Washington State Employee 12/2015

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Page 2 WFSE/AFSCME Washington State Employee December 2015

StateEmployeeWashington State Employee (USPS 981-

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EVERY VOICE COUNTS: LEGISLATURE 2016

As one longtime ob-server recently said,the short 60-day 2016

legislative session will beabout three things: Budget.Budget. Budget.

The following is an over-view of the major challengesfacing state employees as theLegislature prepares for the2016 legislative session.

THE STRUCTURAL BUDGET DEFECIT

Although Washingtonstate tax collections are grow-ing (slowly), total per capitarevenue remains far belowpre-recession levels.

Personal income in Wash-ington state is higher thanthe national average, and ex-pected to grow even more in

the future.However, state revenuehas been declining as a shareof personal income for morethan 20 years.

In 1995, state and lo-cal revenue collections wereequal to 6.6 percent of totalpersonal income. By 2014that rate had dropped to 4.9percent -- and this downwardtrend is expected to continue

in the future. In fact, Washing-ton state has fallen to 35th inthe nation in terms of tax col-lections as a share of personalincome.

Washington’s tax sys-tem – what we tax and whatwe don’t tax – simply isn’tcapable of meeting the state’sneeds any more.

Washington is a wealthystate, but we don’t tax wealth.Instead, we rely on the salestax as our biggest source ofrevenue. However, the salestax only applies to goods, notservices, and the purchase ofgoods is a declining share oftoday’s service-based econo-my.

Over-reliance on a salestax limited only to the pur-chase of goods is a major rea-son why studies have shownthat Washington has the mostregressive tax system in thenation.

There are other signicantstructural problems with ourstate’s tax system.

Over the past 100 yearsthe state has enacted wellover 600 tax loopholes worth

billions of dollars.As a result, small and

marginal businesses pay farmore in business taxes thando large, protable corpora-tions.

Further, hundreds of mil-lions in sales tax revenue islost to online shopping, andthe Legislature enacted an

arbitrary 1 percent cap onproperty tax growth that failsto keep up with ination.

At the same time state taxcollections as a percent of theoverall economy are declin-ing, costs for vital public ser-vices are growing.

Further, those costs willgrow exponentially as demo-graphic shifts toward an agingpopulation will result in evengreater demands for healthcare and public services in thefuture.

The result is the state ofWashington has a structural budget decit that will only be resolved by increasingrevenue and/or permanentlyreducing state spending.

We will remain in a stateof perpetual austerity, with budget battles in the Legis-lature every year, until our

structural budget decit isresolved.

THE IMPACT OF THE McCLEARY

DECISION

The McCleary case refersto a lawsuit originally ledin 2007, by the Network ofExcellence in WashingtonSchools on behalf of the Mc-

Cleary and Venema families,arguing the state was failingin its constitutional duty tofully fund K-12 education. Atrial was held in King CountySuperior Court in 2009.

In response, the Legisla-ture adopted HB 2261 in 2009

that redened basic educa-tion and set a deadline of fullimplementation by 2018.

Despite passage of thislegislation, the Superior Courtruled against the state in 2009,the state appealed, and in2012 the state Supreme Courtruled in favor of the plaintiffsand ordered the Legislatureto comply with HB 2261 andmeet its constitutional duty by 2018.

While the Legislature hassignicantly increased K-12education spending in recentsessions, they have been un-

able to agree on a plan to fullyfund all of the requirementsof the law.

As a result, the SupremeCourt found the Legislaturein contempt and issued nesto the state of $100,000 a dayuntil compliance is achieved.The ne itself isn’t a problemfor the state nancially, but

Budget, budget, budgetWFSE/AFSCME members gear up to make presence known asstate faces old and new budget challenges; it all starts Jan. 11.

Legislators will work ona supplemental budget -- asmaller even-number-yearspending plan to tweak themain biennial budget passedin 2015.

WFSE/AFSCME members have already scheduledLobby Days on more thanhalf of those days to press formore funding for such vitalpublic services as Children’s,

mental health, programs forthe developmentally disabled,natural resources and our in-frastructure.

Members are using thevoice they have under theright they have to come to-gether, advocate for publicservices and the people whodepend on our services.

But there are many bud-get challenges:

• The courts are sortingout the constitutionality ofthe latest Tim Eyman initia-tive that passed with less thansuper-majority support inNovember. If upheld, I-1366would cut $8 billion in badlyneeded state revenue through2021 at the same time the statemust come up with $5 billionto fund the Supreme Courtmandate on school funding,according to state budget of-cials.

• Now comes word thatour budget and revenue situ-ation could get even worse.The state Economic and Reve-nue Forecast Council on Nov.18 predicted a $474 millionshortfall in the next, full two-year budget for 2017-2019.

• And that came the sameday Eyman led another cost-ly initiative that would limit

Keep in touch and

get the message out

at the Capitol and

back home:

Lobby Days:

http://wfse.org/get-

involved/lobby-days/

Hotline updates:

• Audio – 1-800-562-6102• E-mail – sign up atwfse.org/news/ • Text updates: TextNEWS to 237263

Action alerts: Textwfsec28 to 237263

the duration of tax increasesto one year if not approved byeither a supermajority of theLegislature, or by voters.

The background informationyou asked for is below.

These Local 793 members at Western State Hospital took part with members at some 190 worksites on the Dec. 3 “Dayof Action” to make sure the supplemental budget for 2016-17 funds vital services and protects public employees.

Budget overview 2016 the cost of fully implementingHB 2261 could be as much as$5 billion.

Currently there is no

consensus in the Legislatureon how to come up with thefunding necessary to complywith the court order. The chal-lenge in front of the Legisla-ture is complex and contro-versial – and very expensive.

THE THREAT OF INITIATIVE 1366

I-1366 was the latest bal-lot measure from professionalinitiative-promoter Tim Ey-man.

This initiative will de-crease the state sales tax byone cent (from 6.5% down to

5.5%) unless the Legislaturevotes to put a constitutionalamendment on the ballotthat would permanently andforever require a two-thirdsvote of the Legislature to raisetaxes or close loopholes.

This Eyman initiative ismeant to end-run the 2013state Supreme Court rulingthat declared the two-thirdsrequirement to be unconstitu-tional.

I-1366 proposes to workaround that problem by forc-ing the Legislature to eitherforward Eyman’s preferredconstitutional amendment tothe ballot or face a massivereduction in state revenue.

I-1366 was adopted thispast November with 51.5percent of the vote. The statewould lose $8 billion over sixyears if the sales tax decreasecontained in I-1366 were to gointo effect.

Gearing up for

action. Memberlobbyists at WFSE/ AFSCME Lobby

Training Dec. 12 inOlympia.

The legislative ses-sion starts Jan. 11.


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WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeeDecember 2015 Page 3

EVERY VOICE COUNTS: LEGISLATURE 2016

“MAKING A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL OF US TO LIVE”

“This is our country, our government. It’s our jobto make things better. If we don’t let our voices beheard, if we don’t take whatever means we can taketo make things better in our lives, in our community,then we’ve really given up, we aren’t playing a part ofthe game. We can’t complain about the game if we’re

not willing to contribute.”Lesli Younger, an information technology workerat Eastern Washington University in Cheney (Lo- cal 931), who’s committed to the Higher Education

mission of helping students become “productivecitizens.”

“HELPING TROUBLED YOUTH BACK INTO FAMILIES”

“I’m a mental health coordinator and I serve over70 percent mental health population while they’re inour facility and while they transition back into theircommunity....I think helping them can help reduce therecidivism rate so they don’t come back to our facilityor transition to the Department of Corrections.”

Nichelle Shelley, juvenile rehabilitation counselorat Green Hill School in Chehalis (Local 862), who’sproud of being on a team that brings families of thetroubled youth together to “develop a plan” to transi -

tion back into the community. “Ultimately, families arethe experts of themselves,” Shelley says.

“GETTING ANSWERS TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM”

“I’m asking support from the public and others to sup-port us in helping us keep full-time employees whowork in government service. Because they providevaluable services that are needed by the public.”Abdullatif Qaasim, a customer services specialistwith the Department of Licensing in Olympia (Local

443), whose greatest joy is helping callers who “just

don’t know their way around the system. Having aprofessional there who is trained and motivated and

really enjoys what they’re doing” helps stakeholdersget the answers they need.

“A VOICE FOR INJURED WORKERS”

“It’s very important that we pull together and we get amessage that means something out to legislators....As a risk manager, I work with employers to try tohelp them put in safety programs to put together ele-ments to protect their employees from injury.”Connie Lewis, Department of Labor & Industries in

Everett (Local 1020)

“STANDING UP FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS”

“We serve the most vulnerable populations. (Whenwe talk to legislators) we’re talking about budget cutsthat have happened and (now what) we need ad-ditionally to get this job done and serving babies andchildren.”Mahogany Villars, a social services specialist (so-

cial worker) with DSHS Children’s in Kent (Local 843)

“MY WHOLE FOCUS IS THE KIDS”

“The bigger message for the people I serve (in theDSHS Child Care Division) is to help us keep thefunding that we need so we can have the resourcesto take care of these children....That’s my wholefocus is the kids.”Jim Crouse, a nancial services specialist with

DSHS in Ellensburg (Local 1301)

“PRESERVING THE BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION”

“(Medical interpreters) provide a very importantservice because we are a bridge of communication.It is through us that people can communicate andpatients can receive care or help when they need it.It’s a more productive way of working.”Aida Sanchez-Vela, a medical interpreter in FederalWay (statewide Interpreters United Local 1671).

“WE MAKE AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE”

“It’s amazing the difference you see in someone’sface when they come in. They’ve got nothing and...even if we’re able to give them food assistance, thatperson is able to go home that night and make suretheir children have food on the table because wewere able to help them.”June Sanderson, a nancial services specialist inOak Harbor (Local 1060) who plans to tell legislators

about the need to restore funding to the safety net tohelp our neighbors who hit hard times.

“KEEPING INSURANCE COMPANIES HONEST”

“We are very important to make sure that the in-surance companies are there, they’re solvent andthey’re doing what they’re supposed to do....It’s reallygood for the people of the state of Washington toknow that real professionals are supporting them.”Yasen Angelov, a nancial analyst with the Ofce ofthe Insurance Commissioner in Olympia (Local 443).

“IT’S ABOUT QUALITY PUBLIC SERVICES”

“I’m advocating for the public, the people who Iserve...helping people get to someone to resolveproblems with their specic claims in order to get thebenets that they’re eligible for....(We must advocatefor adequate funding for services because) if wedo nothing, then the system stays the same or getsworse.”Douglas Perry, an unemployment insurance spe - cialist with the Employment Security Department inSpokane (Local 1221)

Coming together, speaking up for public

services, helping families get ahead

Some 65 members representing WFSE/AFSCME locals and a variety of

job and bargaining unit categories gathered in Olympia Dec. 12 for LobbyTraining for 2016.

More than half are rst-time member lobbyists.They got an important brieng on the issues (see some of that background on

page 2).But more importantly they learned how important it is to tell legislators and the

public their stories -- because the public may distrust the government, but “what

they want from the government is what you do every day,” WFSE/AFSCME Legis-lative and Political Action Director Dennis Eagle told the member lobbyists.

“You guys are our secret weapon,” Eagle said.On this page are some the goals and stories of just 10 of those member lob-

byists. One message is clear: Public Services Matter and are worth speaking upfor.


4/8

USE YOUR VOICE TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS


DISTRICT 1

Sen. RosemaryMcAuliffe, D-1,(786-7600)([email protected])

Rep. Derek

Stanford, D-1,

(786-7928)([email protected])

Rep. Luis

Moscoso, D-1,

(786-7900) ([email protected])

Sen. RandiBecker, R-2,

(786-7602)(randi.becker @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. GrahamHunt, R-2, (786-

7824)([email protected])

Rep. J. T.Wilcox, R-2,

(786-7912)( [email protected])

Sen. AndyBillig, D-3,


Sen. BrianDanselR-7, (786-7612)([email protected])

Rep. ShellyShort, R-7,(786-7908)([email protected])

Rep. JoelKretz, R-7,(786-7988)( [email protected])

Sen. SharonBrown, R-8,(786-7614)([email protected])

Rep. BradKlippert, R-8,(786-7882)([email protected])

Rep. LarryHaler, R-8,(786-7986)(larry.haler @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Norm

Johnson R-14,(786-7810)([email protected])

Rep. GinaMcCabe, R-14,(786-7856)([email protected])

Sen. Mark

Schoesler, R-9,(786-7620)(mark.schoesler @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Joe

Schmick, R-9,(786-7844)( [email protected])

Sen. Barbara

Bailey, R-10,(786-7618)(barbara.bailey @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Norma

Smith, R-10,(786-7884)([email protected])

Sen. Jim

Honeyford, R-15,(786-7684)( [email protected])

Rep. Bruce

Chandler, R-15,(786-7960)(bruce.chandler @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. MikeHewitt, R-16,(786-7630)([email protected])

Rep. MaureenWalsh, R-16,(786-7836)([email protected])

Sen. KarenFraser, D-22,(786-7642)(karen.fraser @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. ChrisReykdal, D-22,(786-7940)([email protected])

Rep. Sam Hunt, D-22,(786-7992)([email protected])

Rep. LillianOrtiz-Self, D-21,(786-7972)(lillian.ortiz-self @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. DonBenton, R-17,(786-7632)([email protected])

Rep. LyndaWilson, R-17,(786-7994)([email protected])

Rep. PaulHarris, R-17,(786-7976)([email protected])

Sen. Christine

Rolfes, D-23,(786-7644)([email protected])

Rep. Sherry

Appleton, D-23,(786-7934)([email protected])

Rep. Drew

Hansen, D-23,(786-7842)([email protected])

Sen. Jim

Hargrove, D-24,(786-7646)( [email protected])

Rep. Kevin Van

De Wege, D-24,(786-7916)([email protected])

Rep. Steve

Tharinger, D-24,(786-7904)(steve.tharinger @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Steve

Conway, D-29,(786-7656)([email protected])

Rep. David

Sawyer, D-29,(786-7906)(david.sawyer @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Steve

Kirby, D-29,(786-7996)([email protected])

Sen. BruceDammeier, R-25,(786-7648)(bruce.dammeier @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. MarkMiloscia, R-30,(786-7658)([email protected])

Rep. LindaKochmar, R-30,(786-7898)(linda.kochmar @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Teri Hickel, R-30,(786-7830)([email protected])

Sen. Pam

Roach, R-31,(786-7660)([email protected])

Rep. Drew

Stokesbary, R-31, (786-7846)([email protected])

Rep. Christopher

Hurst, D-31,(786-7866)([email protected])

Sen. MaralynChase, D-32,(786-7662)([email protected])

Rep. CindyRyu, D-32,(786-7880)([email protected])

Rep. NO APPT

YET, D-36,(786-7814)

(@leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Gael

Tarleton, D-36,(786-7860)

([email protected])

Sen. PramilaJayapal, D-37,(786-7688)

([email protected])

Rep. Sharon

Tomiko Santos, D-37, (786-7944)

([email protected])

Rep. Eric

Pettigrew, D-37,(786-7838)

([email protected])

Sen. John Mc-

Coy, D-38,(786-7674)

( [email protected])

Rep. June

Robinson, D-38,(786-7864)

([email protected])

Rep. Mike

Sells, D-38,(786-7840)

(mike.sells @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Elizabeth

Scott, R-39,(786-7816)

(elizabeth.scott @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Kirk

Pearson, R-39,(786-7676)

([email protected])

Rep. Dan

Kristiansen, R-39, (786-7967)

([email protected])

Rep. FrankChopp, D-43,(786-7920)([email protected])

Sen. Steve

Hobbs, D-44,(786-7686)([email protected])

Rep. Hans

Dunshee, D-44,(786-7804)([email protected])

Rep. Mark

Harmsworth R-44, (786-7892)(mark.harmsworth @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Andy

Hill, R-45,(786-7672)([email protected])

Rep. Roger

Goodman, D-45,(786-7878)([email protected])

Rep. Larry

Springer, D-45, (786-7822)(larry.springer @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. DavidFrockt, D-46,(786-7690)([email protected])

Rep. GerryPollet, D-46, (786-7886)([email protected])

Rep. JessynFarrell, D-46,(786-7818)( [email protected])

Sen. Joe

Fain, R-47,(786-7692)( [email protected])

Listed here are the names of the senator and two representatives

from each of this state’s 49 legislative districts for the 60-day 2016

regular session of the Legislature that starts Jan. 11.

• Democrats control the House, 50-48.

• The Senate has 25 Republicans and 24 Democrats. However, one

Democrat, Sen. Tim Sheldon, caucuses with the 25 Republicans in

the “Majority Coalition Caucus.”

Use this directory to call or e-mail your legislators directly.

Rep. Terry

Nealey, R-16,(786-7828)([email protected])

Rep. Mary Dye,R-9,(786-7942)([email protected])

Rep. David

Taylor, R-15,(786-7874)(david.taylor @leg.wa.gov)

DISTRICT 2

DISTRICT 7 DISTRICT 8 DISTRICT 9

DISTRICT 14 DISTRICT 15 DISTRICT 16 DISTRICT 17




DISTRICT 43 DISTRICT 44 DISTRICT 45 DISTRICT 46 DISTRICT 47

DISTRICT 25

DISTRICT 10

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 32


5/8

Page 5WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeeDecember 2015

USE YOUR VOICE TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

SENATEPRESIDENT

Lt. Gov. Brad

Owen, D,(786-7700)([email protected])

Governor’s Ofce:(360) 902-4111 (For relay operatorsfor the deaf or hearing impaired,please dial 7-1-1)E-mail form: www.governor.wa.gov/contact/default.aspMail: P.O. Box 40002Olympia, WA 98504-0002

MORE CONTACT INFORMATION:

Legislative Message Hotline:1-800-562-6000

By mail:

• Senate: P.O. Box 404 (insert LD#) Olympia, WA 98504-04 (insert LD#)

• House: P.O. Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600

Rep. MarcusRiccelli, D-3,

(786-7888)(marcus.ricelli @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. TimmOrmsby, D-3,


Sen. MikePadden, R-4,


Rep. BobMcCaslin, R-4,


Rep. MattShea, R-4,

(786-7984)(matt [email protected])

Sen. Mark

Mullet, D-5,


Rep. Jay

Rodne, R-5,

(786-7852)( [email protected])

Rep. Chad

Magendanz, R-5,


Rep. Kevin

Parker, R-6,(786-7922)(kevin.parker @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Jeff

Holy, R-6,

(786-7962)( jeff.holy @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Dave

Hayes, R-10,(786-7914)([email protected])

Sen. Bob

Hasegawa, D-11,(786-7616)(bob.hasegawa @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Zack

Hudgins, D-11,(786-7956)([email protected])

Rep. Steve

Bergquist, D-11,(786-7862)([email protected])

Sen. Linda EvansParlette, R-12,(786-7622)([email protected])

Rep. CaryCondotta, R-12,(786-7954)([email protected])

Rep. Brad

Hawkins, R-12,(786-7832)([email protected])

Rep. Tom Dent, R-13,(786-7932)[email protected])

Rep. MattManweller, R-13,(786-7808)(matt.manweller @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Curtis

King, R-14,(786-7626)([email protected])

Sen. AnnRivers, R-18,(786-7634)([email protected])

Rep. BrandonVick, R-18,(786-7850)([email protected])

Rep. LizPike, R-18,(786-7812)([email protected])

Sen. DeanTakko, D-19,(786-7636)([email protected])

Rep. J.D.Rossetti, D-19,(786-7806)([email protected])

Rep. BrianBlake, D-19,(786-7870)([email protected])

Sen. JohnBraun R-20,(786-7638)( [email protected])

Rep. RichardDeBolt, R-20,(786-7896)([email protected])

Rep. Ed Orcutt, R-20,(786-7990)(ed.orcutt @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Strom

Peterson, D-21,(786-7950)(strom.peterson @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Mark Liias,D-21,(786-7640)([email protected])

Rep. MelanieStambaugh, R-25,(786-7948) ([email protected])

Rep. HansZeiger, R-25,(786-7968)(hans.zeiger @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Jan AngelR-26(786-7650)(jan.angel @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Jesse YoungR-26 (786-7964)(jesse.young @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. MichelleCaldier, R-26,(786-7802)(michelle.caldier @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. JeannieDarneille, D-27,(786-7652)( [email protected])

Rep. LaurieJinkins, D-27,(786-7930)([email protected])

Rep. JakeFey, D-27,(786-7974)( [email protected])

Rep. ChristineKilduff, D-28,(786-7958)(christine.kilduff @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. SteveO’Ban R-28,(786-7654)(steve.oban @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Dick Muri,R-28(786-7890)([email protected])

Rep. Ruth

Kagi, D-32,(786-7910)([email protected])

Sen. Karen

Keiser, D-33,(786-7664)(karen.keiser @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Mia

Gregerson D-33(786-7868)([email protected])

Sen. SharonNelson, D-34,(786-7667)([email protected])

Rep. EileenCody, D-34,(786-7978)([email protected])

Rep. JoeFitzgibbon, D-34, (786-7952)( [email protected])

Sen. Tim

Sheldon, D-35,(786-7668)([email protected])

Rep. Dan

Griffey, R-35,(786-7966) ([email protected])

Rep. DrewMacEwen, R-35,(786-7902)(drew.macewen @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. Kevin

Ranker, D-40,(786-7678)

(kevin.ranker @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. JeffMorris, D-40,(786-7970)


Rep. KristineLytton, D-40,(786-7800)

([email protected])

Rep. Tana Senn D-41, (786-7894)(tana.senn

@leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Judy

Clibborn, D-41,(786-7926)


Sen. DougEricksen, R-42, (786-7682)

([email protected])

Rep. LuanneVan Werven, R-42,(786-7980) (lu-

[email protected])

Rep. VincentBuys, R-42,(786-7854)

([email protected])

Rep. BradyWalkinshaw,D43, (786-7826)

([email protected])

Sen. JamiePedersen, D-43,(786-7628)


Rep. Mark

Hargrove, R-47,(786-7918)([email protected])

Rep. Pat

Sullivan, D-47,(786-7858)([email protected])

Sen. CyrusHabib, D-48,(786-7694)([email protected])

Rep. Patty

Kuderer, D-48,(786-7936)(patty.kuderer @leg.wa.gov)

Rep. Joan

McBride, D-48,(786-7848)( [email protected])

Sen. AnnetteCleveland, D-49,(786-7696)([email protected])

Rep. SharonWylie, D-49,(786-7924)([email protected])

Rep. JimMoeller, D-49,(786-7872)( jim.moeller @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. SteveLitzow, R-41,(786-7641)

([email protected])

Rep. Tina

Orwall, D-33,(786-7834)(tina.orwall @leg.wa.gov)

DISTRICT 4DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6







Sen. Judy Warnick, R-13, (786-7624)( [email protected])

Sen. MichaelBaumgartner,

R-6, (786-7610)(michael.baumgartner @leg.wa.gov)

Sen. ReuvenCarlyle, D-36,(786-7670)([email protected])


6/8


UNION NEWS

I

n the wake of the Dec. 2 massacrein San Bernardino it turned out

that 12 of the 14 victims wereunion members.The Hufngton Post reports

that 10 were members of SEIULocal 721, which represents countyenvironmental health specialists likethose gunned down at the holidayparty at the Inland Regional Center.These members regularly worked atthe state facility that serves peoplewith developmental disabilities,offering work programs and socialservices.

Two other victims were membersof Teamsters Local 1932, which alsorepresents public sector workers inSan Bernardino.

All 14 members were dedicatedworkers and beloved family members.For more on who they were, here’sa good link from the Los AngelesTimes: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-san-bernardino-shooting-victims-htmlstory.html

AFSCME President Lee Saundersspoke for all AFSCME members whenhe said Dec. 3:

“Our hearts are heavy with thesenseless loss of life suffered in SanBernardino yesterday. We pray for thefamilies and colleagues of those killed.It is unconscionable that some of our

The San Bernardino massacre really was a union tragedy

most vulnerable citizens and publicservice workers dedicated to the healthand well being of their communities

would be targeted this way. Every day,our nation’s public service workers-- including health care providers,social workers, law enforcement andrst responders -- head out into theircommunities to aid those in need andkeep America running. They deservenothing less than safety and respect.We will not forget the contributionsof those who died, and through ourwork, we will honor them.”

AFSCME has set up a special onlinecenter where you can leave condolences.We have a link on our website:http://wfse.org/san-bernardino/

Roach Benton Miloscia

An arbitrator Nov. 11 ruledagainst WFSE/AFSCME and upheldthe tobacco and spouse/partner sur-charges enacted in 2014.

The union had led a grievance

in April 2014 challenging the sur-charges on the grounds they violatedthe contract agreement limiting theshare of the employee’s health insur-ance premium costs to 15 percent.

The arbitrator disagreed, say-ing the surcharges did not violatethe Health Benets Agreement ne-gotiated between the state and theFederation-led Coalition of State Em-

Arbitrator rules against union on health surcharges

Three prominent Re-publican Washington statesenators, including the No. 2presiding ofcer in the Senateand the former chair of thestate Republican party, havesided with public workersagainst a case pending beforethe U.S. Supreme Court thatwould make it even harderfor public workers like us tocome together, speak up andget ahead.

And, they say, the caseviolates conservative prin-ciples separating federal andstate responsibilities for goodgovernment and labor rela-tions.

Signing one of dozens“friend-of-the court” amicus briefs in the so-called Fried-

richs case were:

• Sen. Pam Roach ofthe 31st Legislative District,president pro-tem of the Sen-ate and chair of the SenateGovernment Operations and

Security Committee;

• Sen. Don Benton of the17th Legislative District, for-

mer head of the WashingtonState Republican Party andchair of the Senate FinancialInstitutions and InsuranceCommittee; and

• Sen. Mark Miloscia of

the 30th Legislative District,a noted government watch-dog and chair of the SenateAccountability and ReformCommittee.

Roach, Benton and Milos-cia joined dozens of other cur-rent and former Republicanmembers of state legislaturesand Congress from acrossthe country in voicing theirobjections to the Friedrichscase, which harms the abilityof public employees to bandtogether with others to win

better wages and benets thatsustain their families and winimprovements on the job, likehealth and safety.

These Republicans whosupport public workers saidthe Friedrichs case interfereswith how each of the stateschooses to handle its laborrelations with its employees,violating long-held conserva-tive values separating powers between the federal govern-ment and each of the 50 states.

Further, they and the oth-er prominent Republicans say,

the court case interferes withtheir responsibility to provide“effective and efcient stategovernment services throughthe work of public employ-ees.”

• Also: Washington’sAttorney General Bob Fer-guson was one of the 22 AGswho signed the “friend-of-the-court” brief supportingpublic workers on the samecase pending before the highcourt.

Bipartisan opposition builds to

Supreme Court case aimed at us

More online:

There are many onlinesources exposing the

real goals of the Fried-richs case and groupsusing it to “dismantle”our voice.A good one is Ameri-caWorksTogether:http://americaworksto- gether.us/

ployee Unions.“Those surcharges are a charge

or fee that is not related to the costof providing health care benets, butrather is based on behavior (tobacco)

or status (availability of comparableinsurance for spouse/partner),”the arbitrator said. “The state’sadoption of the surcharges was notcontrary to the parties’ agreementthat employees would only have topay 15 percent of the total weightedaverage of the projected health carepremium.”

The union earlier this month laidout the hypocrisy, lack of oversightand humanity at Green River Collegein a presentation to the State Board forCommunity and Technical Colleges.

WFSE/AFSCME Higher Educa-tion Strategic Coordinator Mark Ham-ilton told the state board that allowingGreen River to spend $4.1 million onthe renovation of their Student Affairsand Success Building -- given theirpoor treatment of staff (earning votesof no condence) -- “was tantamountto giving Green River College a lot ofmoney as a reward for bad behavior.”

On the front lines for Green River members

This comes in the wake of therecent layoff of three maintenance me-chanics from the facilities department.

Hamilton told the board Dec. 3:“All dealt with a constant backlog

of work orders in a constant state ofinadequate stafng, which jeopardizesthe maintenance of state facilities andemployee safety.

“Green River College claims thatshortfalls in the capital projects budgetnecessitated these layoffs. It is ouropinion that the budget is being usedas an excuse to cover up retaliatory behavior and anti union animus.”


7/8

Page 7WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeeDecember 2015

THE CORNER PAGE

SHARED LEAVE

REQUESTS

STILL IN NEED OF SHARED LEAVE:

Sarah Sumers, a custodian 1 with the

Department of Enterprise Services inOlympia and a member of Local 443,has been off work since March 30 and isin need of shared leave to cover the timeshe will miss during her extended recov-ery from spinal surgery. Contact: MeganMelton at (360) 407-8426, or your hu-man resource ofce.

Rene Whittington, an ofce assistant2 with the Employment Security Depart-ment in Olympia and a member of Lo-cal 443, has been approved for sharedleave because of a serious health condi-

tion. Contact: Felicia Wright. (360) 902-9532.

More shared leave requests:

Karen Lewis, a tax specialist 3 withthe Employment Security Departmentin Olympia and a member of Local 443,has been approved for shared leave.She is running low on leave, so any helpwould be appreciated. Contact: yourhuman resource ofce.

Leslie Daisley, a nancial servicesspecialist 3 at the DSHS Federal Way

Community Service Ofce and a mem-ber of Local 843, has been approvedfor shared leave. Contact: your humanresource ofce.

Regina Garner, a food service workerwith Western State Hospital in Lakewoodand a member of Local 793, is in need

IN

MEMORIAM

Lee Mc-Natt, the re-

tired formerLocal 782presidentat East-ern StateHospitalin MedicalLake, diedNov. 18.The long-

time licensed practical nurse was 69.

Services were Dec. 3, in Spokane.

As a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam

War, McNatt came home wounded. Heearned a Purple Heart. Back home,he began his career at Eastern StateHospital.

McNatt stood up for his membersas Local 782 president, WFSE/AF-

SCME Executive Board member, Insti-tutions Policy Committee delegate andmany more leadership positions.

Notable ghts under his leader-ship included the $10 million back paysettlement for psychiatric security at-tendants in 1987, efforts to add staff atEastern and the effort to save InterlakeSchool – the residential habilitationcenter ultimately closed in 1993 but sixyears after then-Gov. Booth Gardnerwanted to shut it down.

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RPEC CORNER

2016 federal priorities

“Retirees are exing our ever-grow-ing political muscle by meeting withevery member of Congress in the stateto ensure they are aware of how fed-eral legislation impacts our members,”says Dan Petruso, a member of RPEC’sLegislative and Political Action Com-mittees. “Our Congressional represen-tatives need to understand how impor-tant and fragile retirement security isand that they will be held accountablefor their votes.”

The Retired Public EmployeesCouncil of Washington had their Con-vention Sept. 23 and 24 in Pasco. Oneof the major discussions that took placewas which priorities RPEC needed tofocus on for the coming year to set theagenda. The 2016 Federal Prioritiesinclude:

Strengthen Social SecurityRPEC will support the Strengthen-

ing Social Security Act, S 731 and urge

our members of Congress to be co-sponsors and secure its passage.

Oppose the Trans-Pacic PartnershipRPEC will oppose the TPP as long

as it includes provisions that increasethe cost of drugs for Medicare recipi-ents or robs the Medicare Trust Funds.

Support Federal Basic Health OptionRPEC will support legislation

adopting a Federal Basic Health Optionas an affordable option for retirees witha limited income.

Elimination of the WEP/GPO (Wind-fall Elimination Provision/Govern-ment Pension Offset)

Increase support of legislationrepealing this unjust denial of accumu-lated Social Security benets for publicemployees impacted.

Taxation of Social Security BenetsRPEC will pursue elimination of

taxes on Social Security benets.

If you are getting close to retire-ment and want to join, or you have anyquestions on the information, feel freeto contact us directly: (360) 352-8262 or

toll-free: 1-800-562-6097.

of shared leave to cover the extendedtime she will need while in Texas caringfor her terminally ill son. Contact: RobinCalhoun, (253) 761-7566, or your ownhuman resource ofce.

Anthony Aguimatang, a nancial ser-vices specialist 3 with the DSHS SouthSound Phone Team in Pierce Countyand a member of Local 53, has beenapproved for shared leave. Contact: yourhuman resource ofce.

Robert Uitto, a custodian 3 at Western

State hospital and a member of Local793, is in need of shared leave to coverthe extended time he will need for hisrecovery. He will be out about threemonths. Contact: Robin Calhoun, (253)761-7566, or your human resource of-ce.

Tammy Amos, a nancial services spe-cialist 3 at the DSHS Puyallup Communi-ty Service Ofce and a member of Local53, has been approved for shared leavebecause of a serious medical condition.Contact: your human resource ofce.

Maria Olesen, a nancial services spe-cialist 4 with DSHS in Spokane, is inneed of shared leave. Contact: your hu-man resource ofce.

Nancy Gomez, a nancial servicesspecialist 3 with DSHS in Federal Way

and a member of Local 843, has beenapproved for shared leave. Contact: yourhuman resource ofce.

Shaunda Holbrook, a nancial servicesspecialist 3 with DSHS at SpokaneMaple Community Service Ofce anda member of Local 1221, is in need ofshared leave because of a serious medi-cal condition. She has used all her avail-able leave. Any donation would be great-ly appreciated. Contact: Karla Stewart at(509) 227-2720, or your human resourceofce.

Alicia Solomon, a nancial servicesspecialist 4 with DSHS in Bellingham

and a member of Local 1060, will needto take time off work for surgery and re-covery and will not have enough leaveto cover her absences. Contact: VickieRothenbuhler, (360) 714-4006, or yourhuman resource ofce.

Sarah Sumers, a custodian 1 with the

Department of Enterprise Services inOlympia and a member of Local 443,has been off work since March 30 and isin need of shared leave to cover the timeshe will miss during her extended recov-ery from spinal surgery. Contact: MeganMelton at (360) 407-8426, or your hu-man resource ofce.

Christine An-nette “Chris”

Slater, atemporary as-sociate for theunion in WFSE/ AFSCME’s

Spokane FieldOfce who lledin periodicallyin recent years,

died Nov. 20.She was 63.

She enjoyed the outdoors, her gar-den and caring for animals at a localveterinary clinic.

She is survived by a sister andbrothers, nieces, nephews and greatnieces and great nephews. Funeralservices were held Nov. 28 in Otis Or-chards.

after recent media reports about high assault rates at Western State Hospital,Henricksen said.

She said similar patterns exist at other DSHS institutions, juvenile paroleand community facilities and Veterans’ Affairs homes.

“HB 1718 would bring these high-risk positions into line with currentpension policy that recognizes the high-risk jobs of police, reghters, parkrangers, Community Corrections ofcers and other Department of Correc-tions personnel, county juvenile detention workers and others.”

SHB 1718 passed the House 95-3 in 2015 but did not get a hearing in the

Senate. It remains alive in the 2016 legislative session that starts Jan. 11.

PSERS, from page 8


8/8

MEMBERS IN ACTION

WFSE/AFSCME Washington State EmployeePage 8 December 2015

And the crisis was acutefor psychiatric social worker3s and psychologist 4s.

But these workers atWestern State Hospital inLakewood and Eastern StateHospital in Medical Lakecame together to work on asolution.

They fanned out at bothcampuses and other worksiteswhere WFSE/AFSCME members stood in solidarity withthem.

They gathered more than400 letters to the governorand state budget ofce docu-menting the need for action.

They said recruitment andretention issues affect care forpatients, court requirementsand continuum of care.

And on Nov. 24, the stateOfce of Financial Manage-ment announced it wouldimplement a 15 percent as-signment pay for psychiatric

social worker 3s and psychol-ogist 4 positions at Easternand Western. The assignmentpay took effect Dec. 1.

“I think you’re going tohave better morale, increasedsafety and better quality ofpatient care,” Seiffert said.

The recruitment and re-tention crisis has meant work-ers have taken on other tasks because of the short stafng.

“It helps with safety be-cause if the patient knows the

psychologist cares about themand works with them, they’regoing to be less likely to actout,” Gallagher said.

Many social workers andpsychologists come into East-ern and Western with hugestudent debt. Seiffert, Simonsand Gallagher say it cancost $40,000 to earn a socialworker degree and $80,000 to$100,000 for a psychologist’sdoctorate.

“They can’t afford to stay

here despite liking the work,”Simons said.

The assignment pay isalso scally responsible.

“Imagine the cost sav-ings if people actually stayedversus the expenses of havingto keep rehiring in those posi-tions,” Gallagher said.

“It also creates instabilityfor the patients on the wards.You need stability for thepatients in order for them torecover.”

• • •

More still needs to be done.“We must continue to take ac-tion to get pay parity for psy-chologist 4s and psychiatricsocial worker 3s at the ChildStudy and Treatment Center inLakewood, the Special Commit-ment Center on McNeil Island,Veterans’ Affairs and Develop-mental Disabilities Administra-tion,” said Sean Dannen, WFSE/ AFSCME’s general governmentstrategic coordinator.

POWER, from page 1

Signing letters of support for psychologist 4s and psychiatric social worker 3s.

As part of Local 793’s commitmentto be part of the solution, they joinedwith the administration last month toopen an onsite Recruitment Center.WFSE/AFSCME Vice PresidentJudy Kuschel (right, with Local793’s James Robinson) was onhand for the grand opening.

Clarissa Blackmer is oneWFSE/AFSCME memberwho sees the union as a vitalpart of our communities.

And members’ commu-nity activities a vital part ofthe union.

“It helps people under-stand what it is that we’rereally doing in our jobs andwhat we’re trying to achievefor the overall well being ofthe community,” said Black-mer, a social services special-ist 3 with DSHS Children’sAdministration in Bellevueand a member of Local 843.

Blackmer was one of

thousands of WFSE/AF-SCME members who took theunion’s Community Survey.All respondents were eligiblefor a drawing and Blackmerwon the prize: a tablet com-puter.

And she gets to representall those who took the survey.

Blackmer sees the unionas tied to strong communities.

She’s involved in herchurch, the Church of JesusChrist of Latter-Day Saints,the National Alliance on Men-tal Health and other commu-nity groups.

Before coming to Wash-ington, she was part of theUtah Public Employees Asso-ciation for 11 years.

“I think it’s critical thatthe union gets together and isclear on our voice,” she said.

She shared that the topissues she listed on the Com-munity Survey were incomeinequality and pay equity,especially any gender-basedhindrances to promotion.

“Especially working inthe social services eld, Ithink it’s important that wetake into account the variousdiversity that we have,” shesaid.

The overall CommunitySurvey was about buildingstrong community alliances tostrengthen our ability to winat the bargaining table, in theLegislature and in the work-place, said Brandon Ander-son, a community organizerfor WFSE/ARSCME.

“We know our union ishighly engaged in the com-munity and knowing what

members care about in thecommunity makes for a stron-ger union,” Anderson said.

Overall, members whotook the Community Surveylisted the top four issues orchallenges they and theircommunities face as: incomeinequality, affordable healthcare, retirement security andstudent debt.

And as Blackmer says,we’re the “day-to-day faceof the union” that can helpaddress some of these chal-lenges.

The union has a program ofworkshops on health care, retire-ment security and student debt. Many WFSE/AFSCME mem-bers’ stories in this newspaperhighlight the efforts to remedyincome inequality at all levels.

Survey says--community

and union intertwined

Clarissa Blackmer, CommunitySurvey winner

HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT NASELLE. Jack Smith (center) of Local 2263 at NaselleYouth Camp presents $500 check the local donated to the Combined FundDrive “Everyone Eats Campaign” Nov. 20. Receiving the check are DSHSSecretary Kevin Quigley and Cheryl Raistakka.

Following up on the resolution passed by the 2015 WFSE/AFSCME Convention, state employeemember activists gathered in Seattle Dec. 12 to develop a strategy to help state employees in high-

cost areas of the state. It was an important rst step to address the impact that the high cost ofliving in some areas is having on our members and the services we provide. (The “Resolution forEqual Standard of Living for State Employees” was adopted by convention delegates in October on

a vote of 191-116.)

Members gather to map strategy on high-cost areas

WFSE/AFSCME is onceagain pushing lawmakers toallow beaten-and-batteredinstitutions workers to retireearlier.

Union President SueHenricksen on Dec. 15 askedthe Select Committee on Pen-

sion Policy to back legislation(SHB 1718) to add those high-risk workers to the PublicSafety Employees RetirementSystem (PSERS).

“I’m here to tell you thatHB 1718 is just the right thingto do,” she said. “Members

who work in those jobs puttheir lives on the line everytime they enter their workunits. They face high amountsof injuries because of assaultson staff by patients, residentsor juvenile offenders.”

The PSERS retirement sys-

tem allows its members to re-tire at age 60 without penalty,a lower early retirement factorthan in the PERS system and amore generous death benet.

The need is more acute

PSERS: Lawmakers urged to back earlier retirement for high-risk institutions workers

HenricksenSee PSERS, page 7

Documents

Washington State Employee 12/2015