Special Leglislative Issue * January 23, 2006

CAFT MEMBERS APPROVE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

·         Pay Raise To All Employees:  JCAFT members are supporting a 5% pay raise for all employees without adding extra days.

·         Workers’ Compensation:  JCAFT lobbyists will work with all other AFL-CIO lobbyists to fund legislation to provide this coverage.  JCAFT members want all school employees protected from on the job injuries.  Presently, State Department of Education employees are covered by a plan administered by the Department of Risk Management.  Other state workers are also covered under this plan.  Senator Sundra Escott will sponsor this legislation.  It should be introduced next week in the Senate.  Numerous other legislators will sign on as co-sponsors of this much needed legislation. JCAFT is the only organization sponsoring legislation to protect workers.

·         Safe, Healthy Schools: Senate Bill 255 has already been introduced in the Senate by Senator Sundra Escott.  This bill is a comprehensive bill that will require school boards to implement comprehensive maintenance plans.  Boards must report all major facility issues at a public meeting each year.  Details of this legislation incorporate the removal of hazardous mold, mildew and chemicals from schools.  It requires boards to follow EPA  guidelines regarding the use of pesticides.  This bill is important because many students and faculty suffer from asthma and allergies.  Legislators have already contacted JCAFT leaders to help sponsor this legislation.  JCAFT is the only organization proposing this much needed legislation.

·         More Money To The Classroom:  JCAFT members support legislation to increase instructional money for each teacher by $250 per year.  They also support a one time $1000 allotment to buy a large item, like a computer for each classroom. With a surplus in the education budget the money needs to go to providing the best teachers and support workers and equipping them with the tools they need to do their jobs.
 

PEEHIP Insurance:  JCAFT leaders testified before the House and Senate last year against the changes in healthcare coverage for employees.  JCAFT was the only organization that opposed changes that have already cost members hundreds of dollars in additional expenses.  The legislation was passed during a special session called by Governor Riley to address increasing healthcare costs.  The horrible legislation passed because the Governor and his supporters claimed that the state could not afford to continue providing PEEHIP benefits without raising costs to employees.  It is unbelievable that these increased costs were passed to employees without asking employees for their input.  Many employees believe that they have given up yearly pay raises so their benefits would be safe.  They believe that the Governor and his supporters approved pay raises, knowing that they would go back in session to take the money back through increased healthcare costs.  Employees are furious about the underhanded, sneaky tactics used to give employees raises and take the money out of their pockets.  JCAFT members realize that healthcare costs are sky rocketing.  Many had rather pay an additional $25 per month in premiums  than be hit with enormous medicine costs when they are ill.  No one asked employees for suggestions to help cut costs.  For years these benefits have been used to recruit new employees to our schools.  The erosion of these benefits in a year when the budget has a surplus shows a lack of respect and support for teachers and other valuable employees.  “Alabama school children will suffer if we cannot attract excellent employees”, says Vi Parramore, JCAFT President.  JCAFT will continue to fight unnecessary cuts.

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THE LARGER WE ARE, THE BIGGER OUR VOICE

If you are a member of the AEA/JCEA/ESPO you can join NOW and pay nothing until Sept.15 when your membership can be changed.  You will receive benefits NOW!!  If you are not a member please join us today.  We need your support to protect jobs and benef