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Legislative Priorities for 2008 Each year the NCRSP State Legislative Committee sets goals for the year that address the Cost of Living (COLA) increases and state retirement planning issues. NCRSP maintains a firm stand in support of the free State Health Plan program for retirees. In the 2007 Short Session the NC Legislature approved a COLA increase of 2.2% for state retirees. NCRSP Goals are also set to maintain a quality health care plan that is free for retirees, now and in the future, by encouraging state funding of a "Defined Benefit Plan." The priorities are as follows:
1. To request full funding for the State Health Plan, with no
decrease in benefits.
2. To request an increase in the State contribution rate to the
State and Teachers Retirement System to 4.8%, bringing it into line with the rate
for Local Retired Government Employees.
3. To request a COLA equal to the average salary increase
granted to active employees.
4. To request approval of a plan to increase the accrual
formula to 1.83% in 2008, 1.84% in 2009, and 1.85% in 2010.
5. To support continuation of defined benefit pension programs
for school personnel and state employees, opposing any trend
toward defined contribution programs.
6. To support the Governor's Pay Plan to raise teachers'
salaries beyond the national average by 2009.
Click to view and print the Legislative Brochure. (Page 1 and Page 2) |
Summary of Legislative Changes Affecting Retired School Personnel August 9, 2007 by Pam Deardorff, NCRSP Exec. Dir.
BUDGET ITEMS
(Increases the Employer’s contribution to the Retirement Fund from 2. 66% to 3.04%) Repayment to Retirement Fund = Final payment of $45 million, interest to come later. Health Plan = Approximately $25 million per year of biennium (Cost to state for Medicare eligible individuals in Indemnity Plan increases from $248.48 per month to $272.36; increases the contribution for retiree health plan from 3.8% to 4.3%) Indemnity Plan changes: Increases deductible from $350 to $450 and copay for office visits from $15 to $25. Indemnity plan will be eliminated by July 1, 2008. PPO changes: Physical, occupational and speech therapy visits are now unlimited. Increases mental health and chemical dependency visits as well as chiropractic visits. Prescription drug co-pay for preferred brand without a generic equivalent increases by $5 in both plans from $25 to $30 effective August 6, 2007.
LEGISLATION H 956 Retired Teachers Work --- Allows anyone retiring on or before October 1, 2007 (whether Full Service or Early Service) to be reemployed after completing a six month break in service. Effective on or after November 1, 2007, anyone retiring and reemployed exempt from the earnings cap must be eligible for Full Service Retirement. Teachers who retire Early will not be allowed to be reemployed exempt from the earnings cap. H 779 Increase Contributory Death Benefit ----Increases the death benefit from $9,000 to $10,000 with no increase in premiums for retired employees who have elected to participate. Effective July 1, 2007.
S 720 Open Enrollment for Contributory Death Benefit ---- Allows a four month open enrollment period beginning February 1, 2008, and ending May 31, 2008 for all retirees who elected not to be covered under this benefit or failed to make any election at the time of their retirement. The contribution rate for retirees electing coverage during open enrollment shall be increased by 11.1% the rate established for retirees who elected coverage when first eligible. (Must make 24 months worth of payments before benefit will be paid.)
H 1593 Change State Health Plan Year --- Directs the Executive Administrator of the State Health Plan to study the impact of converting the Plan’s benefit year to a calendar year from a fiscal year and report findings and recommendations to the legislature by April 1, 2008.
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District #113 Trudi Walend 1015 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-715-4466 Email: Trudiw@ncleg.net 112 Ridgewood Place, Brevard, NC 28712 828-883-3790 District #114 Susan Fisher 420 Legislative Office Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-715-2013 Email: Susanf@ncleg.net 7 Maple Ridge Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 828-258-5355 District #115 D. Bruce Goforth 1220 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-733-5746 Email: Bruceg@ncleg.net 137 Stonecrest Drive, Asheville, NC 28803 828-298-6237 District #116 Charles Thomas 418C Legislative Office Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-715-3012 Email: Charlest@ncleg.net 3 Trotter Circle, Asheville, NC 28803 828-681-5516 District #117 Carolyn Justus 1023 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-733-5956 Email:Carolynju@ncleg.net P.O. Box 2396, Hendersonville, NC 28793 828-685-7433 District #118 Ray Rapp 2213 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-733-5732 Email: Raymondr@ncleg.net 133 Quail Ridge Road, Mars Hill, NC 28754 828-689-2214
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District #119 Phillip Haire 639 Legislative Office Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-715-3005 Email: Philliph@ncleg.net P.O. Box 727, Sylva, NC 28799 828-586-1771 District #120 Roger West 1004 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-733-5859 Email: Rogerw@ncleg.net P.O. Box 160, Marble, NC 28905 828-837-5246 District #84 Phillip Frye 1019 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-1096 919-733-5661 Email: Phillipf@ncleg.net P.O. Box 589, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 828-765-4925 Senate District #47 Joe Sam Queen 1121 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-2808 919-733-3460 Email: Joeq@ncleg.net 71 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 828-452-1688 District #48 Tom Apodaca 1127 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-2808 919-733-5745 Email:Toma@ncleg.net 214 North King Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-696-0574 District # 49 Martin Nesbitt 300 B Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-715-3001 Email: Martinn@ncleg.net 29 N. Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801 828-252-0490 District #50 John Snow 2111 Legislative Bldg. Raleigh, NC 27601-2808 919-733-5875; Email: Johnsn@ncleg.net 150 Van Horn Street, Murphy, NC 28906 828-837-5052
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