July 29,2002

Dear Colleagues:

As many of you know, the acting governor has vetoed the line items that included funding for the higher education contracts (U-Mass, USA, APA and AFSCME) that were not funded last December when the MSCA contract was funded.

In addition, the acting governor has taken action that could require state employees to pay 25% of their group health insurance premiums. For a GIC family idemnity plan, this increase would amount to an additional $105 a month, or $1260 for the year.

Members are urged to contact their state representatives and Speaker Finneran (617-722-2500) IMMEDIATELY to urge the following actions: * to restore 85/15 on state employee group health insurance premiums, and * to override the governor's vetoes of the higher education contracts.

Members should know that the governor's vetoes do not affect any of the pay increases and other financial benefits of the MSCA contract, either prospectively or retroactively. However, the increase in health insurance premiums is a "back door" method to taking back the pay increases we so richly deserved.

Your prompt action, and your encouragement of your colleagues to do likewise, is very much appreciated.

Pat Markunas
MSCA President

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7/29/02