Dear GGU Member,

Thursday, April 7 Governor Murkowski signed SB 98 which contains the funding for the increase of $58 per month ($29 per pay period) in the employer's health insurance contribution. The appropriation funding our monetary terms is effective immediately.

Now that the appropriation has been approved the State will begin the process of determining the total dollar amount each member will receive retroactive to July 1, 2004. The agreement with the state is that the health insurance premium refund "will be no later than 45 days from the effective date of the appropriation". Based on this the payroll adjustment for the refund should be made no later than the May 31 payroll.

The State will also credit one day of personal/annual leave to each active GGU member in pay status on July 2, 2004. This day of leave will be deposited in your leave account no later than 45 days from the effective date of the appropriation.

The monetary terms for the second year of our contract (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006) are contained in the FY 06 Operating Budget (HB 67). HB 67 has passed the House and is being considered by the Senate Finance committee. The monetary terms contained in HB 67 include a 1 1/2% salary increase and another increase in the employer's health insurance contribution effective July 1, 2005. I have been informed that the employer's health insurance contribution will be increased by an additional $78 per month ($39 per pay period) per member effective July 1, 2005.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Jim Duncan
Business Manager