Chair Talk
October 2008
Alvin Whitfield and I attended the Civil Service Commission meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. The Memorandum of Understanding that detailed increases in co-pays and deductibles for all state retirees was passed unanimously. I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about the adoption of the MOU. On one hand, it means higher co-pays/deductibles for retirees — but it also includes a financial break for pre-1987 retirees. It would have been nice to have a break for all retirees, but we were successful in convincing the administration to protect our most vulnerable retirees to some degree. The fact that there was some recognition for pre-1987 retirees gives our organization some legitimacy in our goal of protecting retiree benefits. I would like to thank all those SERA members that provided information we were able to use for our meetings with the State and its representatives. Thanks also go to those SERA members that gave of their time and effort to meet with the State: Alvin Whitfield, Duane Marlan, John Bantjes, Bruce Andrews, Ron Nelson, Bob McKerr and Lee Hall. I would also like to recognize and thank the representatives of the State that met with us: Sharon Bommarito, Jan Winters, Tom Hall and Jill Nowicki. Our discussions about the increased health care costs/issues were upfront and honest by everyone involved.
I have discussed the issue of increasing health care costs for quite some time and wish I could stop. The fact is that health care costs are rising daily and there seems to be no end in sight. Employers all over the nation are doing away with paid health care for employees/retirees. Employees and retirees are paying more in co-pays, deductibles and increased premiums for coverage. The State has a multi-million/billion price tag for health benefits. The cost of health care benefits for state employees/retirees are being examined (both Democrats and Republicans) and will no doubt be reduced in the future. The cost of health care is an issue that needs to have all of us involved. There are no easy answers. If we want to continue receiving health care benefits it will cost us more and more every year both on the national and state level.
In a few short weeks it will be Election Day. I would not presume to tell you how you should vote. You need to be an educated voter — the more information you have about a candidate/issue (national or state) the better.
REMEMBER TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4!
Editor’s note: Bob Kopasz is Chair of the Michigan SERA Council. He may be reached at P.O. Box 692, Mt. Morris, MI 48458; phone 810/240-8380
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