01-09-06

Legislative Session Begins January 11^th – “Why Is It Important”?        

Many Local 2250 members have asked that question.  Some have said, “Who cares, why does it matter to me”?

The answer is simply that all citizens of Maryland should have an interest in what laws the State Legislature considers during the upcoming 90-day session.  Laws are passed that effect each of us in different ways, some good and some bad.

We, as Public School Employees, have an even greater reason to be informed because legislation which is considered in the next 90 days can effect your employment.

Much of the funding of the school systems budgets throughout the state comes from the Budget passed by the State Legislature and signed by the Governor.

Obviously, the budget which must be adopted can impact on our ability to secure a pay raise or even our continued employment.

This year, there are a number of particularly critical issues that will be considered. Local 2250 along with other employee organizations will be attempting to pass legislation that will significantly improve the current pension system.  This will not be easy but the pension system must be improved.  Maryland currently has the worst Pension System out of the 50 states.

Another bill that is sure to be introduced is Legislation which would once again require that an employee must slip, trip, or fall in order to be covered under “Workers’ Compensation”.  Recently, legislation was passed which stated “an employee was covered if they were injured on the job”.  We cannot have this reversed once again. 

Last year, legislation was passed which required that Wal-Mart and other large employers would be required to pickup a fair share of their employees Healthcare cost.  Governor Ehrlich vetoed this bill and on January 11^th, we along with other employee organizations, will try to override the Governor’s veto.

In addition a bill was passed that increased the minimum wage by $1.00 per hour in Maryland to $6.15.  Governor Ehrlich also vetoed this bill.  We will also be trying to override this veto.  The current minimum wage is $5.15 per hour.

These are just a few of the reasons why Local 2250 will be actively involved in Annapolis this year.  Please watch for future notices as to how you may help.