Weekly/Daily Legislative Report

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
April 7, 2008
Charlie Roberts
 
     After one of the most hostile sessions in my memory, the 2008 General Assembly finally ended at midnight Friday.  The name calling and bitterness began with the opening bell and by 11P.M. it became personal and at Sine Die was downright ugly.  Committee Chairmen had a host of good bills left uncalled in  both chambers and Piggyback Amendments were on almost every piece of legislation passed with some never read on the floor.  Because of the unknown, the Gold Dome Advocate Group, which we are members of, will meet Tuesday and my Final Alert will include specifics.
 
     We do know that we have a 21 Billion Dollar Budget and that Education was a priority. Our GREA Legislative Objectives were well known by the delegates and we addressed issues in committees of both chambers.  What I believe are final results are:
 
          *  The ERS New Hire Plan will become Law on July 1, 2008.  This legislation does not change the retirement  of retired or current members of ERS, only those hired on or after  July 1.  (  GREA opposed this legislation and presented documentation that this plan was very costly and was failing in other states.  We also expressed concerns for other retirement programs.  )
 
          *  Once again Venture Capital was a major concern.  Thanks to your outstanding support and interaction from the active teacher groups, this legislation was never debated on the floor of the House.
(  Unless it was among the silent Piggyback Amendments, it is a dead issue for 2 more years ).
 
          *  Return to Work for Retired Teachers, Administrators, Counselors and Media Specialist will become Law on July 1, 2008.  (  This was done only because of the outstanding use of the Piggyback by our good friend Rep. Brooks Coleman and your contacts with legislators. We will forever be thankful to Brooks for his leadership and support of GREA. )
 
     This has been an exhausting year at the Capitol.  Words are not adequate to expression to you, Dr. Sloan, Chairman James Johnston,  the GREA Legislative Committee and Governing Board my deep appreciation for your support. GREA  is among the leading advocate groups at our State Capitol and I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Liaison.

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