Two weeks ago we asked for your assistance in generating phone calls and e-mails to your legislators in an effort to minimize increases to state and higher education worker health insurance contribution rates. Thanks to all AFSCME members who took the time to make these important contacts and for encouraging your fellow members to do the same.
 

 
We now need your help on another very important matter related to the FY10 budget, which represents a very serious threat to the jobs of AFSCME members.   
 

 
The Senate budget proposal includes language that would drastically weaken the state law that protects taxpayers and public employees from privatization of public services – commonly referred to as the Pacheco Law.  Currently, the Pacheco Law requires a fair and independent review by the state auditor for any privatization proposal valued at more than $200,000 (two hundred thousand). This auditor’s review ensures that:
 

 
A)    The proposal will provide taxpayers with an equal or better quality of service
 

B)     The proposal does not include any hidden costs and will in fact save taxpayers money.
 

 
Under the Senate proposal the $200,000 threshold would be raised to $2 million, thereby giving state and higher education administrators the ability to privatize any service under $2 million without any protections of the Pacheco Law.  Once again, this is a very serious threat to the jobs of AFSCME members. 
 

 
Rest assured that your legislative department is working with Senator Pacheco and other legislative allies to defeat this proposal, but we need your support.  It is absolutely critical that every member call AND e-mail their state senators and representatives and ask them to urge conference committee members to reject Senate Outside Section 7D in the FY10 budget.
 

 
The link below provides contact information for state senators and representatives organized by city/town. 
 

 
http://www.mass.gov/legis/city_town.htm
 

 
The attached document contacts suggested talking points for calls and e-mails as well as information on how senators voted on this issue.