Weekly News – Nov. 4, 2013
Police, fire unions are top contributors to Modesto sales-tax increase
The Modesto Police Officers Association and Modesto City Firefighters Association have raised over $100,000 so far to support a ballot measure to create a one-cent sales tax. The tax will hopefully prevent tough budget cuts over the next few years – but some have criticized the public safety associations’ donations as mere job preservation efforts.
Calif. GOP garners donations from unions
Unions have traditionally been strong supporters of the Democratic Party, but some Californian groups (including correctional officers and teachers) have been trying to work on both sides of the aisle recently, donating tens of thousands of dollars to the state GOP. What do you think – is a bipartisan approach worth pursuing, or is it a waste of money (or worse)?
Omaha’s civilian pension fund next to need solvency plan
More trouble with pensions: Omaha has a laundry list of reasons that they are underfunded, including hiring retirees; smaller-than-expected payroll increases; and poor investment performance. But the question, as always, is how to fix it. Suggestions include making employees pay more into the retirement fund, shrinking benefits, or moving to a new type of retirement fund altogether.
Annapolis reaches agreements with employee unions
After fourteen months of meetings, the City of Annapolis has reached a four-year agreement with four employee associations, including police and fire associations. Workers will be seeing their first raises in several years and will shore up the pension system and retiree healthcare funding.
Westchester settles contracts with two unions, CSEA last outstanding
Westchester County has reached a tentative agreement with both the District Attorney’s Investigators Police Benevolent Association and the Superior Officer’s Unit of the Department of Public Safety Police Benevolent Association. Both groups will get raises retroactive to Jan 1, 2009, and adjustments are being made towards retiree health care, longevity, clothing allowance and shift differentials.