Legislative Report #08-06

Report 08-06
June 13, 2008

A SLOW WEEK IN RALEIGH

The Senate this week began working on the modifications to the 2008-09 state budget that were approved by the House on June 5. Initially, it appeared that the Senate would act quickly to approve the budget with few, if any, changes. However, it was clear by the end of the week that the Senate budget leaders were seeking ways to fund a higher pay raise for public school teachers and provide additional funding for the University System. The House budget included a 3% raise for teachers.

These latest developments have delayed the preparation of the Senate budget proposal. It now appears that the proposal will not be presented to the full Senate Appropriations Committee until Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS

Once again, we ask that you contact your Senator and let them know that the 2.2% COLA proposed by the House falls short in terms of keeping our pensions in line with the rapidly rising cost of living. Please urge your Senator to give retired state employees the same consideration as active employees.

HOUSE COMMITTEE SCHEDULES MEETING

The House Committee on Pension and Retirement will meet on Wednesday, June 16th. The tentative agenda includes the following bills:

HB 2614: Stovall Retirement. This is a local bill to authorize the Town of Stovall to participate in the Local Governmental Employees Retirement System.

HB 2728: Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees. This bill establishes a single board to oversee the state 457 and the 401(k) programs.

HB 2729: Increase Fire and Rescue Pension. The bill raises the monthly pension of eligible firemen and rescue squad workers from the current $167 to $172 per month.