NEWS

Looking back on Lobby Day 2012

As we begin preparations for Lobby Day 2013, it's time to look back and reflect on the success of last year's event.

Each year, hundreds of state supervisors, managers, and confidential employees join together at the Capitol and talk with legislators face-to-face. It's a chance to put a human face on the issues that we so desperately need resolved.

Issues like pay inequity, pension attacks, health and safety concerns, and more.

There is no greater opportunity for new or returning legislators to hear how the decisions they make on the senate or assembly floor really impact state excluded employees.

Head over to www.acss.org/LobbyDay to see photos and reflections from last year's event.

Holding politicians accountable starts with you

In this General Election, California state supervisors, managers, and confidential employees helped put more than 50 legislators in office who have pledged to lend their support to our most crucial issues.

Issues like supervisors making less than the employees they supervise.

We're not going to fix all of our problems in one year, but 2013 is a key year for ACSS political action.

And it all starts with you.

In the coming weeks, we'll be posting information about and opening online registration for Lobby Day 2013. Lobby Day is your chance to sit down face to face with your elected officials and hold them accountable for the promises they made on the campaign trail. It's your chance to get involved in the fight for better careers and benefits, and after all the attacks we've faced this year, we're going to need a big turnout to make an impression.

Stay tuned, and get ready to fight for your rights!

Q1 Board Meeting Hotel Deadline

Attention ACSS leaders:

The deadline to reserve your hotel room at the ACSS discounted rate for the Q1 2013 Board Meeting in San Francisco is drawing near. If you do not reserve your room by Dec. 26th, 2012, you will incur the full charge for your hotel room.

We recommend making your reservation ASAP to lock in your special rate of $129/night.

Note that members must have their chapter president's approval prior to reserving a room or attending the board meeting.

How PEPRA will affect your retirement

Your ACSS met with CalPERS Chief of Governmental Affairs Danny Brown this week to discuss the impacts of the newly implemented and controversial Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

Brown emphasized that a multitude of details are still being finalized, but stressed a few key points for state supervisors, managers, and confidential employees.

First among these is that, as many of you know, the deadline to purchase non-qualified service credits, or "airtime" is drawing near. After Dec. 31st, current and new employees will no longer be able to purchase airtime. Brown stated that as long as requested are received by Dec. 31st, they will be honored.

Though PEPRA will restrict retirees from returning to state service as a retired annuitant for a period of 180 days after their retirement, Brown was unsure if annuitants hired before Jan. 1st of 2013 would be forced to honor the 180 day "sit out" period.

"I don't think they will be let go," said Brown.

"Probably not, but we will be addressing that at an upcoming board meeting."

As always, your ACSS is working to ensure that your rights are not violated during the complex implementation of PEPRA.

ACSS helps strike down Prop 32

The fight to strike down Prop. 32 was long and difficult, but state supervisors, managers, and confidential employees can rest easy - for the moment - knowing that their voice will continue to ring throughout the halls of the Capitol.

Like many of you, ACSS Vice President of Governmental Affairs Frank Ruffino said he was "exhausted" at the end of the General Election. "But I'm also excited, proud, and hopeful," he continued.

"This was not just a victory for ACSS, it was a grassroots victory for good government and the future of public service in our state."

Ruffino said he was counting on ACSS members to push ahead in the coming year.

"In 2013 we need to work with returning and newly elected legislators to push for respect, fairness, and appreciation for state supervisors and managers. It's been a long time coming."

50+ pro-supe candidates elected

Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of members and activists, ACSS helped put 54 candidates in office this year that pledged to work with ACSS to rectify issues that impact the careers of state supervisors, managers, and confidential employees.

Our member-led candidate screening process helped identify candidates that are truly committed to working with ACSS to correct issues such as pay inequity.

Nearly 90% of ACSS-endorsed candidates claimed victory in this year's General Election.

See our Advocacy page for a full list of ACSS-endorsed candidates.

The next step will be to hold our elected officials accountable, starting with ACSS Lobby Day this coming March.

Before you vote, get informed!

Ready to head to the polls?

Make sure you take a look at ACSS' Advocacy page before you do to get information on key ballot measures and candidates' stances on issues that impact your career.

Pension cuts more drastic than Brown let on

Your ACSS is working with CalHR and CalPERS to address any issues that may arise from the recently released PML regarding pension cuts.

On page two of the PML, CalHR states that current employees will be required to pay "at least 50% of the normal cost to fund the employee's retirement benefit." [Emphasis added by ACSS]

This is in direct contradiction with Gov. Brown's earlier statements re: his pension plan, which stated that he would work with current employees to increase their contribution up to 50%, not beyond.

Your ACSS labor relations team is working with CalHR now to address this issue and other potential problems with the cuts.

ACSS Quarterly: Arriving soon!

Keep an eye on your mailbox for the newest edition of ACSS Quarterly, featuring articles on the General Election, political action, and more!

In the meantime, feel free to browse through last quarter's issue on our news page.

Prop. 32 on the ropes

According to a new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, some 53% of likely voters are joining ACSS and dozens of other organizations in voting NO on Prop. 32, the Special Exemptions Act.

As we approach the election, however, it is likely that our opposition - the folks who want to silence your voice in the Capitol and let corporations funnel massive amounts of money into politics - will renew their attacks.

Keep on spreading the word to your friends and family about voting NO on this poorly disguised anti-working class power grab.

Visit our Advocacy page for more information on Prop. 32