Retired Public Employees Council of WA Working to protect and enhance the pension and health care benefits of Washington retired state, county and local government employees
State Budget Negotiations Continue – Call-In May 17
The Washington State Legislature is now in special session which is expected to last until a budget has been worked out between the Senate and the House. Unfortunately, many anticipate that budget negotiators will want to take into account the June 20th revenue forecast, meaning special sessions will go at least until June 20th.
Our goal is to ensure that the final budget includes the House’s restoration of the PEBB Medicare Benefit. Therefore, we are asking that all members call their state legislators on Wednesday, May 17th to ask them to contact their leadership and encourage that the PEBB Medicare restoration be maintained in the final budget.
Call 1-800-562-6000 and when connected to your legislator’s office, ask that the PEBB Medicare restoration of $183 be maintained in the State budget.
Please keep in mind that even if you are not impacted by this issue, we ask that you make the call, because numbers translate into Retiree Power and we are stronger when we support one another.
The following bills we supported passed:
SB 5177 Requiring long-term care workers be trained to recognize hearing loss.
HB 1153 Concerning crimes against vulnerable persons
SB 5274 Defining Salary for purposes of the Washington State Patrol retirement system
There is legislation we are supporting that could still be passed, including:
HB 2114 Protects consumers from charges for out-of-network services.
HB 1541 Addressing prescription drug cost transparency.
HB 1560 Addressing the plan default provisions in the PERS, TRS, and SERS.
As you can see, we have much work to do in the weeks and months ahead to continue the betterment of your retirement security. Your continued support and political action is a necessity!
Your Voice for Retirement Security!
