarship & Awards Committee will once again begin accepting scholarship applications from VSEA members and their spouses, dependents and domestic partners. 
 
This is a friendly heads-up to members to look for a downloadable 2019 scholarship application link in next week’s Week In Action.

As always, VSEA students seeking financial assistance this year in the pursuit of your post-secondary educational goals are especially urged to apply, once the application is posted.  
 

Register Today For State House Day 2019!

At State House Day, VSEA members are afforded an opportunity to talk with legislators about the services you provide and the issues and challenges you and your colleagues face.

Join us for the legislative reception!
At 4:30 p.m., in the State House’s Cedar Creek Room, your union is hosting its annual legislative reception, where you can talk with your lawmakers over drinks and horderves. This is a fun, casual way to meet with lawmakers about the issues important to you. Join us when you can – leave when you must.

Register today and help make this VSEA’s most successful State House Day ever. Let’s show lawmakers and State officials at the State House what real collective power
looks like!

Register Online Here!

Photo from last night’s 2019 VSEA Legislative Committee-sponsored issue-dinner meeting to discuss employee rights.  

Please note: the February 6 legislative dinner has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict. Please stay tuned for a new date.

VSEA Trip To Foxwoods Casino!

The VSEA Membership Recruitment Committee is pleased to announce a return trip to the Foxwoods Casino in March. 
 
Dates:
Saturday, March 23 to Sunday, March 24, 2019

Travel Cost:
$69 per person
 
We will depart from Waterbury at 8:00 a.m. and from the Wilder Exit (I-91, Exit 12) at 9:00 a.m.

Lodging (One Night at Two Trees Inn):
$133/single occupancy
$78 per person/double occupancy
$70 per person/triple occupancy

Questions?
Please contact VSEA Union Rep Bob South (bsouth@vsea.org) or Administrative Assistant Sue DeVoid (sdevoid@vsea.org). Each can be reached by phone at 
802-223-5247
 
Register For VSEA’s Trip To Foxwoods Casino Online Here!

Important Information!
Payment is non-refundable and must be received within one week of registering or you will lose your spot. Cash, check and credit card payments accepted. To pay, please contact VSEA Union Representative Bob South by email (bsouth@vsea.org) or phone 802-223-5247. Thank You!

Foxwoods Resort Casino website

Quote Of The Week!

 

“We do not feel safe, and something needs to be done.”

Last line in a letter signed and sent to VSEA this week by multiple state employees and VSEA members working in Springfield, Vermont. The Springfield Probation & Parole Office has received two bomb threats in just the past two weeks. Seven Days story.

 

VSEA Meetings/ Trainings/ Events:

 

Upcoming VSEA Chapter Meeting

  • NEK / St. Johnsbury Chapter
    Thursday, February 14

    12:00 p.m.
    St. Johnsbury DCF / P&P District Office 
    1016 U.S. Route 5
    Large Conference Room 
    St. Johnsbury

    Questions: Contact NEK / St J. Chapter President Ellen Hinman: ellen.hinman@yahoo.com

Upcoming VSEA Organizer Worksite Meeting

  • DOL Call Center
    Tuesday, February 5

    12:00 p.m.
    DOL Call Center
    Large Conference Room 
    Montpelier

    Questions: Contact VSEA Organizer Carmen Scoles: cscoles@vsea.org

  • White River Junction
    Thursday, February 7

    12:00 p.m.
    State Office Building
    118 Prospect Street
    First Floor Conference Room 
    White River Junction

    Questions: Contact VSEA Organizer David Oppenheimer: doppenheimer@vsea.org

Upcoming VSEA Union Representative Worksite Meeting

  • Williston PSAP
    Tuesday, February 5

    2:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
    Williston PSAP Office
    2777 St. George Road 
    Williston

    Questions: Contact VSEA Union Representative Mike O’Day: moday@vsea.org

 

Points of Interest:

 

Unions’ Role In Ending Shutdown (For Now) Not Going Unnoticed

Several media outlets reported this week on the important role labor unions and their members played in helping to bring an end–albeit temporary–to the federal government shutdown. 

In a commentary this week titled "How Shutdown Exposed the Lie at the Heart of the Anti-Union ‘Right-to-Work’ Movement," United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes: 

"Since the day in December th[e] President shut down the government, the unions representing government workers, including the American Federation of Government Employees, the National Federation of Federal Employees and the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, supported their members by organizing public protests across the country, establishing food banks, and filing lawsuits to reopen government.

These are the organizations — unions — that reactionary far-right groups have spent the last seven months urging workers to quit. “Get out now that you can,” the right-wingers calling themselves right-to-work patrons told public sector employees in YouTube videos, Facebook ads, tweets, telephone calls and door-to-door solicitations. They spent millions trying to kill the unions that are now buttressing federal workers. So where were those right-to-work groups during the shutdown? Where was that National Right to Work (RTW) Foundation when hundreds of thousands of federal workers were locked out of their jobs and really wanted the right to work—with pay?

Nobody’s heard a peep from them.

That’s because they’re all bogus. They’re not about a right to work. They’re about destroying unions, and the higher wages and better benefits that collective bargaining gets for workers. They’re not going to help federal workers get back on the job. They’re interested only in ensuring that the millionaires and billionaires that bankroll RTW keep more money in their pockets while workers get less.

More On Labor’s Role:

Washington PostHow Air Traffic Controllers Helped End The Shutdown—And Changed History

Robert Reich: Air Traffic Controllers Defeated Trump. That’s Worker Power

Paste MagazineThe Unions and the Democratic Base Won the Shutdown, Not Pelosi

Fight Back NewsWorkers End Government Shutdown By Withholding Labor, Show Path Forward For Unions

Tax Breaks For Amazon Triggers One- Day Walkout By Virginia Teachers  

Like teachers across the country, Virginia teachers are saying "enough is enough," walking out of the classroom on Monday to send a message to state lawmakers that they are tired of being ignored, especially when House members are passing legislation this week (by a large margin) to grant corporate-giant Amazon $750 million in tax breaks to build a new headquarters in state.   

"It’s just a slap in the face,” Virginia teacher Ashley Nelson tells Governing. “I’ve worked at schools where we don’t have toilet paper, where I’m spending my [own] money to buy soap for my classroom, where I buy all of the school supplies. To see a company that already has billions in profit every year is getting a tax break three times the increase they’re giving education — it’s just an absolute slap in the face."

Virginia teachers were joined Monday on the Capitol grounds by American Federation of Teachers union president Randi Weingarten, who told the crowd, “The Amazon deal, compared to the money for schools, seems so dissonant. How could the Amazon deal [be] such a priority and schools all throughout the state be less of a priority for the legislators?”

Governing writes, "In the short-term, education advocates are urging lawmakers to back [a Rep’s] proposed $269 million hike in school spending, which includes a 5 percent teacher raise. 

Related:

Common DreamsCiting $750 Million Tax Break for Amazon While Students Suffer, Teachers Walk Out in Virginia 
 

Union Activists Vow Legal Challenge To NLRB’s Attempt To Deflate Labor’s Well- Known Mascot, "Scabby The Rat" 

VSEA Member and AOT Employee Ed Olsen urges crowd to "fight back with VSEA" at April 2015 rally at the State House. "Scabby" in far background. 

"Scabby the Rat" has been making appearances at labor union pickets and fights for more than 30 years, even coming to Vermont in April 2015 (pictured above) to support state employees "Fight Back" campaign to save positions from being cut in the budgeting process, strongly oppose a request to re-open bargaining, stop privatization proposals and denounce other attacks at the time on state employees and their services.

Now, according to a January 29 American Prospect story, the federal National Labor Relations Board’s General Counsel is seeking "to issue a rule making it illegal to engage in any protest activity in the company of a balloon rat."

But union activists are promising to fight any attempt to ban Scabby. 

From the story:

"Union activists eager for a free speech fight after the Supreme Court’s Janus v. AFSCME attack on union rights may have found one in the form of a giant inflatable rat."

"What the rat does—and effectively—is raise the spirits of workers who know a rat when they see one. They turn union-busting employers into objects of ridicule. NLRB Counsel Robb spent his private sector legal career representing construction industry employers, who no doubt passed countless billable hours complaining to him about their pest problems. Bosses really are personally offended to be called a rat and to have giant inflatable rats mocking them outside of their property. That is what makes defending Scabby the Rat a First Amendment issue. An agent of the government is making a value judgment about the method and content of unions’ free speech and protest activity that has nothing to do with its impact on commerce or his agency’s charge under the law."

Note: We’ll let VSEA members know if a "Save Scabby" petition is created, which, according to several recent articles about Scabby, is in the works. 

Scabby the Rat’s Twitter Page 

Half Of Game Developers Surveyed Say Industry Workers Need A Union 

A story posted last week to website Kotaku about a survey recently conducted by the Game Developers Association that found nearly half of the game developers asked said they thought game-industry workers should unionize.

“Over the decades I’ve seen crunch turn from a ‘worst case’ part of innovating into an expected part of game development,” wrote another. “As a manager and owner, I see no pressure from studio heads or publishers in AAA to change this. When one executive can get a $20 million bonus in exchange for crunching hundreds of people, shipping before the game is ready, then laying off those people, the industry is ripe for self-correction. I would welcome our employees unionizing in the current environment.”

Note: "Crunch" is a term in the gaming industry that indicates a period when management is working game developers hard to meet a set deadline.  

This Week:

VSEA Analysis Of State’s Annual Budget Address

State’s Just- Announced Infants-To-Work Proposal On The Table At Next Weeks’ VSEA Board Meeting

New Enrollment Period For VSEA Vision Insurance Program Begins February 1!

Springfield P&P Bomb Threats Generate Seven Days‘ Story About Employee Safety Concerns

Reminder: State Employees Who Are Threatened On The Job Should File "eAlert" Form

Debate About A New Woodside Facility Begins 

State Considering Stopping Funding For Sheriff "Supervision" Of Psychiatric Patients In Hospital ERs

2019 VSEA Scholarship Application Coming Next Week!

Register Today For State House Day 2019!

VSEA Trip To Foxwoods Casino!

 

Upcoming VSEA Meetings, Trainings, and Events:

 

DOL Call Center
February 5

12:00 p.m.

Williston PSAP
February 5

2:30 p.m.

White River
Junction Worksite
February 7

12:00 p.m.

NEK / St. Johnsbury Chapter Meeting
February 14
12:00 p.m.

 

Points of Interest:

 

Unions’ Role In Ending Shutdown (For Now) Not Going Unnoticed

Tax Breaks For Amazon Triggers
One-Day Walkout By 
Virginia Teachers 

Union Activists Vow Legal Challenge To NLRB’s Attempt To Deflate Labor’s Well-Known Mascot, "Scabby The Rat" 

Half Of Game Developers Surveyed Say Industry Workers Need A Union 

 

VSEA Reminders:

 

Updated: 
2019 Legislative Session Online Hub

VSEA Membership Drive 2019 Now Underway!​

"Protect Your Pension" Meeting Now On Video​

Told You’re Being Investigated?
Watch This Video!​

Getting Ready To Retire? Retired Already? Join The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter!

What You Should Know About The Anti-Worker Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Guaranteed Issue Term and Whole Life Insurance for VSEA Members!​

Bolton Valley Again Offering “Industry Rate” To VSEA Members On 2018-19 All-Access Season Passes​

What Is The VSEA Advantage Program?

 

VSEA Calendar:

February 1
Open Enrollment Period Begins For VSEA Vision Program

February 5
Organizer’s Worksite Meeting 
DOL Call Center
Large Conference Room 
Montpelier
12:00 p.m.

February 5
Union Rep’s Meeting: Williston PSAP
Williston PSAP Office
2777 St. George Road
Williston
2:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

February 7
Judiciary Unit Labor / Management Committee Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.

February 7
Organizer’s Worksite Meeting 
White River Junction
State Office Building
118 Prospect Street
First Floor Conference Room 
White River Junction

February 8
Board Of Trustees’ Meeting
VSEA HQ
155 State Street
Montpelier
9:00 a.m.

 

2019 Legislative Session Online Hub

Recently Updated:

View Online!
 

A collection of resources, reports, and tools to help VSEA members navigate the Vermont Legislative Session.

Clicking on the hub’s main link, members and retirees are taken to a page that lists a number of options to click on, including:

The hub will be updated with new information as it becomes available, such as the just-approved VSEA legislative priorities.

 

VSEA Membership Drive 2019
Now Underway!

Between January 1, 2019, and September 1, 2019, VSEA is calling on all members to become active recruiters—and you might be rewarded for your efforts. Here’s how:

  • Members who recruit two members will receive a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card;
     
  • Members who recruit five new members will receive a VSEA insulated coffee mug; and 
     
  • Members who recruit ten new members will receive a $50 Visa gift card.  

Every time you recruit a new member during the designated period*, your name is entered into a drawing to be conducted at VSEA’s 2019 Annual Meeting. Four names will be pulled at random and winners will receive a check for $300! 
 
Need a quick reference to help with your recruiting? You can view an informational webpage with some recruitment tips and advice here.

* Please be sure the new members you recruit add your name to the "Recruited By" line on their union card or membership application.
 
If you have any questions, or want a list of non-members in your area, please contact VSEA Director of Operations and Organizing Ray Stout by email: rstout@vsea.org

 

"Protect Your Pension" Meeting Now
On Video

Prior to the legislative 2019 session kicking off, VSEA Executive Director Steve Howard was conducting an education tour around the state, talking with VSEA members and retirees about an expected attack on your pension, who is behind it and how to help prevent it from happening. 

If you weren’t able to attend a presentation in your area, VSEA is pleased to now share this link to Steve’s December 2018 St. Albans presentation.

This video is for VSEA members only. To view it you must be logged into your VSEA.org user account. If you do not have a VSEA.org account, please sign up for a free account here.

Watch the presentation online

 

Told You’re Being Investigated? Watch This Video!

In response to requests from members for information about an employee’s rights in investigatory meetings, VSEA’s Communications Department posted a video this week, featuring VSEA activist Robin Rieske talking to members about their rights. 

It is important that every VSEA member knows his or her rights when it comes to union representation in investigatory meetings. Union representation at these meetings is a cornerstone of the labor movement. Your right to representation—as outlined in your contract and, in some cases, labor law—can be complicated.

Please take a few minutes on a break to watch the video, and know that the information being relayed could very well save your job someday. Remember, as a VSEA member, you are entitled to no-cost representation in investigatory meetings that may lead to discipline. Non-members, however, must now pay a rate of $250 to $350 per-hour for the same level of representation!

More: Know Your Union Rights

Not currently a VSEA member?
You can sign up online.

Getting Ready To Retire? Retired Already? Join The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter!

Long-time VSEA activist and leader Terry Lefebvre asked Council members getting ready to retire to join the VSEA Retirees’ Chapter to continue to be an active and engaged union member, even in retirement. Lefebvre also appealed to Council members to talk up the Chapter to co-workers they know who might be preparing to retire. 
 
With a possible fight looming on retirement security, Lefebvre stressed the importance to build the Chapter to be able to mobilize large numbers of past state workers to protect and defend the benefits they bargained to win over decades.

If you already belong to the Retired Members’ Chapter, a big thanks to you.
 
Learn More Here About The VSEA Retired Members’ Chapter

What You Should Know About The Anti-Worker Janus v. AFSCME U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

Thanks in advance for visiting VSEA’s Janus webpage to ensure you are an informed union member. 
 

 

Guaranteed Issue Term and Whole Life Insurance for VSEA Members!

WIA was asked by VSEA Benefits Administrator, Joanne Woodcock, to include the following in this week’s newsletter:
Aflac life insurance helps take care of your loved ones* immediate and future needs if you should pass away. Immediate needs can include burial/funeral expenses, uninsured medical costs and current bills and debts. Future needs could include income replacement, education plans, ongoing family obligations, emergency funds, and retirement expenses.

Aflac is insurance for daily living. It’s never easy to think about life insurance, but it can mean that your family will have added financial resources to help with ongoing living expenses. Aflac life insurance is designed to provide you and your beneficiary(ies) with cash benefits. The following options are available and can help provide peace of mind during a very difficult time.

  • Guaranteed-issue** – 10-year, 20-year, or 30-year Term Life coverage up to $50,000.

    … or Guaranteed-issue** Whole Life coverage up to $50,000.
     

  • Ability to borrow from the policy’s cash value to help pay medical expenses, college tuition, down payment on a new home, or any other bills you may have.

Apply Today – No health questions asked.  Ask your VSEA Insurance Benefits Advisor how an Aflac life policy can help you and your family.

Joanne Woodcock
VSEA Insurance Benefits
888-510-4467 (call me toll free)
Joanne@vseainsurance.com
Learn More Here

* Certain face amounts may not be available. Underwriting requirements apply. ** Subject to certain conditions and payment of claims is subject to all policy limitations and exclusions and pre-existing conditions. 
This is a brief product overview for illustrative purposes only. Benefits and/or premiums may vary based on the state and benefit option selected. Riders may be available for an additional premium. Policies described herein have limitations and exclusions that may affect benefits payable. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your Aflac insurance agent/producer. Individual coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus.  
WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA 31999 | aflac.com

 

Bolton Valley Again Offering “Industry Rate” To VSEA Members On 2018-19
All-Access Season Passes

All VSEA members in good standing are eligible to purchase a pass or passes. You can purchase yours today by first contacting VSEA by email at vsea@vsea.org. VSEA will verify your membership status and provide you with VSEA’s code, which you will need to complete your online purchase.

Once you have the required code:

  • Click here;
     
  • Click “Buy Online”;
     
  • In the “Cart View,” click on “Add / Change Guest” to set the pass-holder’s name and information to each pass, then;
     
  • Click “Proceed to Checkout”;
     
  • Enter VSEA’s promotional code and click “Apply Code.” The cart should refresh and reflect your discount.

Pricing:

Pass Type: Pre-April 2 Price/ Post-April 2 Price

Adult (18+): 
$379 / $429

Youth w/Adult
(7-17): 

$159 / $179

Youth (7-17): 
$199 / $239

Senior (65-74): 
$229 / $239

Child (6 and under): $29 / $29

Ski Bum (18-25): $179 / $279

 

What is the VSEA Advantage Program?

Did you know?
The average VSEA member can save hundreds of dollars a year by taking advantage of some of the Members Only benefits offered through their union!

GET EXCLUSIVE OFFERS, DISCOUNTS & MORE

It’s free, just for being a Vermont State Employees’ Association PerksConnect member!

Learn More!

Questions? Feel free to email vsea@ vsea.org

 

Need To Update Your Contact Information
With VSEA? 
Don’t Have
A VSEA
Union Card? 

Request A Green VSEA Union Card

Have You Been Threatened
At Work? 

Send A Threat Report To VSEA

Are You A
VSEA Council Member?

Join the VSEA Council Facebook group here!

Are You A
VSEA Steward?

Join the VSEA Steward Facebook
group here!

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VSEA’s Communications Department is happy to disseminate any and all communications the leadership, Chapters, Units, and others request, however, the lists the Department currently pull from are provided to the union by the State of Vermont. VSEA’s Communications Department has found the lists to be dated, incomplete and sometimes lacking key information.

To help VSEA more effectively reach active members—and really all those members who want to know what’s going on in their union—VSEA is working hard to collect members’ contact information.

You can help us by clicking here and signing up for the VSEA communications you are interested in receiving.

Thank you in advance for subscribing. Please urge your colleagues to do the same.

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