July 14, 2011 Chapter Meeting Minutes
Senator Dale Righter explained the changes in legislative district boundaries in east-central Illinois that have resulted from the redistricting map approved by the General Assembly and the governor. He also thanked attendees for their numerous communications with legislators and the governor regarding recent health care providers changes. Regarding state finances, he announced that he "won't vote for any more borrowing."
Following Senator Righter, Representative Chapin Rose thanked annuitants and the EIU community for their "support and friendship over the years," In regard to the "group health insurance situation" in his judgment state regulations concerning "fairness in contracting" were not adhered to by DHFH in its review of the bids it received. Blue Cross – which submitted a bid for only 38 Illinois counties, and to whom DHFS awarded the HMO contract for the entire state - has informed Representative Rose that "they don't intend to insure all of Illinois." He deplored the Governor's veto of SB 178, which would have extended current contracts for two years and would in the process have given health providers time to extend their networks. He reminded his audience that the Legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has voted to give the Governor the authority to enter into emergency contracts with current group health insurance providers for a ninety-day period that will expire on October 1. Turning to this year's state budget, he assured his audience that "pensions and health insurance" have been paid for "off the top." Representative Rose concluded his presentation by presenting to President Ozier a certificate commemorating the Eastern Illinois University Annuitants Association's 40th Birthday.
Following Reprehensive Rose, Linda Brookhart, SUAA Executive Director, explained that she intends to prepare and send to the General Assembly a resolution regarding EIUAA's fortieth Birthday. Linda said Legislators recognized and commented on the value of the testimony provided by SUAA's attorney on the constitutionality of the pension reform language in SB512 (increasing pension Contributions by current state employees). She commended EIUAA members for making the phone calls which helped shelve SB175 -- a bill which would have required most retired state workers to make health care payments based on their years of service and the size of their state pension checks. Linda said for the time being, "all five pension funds are fully funded.
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