Bad News ... Good News on Health Insurance
April 17, 2008
The House Ways and Means Committee yesterday reported out the budget bill with Gov. Patrick's strongly anti-employee health insurance proposal intact.
National President David J. Holway met with Speaker Sal DiMasi early this morning (Thursday, April 17) to discuss the impact of the proposal on state employees and their families, citing the fact that many state employees could see their health insurance costs increase by 66 percent under the proposal.
"Speaker DiMasi indicated that the House sentiment regarding this bill would likely change the provisions during the budget debate," said Holway. "I feel reasonably confident today that, if we continue to communicate with our legislators on this issue, we will have the support we need to maintain the current contribution levels."
According to NAGE Legislative Director Ray McGrath, Rep. Marty Walsh has filed an amendment that would maintain current health insurance contribution levels. The amendment will be included when the House conducts a full budget debate the week of April 28th.
In the meantime, members are asked to call their state reps at 617-722-2000 and urge them to support Rep. Walsh's amendment. We want to especially urge the 106 signers of Rep. Walsh's original letter to reaffirm their commitment to support the current contribution levels
Download the budget's health-insurance contribution section (pp. 38-39; line item 1108-5200)