As expected, the House FY09 budget was released yesterday afternoon with a proposed increase in employee health insurance contribution rates.  The House plan mirrors the plan proposed by Governor Patrick, which is as follows: 
·       Workers earning $35,000 to $50,000 would have their premium share increased from 15% to 20%.
·       Workers earning $50,000 or above would have their premium share increased from 15% to 25%.
The proposed increases would result in out-of-pocket increases of 33%-67%, depending on a worker’s annual income. 
Council 93’s Department of Legislation, Political Action and Communications is working closely with a coalition of other public employee unions to defeat this measure.  However, in order to maximize our chances of success, WE NEED YOUR HELP.
State Representative Marty Walsh is sponsoring an amendment to the budget that would eliminate the proposed increase in your contribution rates and maintain current health insurance premium contributions. 
We need every AFSCME member to call and/or e-mail their state representative and ask them to support Rep. Marty Walsh’s amendment. You can find
all the appropriate contact information for these representatives by clicking on the following link: http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm
Please note that you should not be contacting your state senators at this time.  Focus your calls and e-mails on state representatives.
Attached are some talking points that can be used in your calls and e-mails. 
Your phone calls and e-mails will make a big difference in this important fight.  Please act immediately.
In Solidarity,
 
          Peter P. Wright                                                                                     Jim Durkin
Director of Legislation, Political                                                               Legislative Representative