WHAT'S HAPPENING

State employees united for quality public services at a rally at the youth services center in Manchester. Please send us an email about how cuts in state, county, and municipal budgets are harming public services.

	Member Action
	Wins Key Legislative Victories for All

For several months, the Legislature deliberated over bills that are important to all the people of New Hampshire. In the end, they voted to pass HB1645 (The Retirement Bill), SB321 (A revenue producing bill), and the Governor's capital bonding bill which provides essential funding for capital improvement and quality public services.

These victories would not have been possible without the tireless effort of SEA members.

Hundreds of SEA members got involved in the political process for the first time by meeting with, calling, and sending letters to their legislators.

Over 1,000 members signed online petitions or sent emails to legislators.

Many members attended their first legislative hearings - some even testified.

Thank you to all the unions who came together in the NH Retirement Security Coalition.  The solidarity was awesome!  We were definitely stronger, together.

Finally, thank you to the Leadership of the House and Senate who worked tirelessly to find a solution. 

Click here for the final version of HB 1645.

Click here for the 2008 Retirement Campaign webpage.

Political Endorsements

The SEA Political Education Committee and Board of Directors recommends candidates based on their record of supporting working families.  More about these candidates.

Summer Labor Studies Institute 2008
This year's Summer Labor Studies Institute, which will be held July 25-26 at the University of Maine-Farmington, will be innovative, fun, and unlike previous Summer Institutes.  This year's entire event will be devoted to building union power, with a customized program developed by Wellstone Action and the UMass-Lowell Labor Extension Program. 
More information - register online

Gov. Lynch Announces Hiring Freeze and Agency Budget Reductions

On Friday, Feb. 22, Gov. Lynch announced two executive orders:  one freezing Executive Branch hiring, equipment purchases, and out-of-state travel, and the other directing over $46 million in budget reductions.  More

2008 Legislative Session
There are over 200 bills that have a direct effect on state employees. Through Member Action Teams, SEA members are taking action on over 200 bills effecting fellow employees. Click here to get involved. Click here to see the bills that directly effect us.

State Employees:
Use the Health Assessment Tool

Instructions for using the Health Assessment Tool are available here.  Before you start, read about a way to avoid "time-outs" while you are taking the survey.  

There is no deadline for completing the assessment, but the sooner you participate, the sooner you can access the $200 benefit. 

If you have problems accessing this benefit, or any other benefit related to health care, please call the HBAC Helpline at the SEA office, at 271-3411 x108.

State Employees:
Health Education Reimbursement

Anthem offers a $150.00 Health Education benefit for each employee per calendar year.  A listing of the participating providers for the Community Health Education Reimbursement Program is available here. 

Programs are offered in the areas of childbirth education, nutrition education, parenting, physical activity, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight management.  Members should check with the individual facilities for more information on coverage plans.  Reimbursement forms will be available soon.