| AFSCME Iowa Council 61 - Everyday. Everywhere. Making Iowa Better. |
5/7/2013 Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director Below is a list of bills that are currently in a conference committee and the legislators on each conference committee. We urge you to contact conference committee members by e-mail to express your opinion. 5/2/2013 DES MOINES – Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan released the following statement regarding House Republicans’ passage of their version of the Standing Appropriations Bill, which included an attack on collective bargaining rights: “The legislation passed by House Republicans today is a blatant attack on the collective bargaining rights of Iowa workers. The appropriate way to set these health insurance benefits is through Iowa’s collective bargaining process. It is not appropriate to try to circumvent collective bargaining through legislation. The state contract is a contract between the Executive Branch and the Union. It is not appropriate for the Legislature to interfere in it.” 4/26/2013 Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director Below is an update on budget issues that have had legislative activity this week. We hope that you will e-mail or call your legislators about these issues. You can look up your legislators by clicking on this link. Please remember to contact your legislators using a personal e-mail or personal phone from a non-work location during non-work hours. Allowable Growth and Education Reform Status: The Education Reform bill (SF 423/HF 215) is still in conference committee. Both parties have tentatively agreed on 2% with a one-time 2% bonus, (Senate has different version in Standings bill which appropriates a straight 4%) for FY 14 and 4% for FY15. Republicans and the Governor want to add language that affects unionized teachers (ISEA) and their contract provisions which include teacher evaluations. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the ISEA position and the Senate bill. SF 430 - Economic Development Budget Status: Republicans and Democrats are currently working in a conference committee to resolve the differences between the Senate Democrats and House Republicans versions of this bill. AFSCME is following the provision on whether or not to reopen Workforce Development offices that were closed and add language that would require the Governor to keep open IWD satellite field offices in Iowa City, Decorah, Fort Madison, and Webster City. Senate Democrats appropriated $78,504,941 for SF 430. House Republicans appropriated $45,014,541. SF 447 - Justice Systems Budget Status: On April 23rd, the House Republicans passed their version of the SF 447 which was markedly different then the Senate version. SF 447 was sent to a conference committee. Total Appropriation for FY 14: Senate Democrats = $560,102,868; House Republicans = $534,498,754 Major Differences: Senate Democrats added 197 more FTEs for staffing levels in our correctional facilities. House Republicans removed these extra FTEs. Senate Democrats included language to keep open Luster Heights and the Clinical Care Unit (CCU) at ISP. House Republicans stripped these out of the Senate bill. Both versions open the new CBC facilities in Waterloo, Davenport, Ottumwa, and Sioux City; however, Republicans open these facilities at lower staffing levels. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Legislative Update 4/19/2013 Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director Below is an update on budget issues facing the Iowa Legislature. We hope that you will attend a legislator forum or email or call your legislators about these issues. You can look up your legislators by clicking on this link. SF 430 - Economic Development Budget Status: The bill is now in Conference Committee. SF 447 - Justice Systems Budget Status: Bill passed the Senate 26-23 on April 17th. Comparisons are between Senate Democrats version and Governor's Recommendations. SF 442 Judicial Branch Budget Status: Passed Senate on April 15th. Passed House Appropriations committee on a nonpartisan vote. Will be debated soon. HF 602 Transportation Budget HF 602 is generally a very nonpartisan budget. HF 602 passed the House 97-0 on March 20th. The Senate amended HF 602. This amendment struck the FY15 appropriation from the bill and left only the FY14 appropriation in the bill. Other than that there is no difference between the House and Senate versions. Leaders are still working out what percentage of the FY15 appropriation will be appropriated this year and what percentage will be appropriated next year. The bill is currently in the House. SF 446 - Health and Human Services Budget Status: Passed the Senate 26-22 on April 18th. Bill now goes to the House. Comparisons are between Senate Democrats version and Governor's Recommendations. Medicaid Expansion - SF 296 On Tuesday, the House Republican Leadership held a public hearing on the Medicaid Expansion bill passed by Senate Democrats. While three-quarters of the 72 people signed up to testify favored Medicaid expansion, time was only allotted for 17 speakers for Medicaid expansion and 15 speakers against Medicaid expansion. Governor Branstad has his own proposal HSB 232 that not only does not expand health care but also cuts the number of families who could access health care. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the Senate bill - SF 296. Allowable Growth and Education Reform The Education Reform bill (SF 423/HF 215) is in conference committee. Both parties have agreed on 2% with a 2% bonus for 2014 and 4% for 2015. The sticking points are issues that affect unionized teachers (ISEA) and their contract provisions which include teacher evaluations. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 supports the ISEA position and the Senate bill SF 423. Dear Sisters and Brothers, The Iowa House Democratic Caucus has provided us with a list of Legislative Forums that will be held by Democratic State Representatives. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 strongly encourages our members to attend legislative forums held by all legislators. We are providing this list a resource to you. To download the list of forums, click "Read More" below and then look under “Additional Resources” at the bottom of the page. The list includes forums in The list includes forums in Ames, Bloomfield, Burlington, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Fort Dodge, Garnavillo, Iowa City, Keosauqua, Marshalltown, North Liberty, Ottumwa, Sioux CIty, and Strawberry Point. This list was updated on April 17, 2013. Read more >>>Dear Sisters and Brothers, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 extends our thoughts and prayers to the victims and families affected by yesterday’s bombings in Boston. We ask everyone to keep these victims in their thoughts and prayers. We also greatly appreciate the fast response of the many first responders, who as they always do, put their lives at risk in order to save the lives of others. In Solidarity with the victims, their families, and the people of Boston and Massachusetts,
 The roads you took to work this morning. The clean and safe water that you brushed your teeth with. The bus that picked your kids up for school. Our taxes make all of these public services — and so much more — possible. They make our communities possible. And we're proud to invest in our common good. AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Legislative Update 4/8/2013 Danny Homan, President, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Marcia Nichols, Legislative Director Sisters and Brothers: The end of last week brought the second legislative funnel and numerous bills were left on the table until the 2014 Session. Most of the legislation that did not make the funnel is good news for AFSCME Iowa Council 61. Governor's Healthy Iowa Plan The Governor's plan includes incentives for enrollees to live healthy lifestyles and is funded with state and federal funds (the US Department of Health and Human Services would have to approve this – we do not support them doing so), and includes co-pays for enrollees. The plan is expected to cost about $23 million out of the General Fund of Iowa, with additional funding from counties (already strapped for cash). Democrats estimate the cost of the Governor's plan at $160 million to the state and counties. Other highlights of the bill include:
Education Reform Economic Development Budget Mental Health Redesign April 2, 2013 Statement on inmate attack on a Correctional Officer at Newton Correctional Facility DES MOINES – AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding an inmate attack on a Correctional Officer at Newton Correctional Facility that occurred today: “Today, a correctional officer was repeatedly punched in the face by an inmate at the Newton Correctional Facility. The officer was taken to off grounds to seek medical attention. The inmate was stopped with pepper spray and then segregated from the general population. Our thoughts are with the officer and we wish the officer a speedy and full recovery. “Newton Correctional Facility is dangerously understaffed. Newton Correctional Facility was designed to hold 1,014 inmates. Today, it holds 1,290 inmates (27% over design capacity). There were 33 Correctional Officers, 5 Senior Correctional Officers, and 3 Trip Officers (who are off grounds) on duty today. On grounds, that is a ratio of 33.9 inmates per correctional officer. And that was on a day with slightly higher staffing levels than normal. “On the unit where the officer was attacked, there were four officers on duty but one officer was off the unit handling another task. Lately, staffing on this unit is typically three officers. In the past, this unit was run with six officers. “Director John Baldwin’s attempt to run corrections on the cheap is imperiling the safety of inmates, staff, and the community. While his ‘hear no evil, see no evil’ policy will likely result in a statement from him that everything is fine, such statements are dishonest. The staff who work in our prisons know staffing levels are dangerously low. Inmates know from observation that staffing levels are dangerously low. Director Baldwin’s policies are a disaster waiting to happen.” ### The newest issue of AFSCME Iowa Council 61's newsletter is now available for download. Click "Read More" to reach a page where you can download a copy. Read more >>>March 25, 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today, a group of Iowa organizations, including AFSCME Iowa Council 61, announced the formation of the Healthiest Iowa Initiative. The goal of the Healthiest Iowa Initiative is to expand Medicaid in Iowa. Medicaid expansion would expand health coverage to up to 150,000 Iowans who currently receive too little care (or no care), too late. Expanding Medicaid makes the most sense for the public health and the fiscal health of our state. It’s also the right thing to do. Governor Branstad has stated that he opposes Medicaid expansion in Iowa. His position is unwise and does not align with Iowa values. I strongly encourage you to visit www.healthiestiowa.com and sign the petition in favor of Medicaid expansion in Iowa. Expanding Medicaid is the number one thing Iowa can do to make our state healthier. In Solidarity,
P.S. In addition to signing the petition, please spread the word. Forward this to your friends and family. Spread the word about the Healthiest Iowa Initiative using social media. Together, we can make a difference! Today, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) PEOPLE Committee endorsed Bruce Braley for US Senate. On March 11th, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan was a guest on "The Drive Home with Sly," a pro-worker radio show on WEKZ-FM 93.7 that can be heard on the radio in northeast Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois. You can listen to the interview online or download a podcast of the interview by clicking here. Award is fair for state employees and all Iowans DES MOINES – AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding Arbitrator Marvin Hill, Jr.’s arbitration award that was opened today: “During the arbitration hearing, our Union made clear that state employees have repeatedly made wage concessions and plan design changes to maintain their health insurance. We demonstrated that the state currently has historic surpluses and that state government’s health insurance costs for employees have been stable over the past several years. We also noted that the State’s Final Offer on health insurance was nothing more than cost shifting; it did absolutely nothing to lower the overall cost of the State’s health insurance plans. We pointed out that the State’s Final Offer would basically be a large pay cut for state employees. We also showed that the Aon Hewitt wage and benefits studies were flawed; these studies used one comparability group for the wage comparison and then used a different comparability group for the health insurance comparison. “We are pleased that the arbitrator recognized that the Union’s Final Offer was the most reasonable proposal and that the appropriate decision was to support AFSCME Iowa Council 61’s Final Offer on health insurance. “With this fair and final decision, AFSCME members are pleased that we will be able to look forward and focus on providing public services to Iowans.” Dear Sisters and Brothers, Today, Arbitrator Marvin Hill, Jr.’s arbitration award for the 2013 – 2015 state master contract was opened in front of the AFSCME Iowa Council 61 Negotiations Committee. The most important aspect of Arbitrator Hill’s award is that the Union’s Final Offer (Status Quo) was awarded. What this means is that the current Health Insurance Plan Designs and Premium Calculations will remain exactly as they are in the 2011 – 2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In other words, the Arbitrator’s Award makes no changes to health insurance for AFSCME contract covered state employees. During the arbitration hearing, our Union made clear that state employees have repeatedly made wage concessions and plan design changes to maintain their health insurance. We demonstrated that the state currently has historic surpluses and that state government’s health insurance costs for employees have been stable over the past several years. We also noted that the State’s Final Offer on health insurance was nothing more than cost shifting; it did absolutely nothing to lower the overall cost of the State’s health insurance plans. We pointed out that the State’s Final Offer would basically be a large pay cut for state employees. We also showed that the Aon Hewitt wage and benefits studies were flawed; these studies used one comparability group for the wage comparison and then used a different comparability group for the health insurance comparison. Maintaining our health insurance benefits was the top priority of the AFSCME bargaining committee and we are pleased that the arbitrator recognized that the Union’s Final Offer was the most reasonable proposal and that the appropriate decision was to support AFSCME Iowa Council 61’s Final Offer on health insurance. There are other changes that are part of the Arbitrator’s stipulated award. Some of these changes will be painful and some will not be painful. All of the changes will be discussed at informational meetings that will be held across the State in the coming weeks. A schedule of those meetings will be mailed shortly. Some of the changes are as follows:
I strongly encourage you attend one of the upcoming informational meetings. You should receive that list of meeting sites and dates shortly, by US Mail. We will discuss each and every change that this arbitration award for the 2013 – 2015 State Master Contract makes to the current 2011 – 2013 Collective Bargaining Agreement. In closing and on behalf of the bargaining committee, I want to thank you for your patience and support through this long and trying process. While I know that there will be more challenges facing us in the coming months and years, I am sure that if we continue to stand together, we can overcome those challenges. In Solidarity,
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