Legislative Update Week of April 11th

2010 Legislative Session

The big news in Concord this week was the presentation of the Governor¹s

2010 cuts and budget reduction recommendations for 2011. On Tuesday the

fiscal committee accepted his cuts, which unfortunately included 35 state employee layoffs. The Governor then presented his 2011 budget plan as an amendment to SB 450 in a public hearing Thursday morning. While the Governor didn¹t include any cuts or increases that affect our members directly, the cuts to local communities and state programs will inevitably make local costs rise. Unfortunately, we know all to well what happens when local budgets start to feel pressure.

The House Finance Committee will now work on the amendment and make their changes. With the Governor reducing retirement aid to cities and towns, you can bet that the 1.7% increase in employee contributions included in HB 1664 last month will still be up for discussion.

In other news, the House Local and Regulated Revenue Committee voted to kill the expanded gambling bill (SB 489) 13-7. This bill now heads to the House floor where it will be an all out floor fight to see if gaming will be kept alive this session.

The Retiree Medical Trust endorsement (SJR 2) is one step closer to the Governor¹s desk. The House ED&A committee passed the resolution endorsing an employee run retiree medical trust 17-0. It was placed on the consent calendar and will be voted on next week by the full House.

Amendment to SB 450:

SB 489

<

=2010>

SJR 2:

Upcoming legislative action this week:

Tuesday April 20th

Subcommittee work session on SB 504 relative to the effective date for the implementation of the retirement system employer assessments for excess benefits (extension of the 125% rule)

<

Work session on SB 450: (Budget vehicle bill)

Wednesday April 21st HOUSE SESSION

SJR 2: A RESOLUTION endorsing the establishment of a statewide retiree medical trust for public employee health care reimbursement benefits after retirement. Voted OUGHT to PASS 17-0

SB 489: SB 489 relative to table gaming and video lottery at certain locations throughout the state and relative to the recovery of horse racing.

Voted INEXPEDIENT to LEGISLATE 13-7

Thursday, April 22nd

Work session on SB 450: (Budget vehicle bill)

I hope these updates are helpful. If you or any of your members need more information, or clarification on any of the bills or happenings at the legislature please call or email me. I¹m always happy to help!

Esther