UPEA is educating legislators on the sacrifices state employees have made during the COVID-19 pandemic – Employees should be recognized for their dedication in the form of a generous pay increase. The legislature began the 2021 session by restoring last year’s 3% pay increase in the base budget. State employees deserve more. UPEA is lobbying to ensure that the $12.9 million savings from the Program II Sick Leave unfunded liability is returned to state employees and used to supplement the approved 3% increase. We are also asking for additional funds for targeted increases.
GUIDE/OUTLINE FOR SPEAKING WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS:
Please use your own time, resources, and equipment to contact your legislator.
- Address your legislator as Senator or Representative and use their last name.
- Introduce yourself (give your name and where you live), let them know you are a constituent and a member of UPEA – You can identify the agency you work for if you wish.
- Ask if your legislator has time to discuss some items regarding public employee issues – Be prepared to discuss the topic and clarify your reasons (see below).
- Ask your legislator if they will support your position.
- Thank them for their time.
Click here to find your state representative and senator. Just enter your home address and click on the legislator’s picture for contact info.
Remember to be respectful!
HOW TO DISCUSS THE $12.9 MILLION PROGRAM II SICK LEAVE SAVINGS:
The governor’s budget highlighted that the state would have a savings of $12.9 million from the Program II Sick Leave unfunded liability that will be placed in the General Fund this year. This savings is directly generated from a reduction in state employee benefits that saved the state money and has now created a surplus.
The savings is from a public employee benefit reduction and should be returned to state employee compensation. The increase should be in addition to the proposed 3% Labor Market Adjustment included in H.B. 8 and approved earlier this session.
Utah public employees have proven their dedication and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide outstanding services to the citizens of Utah during these trying and difficult times. Many employees have taken on new positions and workloads to provide critical services to the citizens of Utah.