CASE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
The Legislative Analyst Reacts: “Plausible but Optimistic.” The nonpartisan State Legislative Analyst responded last week to the Governor’s initial budget proposal. As you may recall, the Governor’s budget assumes a $38b deficit, where the LAO previously predicted a deficit of $68b. While it may be some time before we know which projection, if either, is correct, both the Governor and the LAO project deficits of $30b annually through the 2027-28 fiscal year. The LAO notes that the Governor’s budget is based on $15b more in projected revenues than was the LAO’s estimated fiscal outlook. The LAO suggests that the Legislature “(1) plan for lower revenues, (2) maintain a similar reserve withdrawal, (3) develop a plan for school and community college funding, (4) maximize reductions in one‑time spending, and (5) apply a higher bar for any discretionary proposals and contain ongoing service level.” CASE will continue to closely monitor the unfolding budget process and advocate to protect your pay and benefits at every turn.
Help Make the #Case4CASE. Your professional story could help us make the #Case4CASE in 2024. Consider being a part of our ongoing media campaign to tell the public about the vital work of Unit 2 legal professionals as we prepare for contract negotiations next year. Our fight isn’t just about improving your salary and benefits so you can better provide for your families and future. Our fight also is about preserving California’s values – protecting natural resources, enhancing opportunity, and more. Share your story today using our online form. CASE staff will contact you for a telephone interview. Participation requires you to provide a photo along with your name, job classification, and your employing department. Questions? Email CASE Media Consultant Jon Ortiz at jon.ortiz@calattorneys.org. Watch for member highlights in upcoming issues of CASE Files, too.
CALPERS CORNER
Dependent Re-Verification Program. This is a good time for a friendly reminder about the Dependent Re-verification Program (DRV), under which all state employees and retirees with spouses, domestic partners, children, and other dependents enrolled in a state health care plan must provide documentation that those family members are eligible to continue receiving medical and dental benefits. The DRV process runs on a three-year cycle with set deadlines for state employees and retirees to submit eligibility documentation based on your birth month.
According to the State, failure to complete the DRV process will result in the cancellation of health and dental insurance for unverified dependents.
For complete DRV details, including a list of acceptable documents to verify dependency status, please see CalHR’s website. You can also view more information about the program on the CalPERS website here.
The following chart illustrates the three-year schedule:
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
News of interest to CASE legal professionals:
- California return-to-office rumors are true — for some. See which state teleworkers are affected’ – The Sacramento Bee
- Former inmates suing CA Department of Corrections alleging sexual abuse by prison staff – ABC 7 (Los Angeles)
- California’s attorney general sues developer of stalled Thousand Oaks homeless housing – Ventura County Star
REMINDERS
New Year, Stronger CASE. Welcome to 2024! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. As the CASE Board gets ready for another year of action and advocacy on behalf of CASE Members, we need your help. Take 5 minutes to complete our 2024 CASE Member Survey. Your answers will help us better know the membership that we serve and inform our decision making in the coming year. The survey will be open through January 31 and three respondents will be selected at random for a $100 gift card.
CASE Board Meeting-February 9. The CASE Board meets next on Friday, February 9. To attend via zoom, please complete the online registration form (pw: membersmatter22) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8. A zoom link will be sent to all registered members on Friday morning by 9am.
2024 Bar Dues. State Bar Dues must be paid by February 1, 2024. The process for paying fees can vary from department to department. The maximum the State will reimburse is $465 of the default $510 indicated on your State Bar dues form. The State does not cover voluntary or optional contributions. The CASE MOU provides increased reimbursement for specialty or local bar dues – up to $200 annually where State Bar Membership is required as a condition of employment. Fees for more than one specialty or local bar membership can be reimbursed if the total reimbursement does not exceed $200. For employees not required to be State Bar members as a condition of employment, your department may provide reimbursement for dues or 2 additional Professional Development Days (PDDs). For more details, check out the CalHR Manual section on dues payment, or contact CASE.