2/9/2010
March of the Peacocks
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AFSCME Local 34 Elections (Initial Nominations) |
The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved a bill to move the state primary election from September 14 to the second Tuesday in August (August 10th). The bill is necessitated by the 2009 Federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, which requires at least a 45-day absentee balloting period for all federal elections, including special primaries and special elections for federal office. Minnesota is one of only a handful of states with a late primary. Although last year’s bill moving the primary was vetoed, because Congress imposed this new requirement, the Legislature and governor appear to have agreed on compromise legislation that move the states’ primary early enough to accommodate the 45-day balloting requirement. If this bill is enacted as presented, the filing period for county offices will occur between May 18 and June 1, 2010. Note: Mark Dayton, AFSCME's endorsed candidate for Governor, skipped the precenct caucuses and will be running for endorsement in the August primary)
Citizens Input Needed on Government Redesign
A citizen comment line and Web site have been created by a bipartisan House caucus to generate ideas on how government can change the way it delivers services. Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth) and other DFL legislators held a press conference to reveal the beginning of what they hope will improve efficiency and lower the cost of government through citizen input.
Once ideas are submitted through the comment line (651-297-8391 or 800-551-5520) and Web site, the six strongest and most promising ideas will be rolled into redesign legislation. A total savings cannot yet be determined because the initiative is just beginning, Marquart said. If we don’t change the way we do business while facing a long-term budget dilemma it could result in a massive loss of state jobs, he added. The redesign caucus is set to meet on various Tuesdays throughout the legislative session with the goal to “promote and develop public sector redesign strategies and proposals within the legislature.” The first one is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Feb. 16.
We recommend that county employees and citizens participate in this process by providing their suggestions for improving government through the website.
Get the Tax Credits You Deserve
With W-2s showing up in mailboxes, it’s time to make sure you’re getting every break you deserve on your taxes. Here are some credits you should make sure you look into. Full Story
AFSCME
Local 34 Elections
During the period April 5th through April 26th, 2010 an election will held for several offices in Local 34. Notice of Election
Officer
Nominations - 2/2010 GA.
Final nominations
will be taken at the March GA meeting.
Don’t miss the largest, most comprehensive human service conference in the Midwest - Synergy: Revitalizing for Generations to Come - being held March 23rd - 26th at the Hilton Minneapolis Hotel. More than 2800 members of private and public human service delivery system will gather at the Hilton Minneapolis Hotel. Join us for innovative ways to improve the lives of your clients, staff and agency. This conference highlights a wide range of cutting edge breakout sessions (close to 200 to choose from) featuring local and nationally recognized presenters. In addition, 150+ exhibits introducing programming and technologies relevant to you and your agency will be onsite. This conference will offer 19 Continuing Education Hours approved by a wide variety of licensing Boards from Minnesota and surrounding states. Registration Form On-line
Countdown
to Day on the Hill
On Feb. 17th, AFSCME Council 5, including Local 34, members will swarm
the Capitol for our annual Day on the Hill in St. Paul. The goal is to
make sure our legislators understand that it’s necessary to override
Governor Tim Pawlenty’s veto of the revenue that’s needed to save
the services we provide. If
we fail, expect state and local governments to wipe out 1,000 more
AFSCME jobs.
Important Delta Dental Updates
Effective January 1, 2010, your Dental Benefit Plan Summary has been amended:
1. Benefit Maximums: The Program pays up to a maximum of $1,750.00 for each Covered Person per Coverage Year subject to the coverage percentages identified above. Benefit Maximums may not be carried over to future coverage years.
2. Single Tooth Implant Body, Abutment and Crown: Covered 1 time per 5-year period for covered persons age 16 and over. Coverage includes only the single surgical placement of the implant body, implant abutment and implant/ abutment supported crown.
3. New Exclusions Language: (Revised) Any material grafted onto bone or soft tissue, including procedures necessary for guided tissue…(Deleted) The replacement of an existing partial denture with a bridge regeneration.
AFL/CIO: Information and application forms regarding the 2010 MN AFL-CIO Scholarships and Martin Duffy Adult Learner Scholarship are now available. The scholarship application deadline for both scholarships is April 30, 2010. lf you have any questions regarding the scholarship program offered by the Minnesota AFL-CIO, contact Minnesota AFL-CIO Organizing Director Candace Lund, at651-227-7647 or 1-800-652-9004. For questions on the Martin Duffy Adult Learner Scholarship, contact Labor Education Service U of M, 612-624-5020. Click Here for more information.
AFSCME: Council 5 offers three scholarships; two for high school seniors just beginning their
higher education, and one for members continuing their own education. Click Here for more information.AFSCME Council 5’s Executive Board took an emergency vote to donate $1,000 to the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Fund for earthquake relief in Haiti. AFSCME International donated $25,000. To make your own contribution to the fund, visit the Solidarity Center’s website. Union Plus will match, dollar for dollar, individual donations made through the Solidarity Fund, up to a total of $100,000
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Contract Vote Results (12/3/2009): AFSCME counted the ballots from the contract vote held on 12/4. All six AFSCME locals - 34, 552, 17179, 2822, 2864 and 2938 voted to accept the contract by 84.7 %. Thank you to everyone who took time out of your busy day to vote. Thank you to all who participated in the negotiations process - serving as a Master Negotiations Committee member, Table Team member, Action Team member, wearing green on the days we were at the table, attending the County Board budget meetings in your AFSCME green shirts, showing up for the information meetings, talking to your coworkers about the process, making calls to your Commissioner, working a phone bank, etc. It is only because of you that this ended up as it did. Jean Diederich, President, AFSCME Local 34 Contract Negotiation Updates 2009 Board Approves Two-year Pay Freeze for County Employees (12/15/2009)The board
approved seven labor agreements with the American Federation of
State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), including a freeze
on wages in 2010 and 2011. |
