Fletcher restores teachers’ benefits
by Eric Pinkston
Associate Opinions Editor
Back in September, the teachers had a day of protest, on which they wore black “to mourn for our health care benefits”.
Mr. Gary Edmonson explained what they meant by that, as he laid out the basics of Governor Fletcher’s health care cut.
Out-of-pocket expenses could get as high as $7,000, and maybe even more; a family plan would cost up to $6,000; and to add to the additional costs, there is an $800 deductible.
A walk-out in September was discussed, but the teachers decided not to follow through with it. They showed their discontent with the day of protest.
As the calander reached October, it looked as if things wouldn’t be getting any better. The teachers became more and more serious about their proposed strike, and eventually October 27th was scheduled as a walk-out day if no changes for the better had been made. Many teachers were still optimistic, and hoped for a peaceful solution: “We’ll only go on strike if we are forced to,” said Mr. Edmonson. “We all really hope that this becomes an acceptable agreement for all parties involved.”
Governor Fletcher, running on a tight schedule, called a meeting of the General Assembly to discuss the health care issues. The decision they came to would ultimately lower state employees’ health care premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses, and premiums are now standardized rather than salary-based. State employees will also get a flexible spending account of $234 per month. This new health care plan is expected to cost the state government about $172 million (pocket change, compared to the 2.4 billion they plan to spend on basic school funding.)
