June 10, 2010
Legislative Update on Health Insurance
By Sam Center
The increases in health insurance have been posted on the ERS website. (www.ers.state.tx.us) these increases will be affective on Sept. 1 of this year. Please visit the website to review the increases that will affect you. The ERS Board did a survey of all members earlier this year to decide how to pass on increased costs to its members. If you answered the questions than you had an opportunity to participate in the process. The increases implemented were the ones the majority of responders to the survey (state employees) felt were fairest to all members.
Keep in mind that Texas still has one of the best health insurance and retirement programs in the U. S. and we are fortunate to be part of it.
We have had some inquiries into rumors of several different retirement incentatives to be offered to encourage upper end salary employees to retire early. So far all the rumors appear to be just that, unfounded rumors. If anything of substance is brought up we will let you know as soon as we do. It appears doubtful that any type of early retirement program that required money up front by ERS would be on the table in the upcoming biennium.
February 16, 2010
Due to the Legislature asking agencies to reduce their budgets by 5% the Law Enforcement division is looking at a reduction of 325 thousand from the base line operating budget. We are a direct service Field Operating Division which means we do not have many places to cut from. Right now there is no risk of a reduction in force, no jobs will be lost or offices shut down. We need to get the word out to our supporters and Legislators that we provide a direct service to the citizens of Texas and the communities we live and work in. If you are contacted by one of our supporters please stress the fact that we provide this direct service to the people. Thanks
Capt. Malcom Wilkes
President
2009 was a very busy year for the TGWA and GWPOA the board finalized the purchase the PAL property next to the Training Center giving us our first permanent home. The property we own will continue to grow in value through the years to come. This was also a Legislative year and we had to move our office from Kyle while working hard to accomplish our legislative goals. 2009 was a fiscally challenging year. Due to the recession magazine revenues were down and fund raising events were limited around the State. Fortunately this did not keep us from funding numerous youth hunts and fishing events through out the state along with supporting other needy causes.
The association office is now running smoothly and business is being handled in a timely and efficient manner. In-service is now starting at the Training Center and we have opened our doors to help accommodate TGWA/GWPOA members who want to stay at the office while attending training. The office has sleeping accommodations for eight people; this will be on a first come first served basis. If you are a member and want to stay at the office contact your Regional Representative and ask them to make the reservation for you.
2009 was a great Legislative year for us and we accomplished everything we set out to do but we cannot rest. During this interim year I encourage everyone to renew their contacts with the Senators and Representatives in their areas and to go out and meet any new law makers that have come into office. Take time to thank them for what they do and let them know that we are here to help them in any way. That way when they think about Parks and Wildlife they think about you and put a face to the agency. Just remember to follow our Department guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Recently The Employee Retirement System of Texas called a meeting of all State employee associations. Mr. Travis, Sam Center, Keith Gerth and I went to the meeting. The ERS informed us of a projected short fall in their budget for health care. The ERS asked the Legislature to fund Health care benefits at a projected 8% per year for 2010 and 2011 to keep our benefits at the current level. The Legislature voted to fund them 6.5% for 2010 and 6.8% for 2011. ERS advised that they had enough money to cover the deficit in 2010 but we were looking at a substantial increase in our insurance and co-pay in 2011. Now with our State leaders asking that all State Agencies cut 5% from their budgets we are facing drastic cuts in our health benefits and a substantial increase in our health care costs.
The GWPOA will work with the other state employee associations to head this off. Mr. Travis and Sam Center will be active in this endeavor. We as GWPOA members need to communicate with our Legislative contacts and respectfully asked them not to cut our benefits by the 5% they are asking and to help fund the ERS’s budget short fall for 2010 and 2011. This will be a priority for the GWPOA, but all of us need to be working together to accomplish this goal.
I want to thank all of our members in both associations who are quietly working hard to support our great associations I know that you are not in it for the recognition or the accolades. I know the hours are long and your time is precious. I want to let you know that your service is greatly appreciated. Thank You!!!!
Capt. Malcom Wilkes
301 Main Suite D
Brownwood Texas76801
office 325/646-0440
cell 325/642-0955
