Nuts & Bolts: Raise Status, Core Bargaining Team, Membership Benefits
10/23/2023
Dear Members,
Status of Our Raises: The Good, the bad and the……….
The Good: On September 14th, Governor Healey submitted a new supplemental budget to close out the prior fiscal year including funding for our raise. H4090 (FSU is line 510) also includes funding for CSU, DCU and PSU.
On October 17th, the House Ways & Means committee linked H4090 with H4135 An Act Modernizing Firearms Law. On October 18th, the House session included action on these two bills.
The Bad: October 18th did not go well. This legislative maneuver of joining two bills requires the House to individually vote to agree to go forward with each bill for debate. H4135 got a positive vote, and a full debate was taken on the firearms bill which then passed in the House. Our bill, H4090, did not garner enough votes to have a full debate. A reason was that some sections of the bill are still being reviewed.
And… Why did this happen? Unsure. Traditionally, governors want to close the books on the prior fiscal year by October 31st. If tradition holds, then we should see action soon. But with this legislature – nothing seems to follow past practice. https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2023/10/20/state-employee-raises-delayed
Contract Bargaining: Call for Core Bargaining Team (CBT) Members
Yes, it is time to think about our 2024-2027 contract negotiations. We anticipate bargaining will begin early Spring semester.
Interested in serving as a member of the CBT? The attached includes a description along with the application. The due date is November 2nd at 4PM EDT.
Anti Racism Grants: Wow! Over 22 applications were received.
Thank you to all who submitted applications. The committee will shortly begin the review process.
Reminder…sign the petition!
This is your last chance to sign the petition regarding the University website.
Reminder: Nov 1st, 3PM, Forum on Endowments and Grants Processing
Do you deal with endowments and grants? Are you paid from these sources? If so, please join us for a discussion related to how these funds are used (Zoom info to be sent later).
MTA Legislative Action: Eligibility for Mass. Connector Care Health Coverage
The MTA joined other groups to fight for expanding the income eligibility for health coverage through the Massachusetts Connector. Why is this important? Many adjunct faculty across public higher education (Community Colleges, UMass Lowell) do not receive health benefits.
For us, some of our Associate Lecturers are not eligible to receive health coverage because they teach less than two classes per semester. The Connector expansion makes them eligible to obtain health insurance. For more information, read https://www.mahealthconnector.org/connectorcare2024
MTA Membership Benefit: Red Jacket Resorts South Yarmouth, MA
MTA members receive up to 15% off the Best Available Rate, a welcome gift upon arrival and $25 spa credit at The Spa at Red Jacket Beach. Spa credit unavailable on Saturdays during peak season (June 15 - Labor Day). Use code: Teacher. Must show MTA card for discount. Go to MTAbenefits.com to sign up for an account.
MTA Membership Benefit: Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
Regular $34; MTA member FREE with member card. Go to MTAbenefits.com.
Unsure if you are a member?
Check your paycheck for a dues deduction or contact Lorenzo at fsu@umb.edu
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department
Attachments:
