More updates from the Legislature...

The Senate Retirement committee will continue their discussion of changes to the system on Friday at 12:00. You can listen to the audio by going to the Legislative website and finding the committee.

The Deseret News (www.deseretnews.com) had updates also on the Education budget cuts. "After three hours of debate, mainly arguing whether to make education budget cuts that would affect programs or classrooms, lawmakers put off a final decision until today." Go to the Legislative website and find the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee to listen to the audio. They are trying to cut 5% or $102 Million from the 2011 budget.

Please contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to slow down on changes to the Retirement system. Go to www.utea.org and click on the "Under the Dome" to contact them.

Rick

Sen Liljenquist changes "Rehire" SB 43 Bill

A substantial change in SB 43 was made during the committee hearing, Wednesday. Instead of taking the 401k away from those current "rehirees" that would be capped it so it doesn't increase as the contribution rates rise. It would still take away the incentive for new retirees who want to be rehired and receive their pension. His bill would require a retiree to return to "active service" if hired for the first time after July 1, 2010. The pension payment would then be suspended and they would continue to earn service credit. I don't see why anyone would retire and be rehired under this bill.

You can listen to the audio of the committee by going to the Utah State Legislative site (www.le.state.ut.us) and looking for the Senate Retirement and Independent Entities Committee for Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Rick

"Educators Could Soon Receive Pay Based on Student Test Scores"

In Tuesday's Deseret News, www.deseretnews.com, Amy Stewart writes about a resolution sponsored by Rep. Poulson that recommends guidelines for teacher performance pay plans. This is actually a resolution that UEA supported last year after many discussions and a formulation of a position paper on performance pay. The UEA wants to be a part of any discussion of this potentially controversial idea. There are plans around the nation (Minnesota and Denver for example) where the association has worked to put together plans for differentiated pay. We need to be at the table, or the legislature will pass something unhealthy. This resolution helps set some guidelines.

Go to www.utea.org for updates on legislation.

Rick

UEA Rallies to slow down retirement changes

Retirement bills that would change our retirement system for new hires after July1, 2011 are being introduced in the Senate by Sen. Liljenquist of Bountiful. The UEA, USEA, UPEA and Fraternal Order of Police gathered last Saturday to ask the legislature to "Slow down" and look more closely at any changes. The bills would also take away the 1.5% 401k contribution that all teachers receive. Rehirees would also lose the ability to receive their pension and a 14.6% 401k.

The UEA is distributing lawn signs and talking point on our new Public Relations plan. Ask your rep about getting one of the signs and listen to KSL Radio for our spots.

Thanks for your support.
Rick

4,000 Rally at the State Capitol

The weather cooperated and we had a very successful "Retirement Rally", Saturday at the State Capitol. OEA and WEA were well represented at the demonstration. Members from the public employees and police were also there is large numbers. The press coverage was positive and the message was "Go slow on changing our retirement". The bills should be hitting committees this week. Stay tuned by following the bills at www.utea.org "Under the Dome".

Rick

Come join us at the Capitol for the Retirement Rally

Please join UEA members at the Capitol, Saturday (tomorrow) at 11:00 AM. We will meet on the south side of the capitol to receive instructions and our signs. We will be joined by the members of the Classified union (USEA) ,the public employees union (UPEA) and the Fraternal Order of Police. The retirement issue is important to us and we need to show our support.

The newspaper announced that the bills will start through the process next week.

Rick

Check out the "Under the Dome" site at www.utea.org

For daily updates and help in contacting your legislator, go to www.utea.org and click on the "Under the Dome" logo. The lobby team gives daily updates and you will find information on the retirement issue and other bills we are tracking.

Don't forget the "Retirement Rally" this Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11:00 AM at the Capitol.
See you there. Rick