As I have
spoken with our membership around the state I have been
asked a number of times about PSEA’s efforts on and the
status of the SB 183 – Repeal of Tier IV and SB 153 –
Military Time for Medical Credit fights. These are good
questions and legitimate concerns. Let me assure you that
these battles have not been forgotten nor abandoned. PSEA
is part of the Alaska Pension Coalition which consists of
18+ private and public sector unions and the Coalition
remains politically active fighting for SB 183. All
proposed bills “die” after two years and both SB 183 and SB
153 fall into this category. But, remember that SB 183
gained much more momentum in the 2008 Legislative Session
than anyone had expected- it almost made it to the Senate
Floor. Much compelling testimony and evidence was presented
during the Session. Both PSEA and the Coalition are
carefully gauging the upcoming 2008 election and evaluating
candidates. We hope to experience the same degree of
success we had in 2006. If so, we believe we will see Tier
IV go away and passage of SB 153 in 2009. In short, we will
continue to fight for these bills by reintroducing them in
the 2009 Session and will continue to fight for their
passage until we realize the change. Thanks to all who have
participated in the political process for these bills. I am
confident we will realize our ultimate goals.
Thank
you.
