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By Carmela Arnoldt, GCC
The Legislative Committee has met a few times, and members have been actively involved in reviewing and responding to bills that may affect MCCCD faculty. As grassroots willingness to contact legislators when bills important to faculty come to a vote is crucial, Committee Chair Alan Haffa will advise when contacting your representatives is necessary. State House and Senate Bills initially identified as those to watch carefully included:
Support HB2219 (retirement window)
Oppose HB2250 (tax assessment bill)
Support HB2354 (retirement flexibility options)
Support HB2379 (retirement benefit increase)
Oppose HB2492 (handbook bill)
At the beginning of April, our liaison, Janet Regner, commented:
"This has been a very unusual year for legislation with the state facing such monumental budget deficits. However, the Maricopa Community College Faculty Association was wise to weigh in this year in order to organize and be preparing for future years of legislation. Through the work of Jamieson and Gutierrez, several bills were identified as priority bills and thus far those bills are moving through the process well. Those bills include:
HB2211 one-time benefit increase for retirees who received benefits prior to 5/9/01
HB2379 very similar to HB2211 provisions
HB2558 continues retirees' insurance subsidy through 6/2004."
The Legislative Committee is confident that Jamieson and Gutierrez will aid the Faculty Association's awareness of bills that affect teaching and learning.
Faculty are encouraged to contact College Senate Presidents or Council members with comments or questions.
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