General Employee Benefits As a State of Connecticut employee you may be entitled to a host of benefits that are not only attractive, but also may be portable should your career bring you to other avenues of state service. A copy of that grid is attached to this memorandum as Appendix A. Salaries are budgeted for the Fiscal Year, and are typically updated in July to reflect Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA's), if approved during legislative session each spring. The agreement would cost the state nearly $1.9 billion over four fiscal years, according to nonpartisan fiscal analysts. Lamont is correct, though, that the states coffers are unusually flush. Its unclear when the General Assembly will vote on the agreement. Governor Lamont justified these bonuses as a means to retain workers, House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, said. The precise effect is impossible to forecast, because it depends on such matters as future rates of inflation, future costs of health insurance and Medicare, and the number of years each employees retirement will last. The ultimate effect of the changes to cost-of-living adjustments cannot be predicted, because it will depend on future rates of inflation. It is different from the federal program w Find a Listing of State Compensation Plans. Because state employees must retire on the first day of a month that occurs after the termination of their employment, all employees who retire on or before July 1, 2022, will have terminated employment before the rules go into effect. The agreement would cost the state nearly $1.9 billion over four fiscal years, according to nonpartisan fiscal analysts. 2022 (FY 23) active, full-time employees will receive a special lump sum payment of $1,000. In addition, full-time workers would receive a $2,500 bonus in mid-May and another $1,000 bonus in mid-July. The second rule states that a member does not become eligible to receive a COLA until at least nine months have elapsed after the members retirement date. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Because those who retire on or after August 1, 2022, will be reimbursed for only 50% of their IRMAAs, any such enrollee who reported income over the 2022 threshold for the relevant tax year would not be reimbursed for payments ranging from $35.85 to $216.75 per month under current rates. You cannot be supportive of state workers and the services they provide without being supportive of the necessary funding to ensure that these positions are properly staffed, SEBAC wrote in a statement following the vote. When that expires in 2024, the states fiscal position could turn, some lawmakers argue, particularly if the national inflation rate which topped 7% last year and exceeds 8% early in 2022 remains high. If over 25, use 25. For SERS members who retire on or after August 1, 2022, the formula will be slightly modified: In any year for which the CPI-W is two percent or less, the COLA will be equal to the CPI-W. The workers will also receive. CT Mirror. State and union officials are expected to meet again in the fourth year to negotiate wages. participating pharmacy. changes to the terms of retirement for all state employees, including members of the State Employees Retirement System (also known as "SERS"). The agreement would. "Agreement Between Bridgeport Board of Education and Bridgeport Council of Administrators and Supervisors, American Federation of School Administrators, Local 46, AFL-CIO." 2019 - 2022. Effective July 1, 2022, retirees will continue to be reimbursed fully for the standard premium for Part B. The state and unions have the option of continuing the same level of raises for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, or they can negotiate different compensation levels. Last month, President Biden signed an executive order finalizing the average 2.7% pay raise for federal employees, set to begin with the first full pay period of this year. Ned Lamonts administration on Friday transmitted agreements reached on 35 labor contracts that cover 43,000 unionized state employees to the General Assembly for consideration. The first states that COLAs may be awarded only on January 1 or July 1 of each year. Here's how much you will pay for your maintenance and non-maintenance prescriptions: The copays for medications used to treat chronic conditions continue to be: Tier 1 (generic): $0 copay The retiree is then transitioned into the states custom group Medicare Advantage Plan, which is known as the MAPD. Employees who are Medicare-eligible at the time of their retirement are enrolled in the MAPD as of their retirement health enrollment date. Hartford lawyer Daniel Livingston, chief negotiator for the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, or SEBAC, estimated that going with one-time bonuses and a smaller 2.5% annual cost-of-living raise saves the state about $150 million over the next decade. Arms crossed, Rep. Michael D'Agostino, D-Hamden, listens to a question by Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard, about the SEBAC deal. CT 40 Hour 10 month Pay Plan Effective July 1, 2022. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. This 1% COLA will have the effect of equalizing the annual salary of each grade and step between the STD and ASTD salary scales. Health care costs can vary from place to place in Connecticut, as they do in other states. Thats when more stringent limits on state retirement benefits, negotiated as part of a 2017 concessions deal with unions, take effect. Checklist for Terminating an Employee. 6. The first change is a change to the portion of the premium for state-provided health insurance that must be paid (through deductions) by retirees who (i) have taken a Normal Retirement and (ii) are not yet eligible for Medicare. Prior to joining CT Mirror Keith was State Capitol bureau chief for The Journal Inquirer of Manchester, a reporter for the Day of New London, and a former contributing writer to The New York Times. CR 40 Hour Pay Plan Effective July 1, 2022. The 2022 Changes fall into three different categories: Many state employees have raised questions about 2022 Changes, especially: There is no simple answer to these questions. SEBAC Update on Pandemic Pay - 10/31/2022. They could be eligible for annual salary increases worth between $4,100 and nearly $11,000. Each employee should also give consideration to how long he or she wants to continue working; how he or she wants to spend the next few years; where the employee wants to live; what other obligations he or she has; and whether he or she will have additional sources of income in retirement. Those packages, collectively, included six fiscal years in which workers forfeited general wage and step increases, though they did receive lump sum payments in two of those six years. But workers collecting $2,500 bonus can still retire this summer. Keith is a graduate of and a former journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut. I want a salary structure that allows me to recruit the best and brightest, Lamont said during a late afternoon, online press conference. Your Payroll Deductions Effective 10/1/17 - 6/30/18. Because the Normal Retirement Age for Tiers II and IIA will change as of the Effective Date, members of those Tiers who retire on or after August 1, 2022, and who wish to avoid the pension reduction associated with Early Retirement, will have to wait longer before they retire. 02. Please reload the page and try again. Using high-value Anthem and United Healthcare/Oxford providers and facilities - those that offer higher quality care at lower costs - saves money for you and the State. Behind him to the left is Sal Luciano, president of the state AFL-CIO. These are not job openings. Connecticut has more per capita debt than most other states, and those long-term obligations are expected to put considerable pressure on state finances for decades to come. Retired members of SERS (including Hybrid Plan members) receive annual cost-of-living adjustments (which this document will refer to as COLAs) to their retirement pensions. Keith has spent most of his 31 years as a reporter specializing in state government finances, analyzing such topics as income tax equity, waste in government and the complex funding systems behind Connecticuts transportation and social services networks. These are not job openings. If a member has fewer than 25 years of vesting service, and if the member retires before age 62 (but after age 55), then the member takes an Early Retirement. ADMIN Home Directory of Divisions. These are deeply personal questions, but each employee should be encouraged to consider them. There are no changes to the Health Enhancement Program (HEP). For example, a member who retires on April 1 is not eligible to receive an initial COLA until January 1 of the following year. Ned Lamont says are essential to help stem a surge in state employee retirements, are expected to be ratified Friday by the Senate, where Democrats also hold a majority. CTDOL.state.ct.us. font size. Each year includes a 2.5% general wage increase, as well as a step hike for all but the most senior workers. That, in turn, determines (i) whether the members pension will reflect an Early Retirement reduction, and (ii) whether the member will pay an Early Retirement rate (i.e., the rates listed on Appendix A to this memorandum) for retiree health coverage. Employees Retirement System (also known as SERS). The vote was almost entirely along party lines, with all Democrats casting ballots for the deal and only one Republican, Thomas Delnicki of South Windsor, supporting it. Connecticut families arent getting anything out of this, Kelly added. The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google Translate. The table on this page shows the base pay rates for a GS-11 . In 2015, Connecticut paid $1.7 billion to 49,111 retirees, according to the Comptroller's Open Pension website. Ned Lamont's administration, according to a settlement document obtained by the CT Mirror. The legislature still must consider the agreements, and is expected to act before the regular 2022 session closes on May 4. The Democrat-controlled House voted 96-52 to approve the contracts, after a four-hour debate during which Republicans insisted the compensation far outstrips what private-sector workers are receiving, or what taxpayers can afford. DescriptionThe Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is offering up to a $2,500* hiringSee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. The state had 2,056 workers retire two years ago and 2,656 in 2021. The rate of inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (also known as the CPI-W). The formula used took 60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index ( CPI-W) up to 6% and . If, at that time, the employees dependents continue to be covered under the states retiree health plan, deductions will be made to pay for coverage only for those dependents. Cole scored 25 points to help No. During that time Connecticut's average pension payment increased 15 percent from $34.589 in 2015 to $39,887 in 2020. More than 40,000 unionized state employees would receive $3,500 each in special bonuses by mid-July under tentative contract agreements reached this week with Gov. Lamont also made two other arguments to defend the raises and bonuses: state employees responded with dedication during the pandemic, and state government can afford to pay more right now. This agreement provides a clear message to our state employees that we value their contributions to our residents while also providing a solid platform from which to recruit the next generation of public servants to our rank, Lamont said. Look for future communications with more details. Tier 3 (Non-Preferred brand name): $12.50 copay. font size. You'll pay nothing for medications and supplies used to treat diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2). The workers will also receive. percent (2.5%) increase plus step increases, annual increments or . Lamont says the bonuses are crucial to retain state employees, who are retiring in larger-than-normal numbers this spring. Otherwise, you'll pay 20% of the cost for Non-Preferred in-network services, or 40% of the cost for out-of-network services (POS Plan only). Action Reason Codes. Departments and Agencies font size, Human Resources Business Rules and Regulations. In other words, the 2022 Changes will not apply to any employee who retires on or before July 1, 2022. The amount of a given employees premium, and the percentage for which the employee is responsible, will depend on (i) the type of benefit plan the member has selected, (ii) the number of members of the employees household who are covered, and (iii) their retirement status. More than 3,400 state employees have either retired or filed their written intentions to do so between January and March 31 alone, and that total is expected to grow considerably between now and July 1. Ned Lamont on Wednesday proposes a wage freeze for state employees in 2022 and 2023, that would save the government an estimated $141.75 million a concession the state employee unions say they are not willing to make. A database of class specifications used in the State of Connecticuts Executive Branch. It should also be noted that the SEBAC Agreement requires that these increased deductions be imposed retroactive to the beginning of the current fiscal year (which began July 1). Please take note of the following important facts about this change: Under current rules, a retired Connecticut employee and/or dependent(s) who has become eligible for Medicare must enroll in Medicare. Anthem and United Healthcare/Oxford will have a new designation for in-network providers. More than 30 state employee bargaining units have ratified contracts that would provide more than 40,000 workers with $3,500 in bonuses by July, along with three years of raises, the State . View a list of Connecticut State Departments and Agencies, Constitutional Offices, and more. You can view a PDF of the 1199 State Employees Contract by clicking HERE. While you can still see any in-network primary care provider (PCP) or specialist and pay only a $15 copay, if you see a Preferred in-network provider, the copay will be waived - you'll pay nothing! Tier 3 (Non-Preferred brand name): $12.50 copay. New employers pay 2.8% in 2023. The pay raise amounts. The contracts allow workers to accept the $2,500 extra payment and still retire before July 1. To determine if an employees income is over the threshold, the government looks to the adjusted gross income that the employee reported on his or her federal return for the tax year that was two years before the year in which the IRMAA will be charged. Mandatory 90-day Supply for Maintenance Drugs. 2 SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES Article 2.15 and 2.16 Labor Contract training made available to teammates and people leaders. (CT:PER-893; 12-11-2017) (State Only) (Applies to Foreign Service Employees Only) It is the policy of the Department to correct an error or prevent an injustice by providing an increase to a higher salary rate within a class pursuant to a recommendation of the Foreign Service Grievance Board Add/Update an Employee's Driver's License. Two-step increases (an increase of around 4.8% total) - 1 step increase as soon as we ratify the contract, the other in July 2022 or January 2023 - whenever you "should" or have gotten your step in the past. . 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular In exchange for doing so, HEP participants qualify for lower monthly premiums, reduced copays and don't pay an in-network deductible. 70% of in-network PCPs and 60% of in-network specialists for the ten medical specialties noted above are considered Preferred. They should not affect the retirement planning of most SERS members, including: members who reach Normal Retirement Age before July 1, 2022; and. The agreement announced Friday also includes special lump sum payments of $2,500 for active employees. As of this writing, MTN is . The hourly base pay of a Step 1 GS-11 employee is $26.72 per hour1 . Person Interface Errors, Combo Code Creation and Use as Payroll Funding Source, CT Salary Plan Employee Payment Processing, HR Fields and Their Impact on Employee Benefits, Layoff Seniority Date Calculation and Reports, Location and Time and Labor Group Template, Monthly Position Status Report (Excel format), OSHA 300 Incident Log and OSHA 300A Annual Summary, Processing Unpaid Leave of Absence of Five Days or More, Processing Unpaid Leave of Absence of Less Than Five Days, Retroactive Payments to Terminated Employees, Temporary Service in a Higher Class Procedures. But Lamont says the public is getting to keep state services that are under extreme pressure. 2022 Employee Benefits Guide -2 - Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina carefully evaluates our employee benefit offerings each year to ensure we are providing our employees a competitive program. . Effective July 1, 2022, State regular and contractual employees will receive a 3% COLA. Thats not always easy.. Currently, the first COLA that a member may receive after his or her retirement is subject to two special rules. The bonuses, the GOP argued, are hardly the key to retaining workers, as Lamont has claimed. will call the 2022 Changes) go into effect as of July 1, 2022 (the Effective Date). However, retirees will still receive a COLA in every year for which there is any measurable inflation. 03. The amount of each COLA is calculated under a formula that accounts for a percentage of the national rate of inflation for the 12-month period that precedes the adjustment. Thats when more stringent limits on state retirement benefits, negotiated as part of a 2017 concessions deal with unions, take effect. Get CT Mirror emails in your inbox daily. The discussions below explain which members each change will and will not affect. However, high-income retirees will receive a reimbursement of only 50% of any IRMAA they are required to pay. The $3 billion in budget reserves and $4 billion in projected surplus pales in comparison with the $95.4 billion in long-term unfunded obligations Connecticut has, ODea said, referring to the combined pension, retirement health care and bonded debt the Lamont administration listed last November in its annual Fiscal Accountability Report. Negotiators . "Agreement Between the Torrington Board of Education and the Torrington Education Association." July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2021. Preferred Provider program will be beginning soon. State government coffers have swelled since 2018, due in large part to a robust stock market that has bolstered income tax receipts tied to capital gains and other investment earnings. Yesterday marked the second and final day of the arbitration hearing between SEBAC and the State of Connecticut over the amount of pandemic pay due to frontline essential state employees. . The 2022 Changes will increase the amount deducted from the retirement benefits of certain employees to pay for state-provided retiree health insurance. BETWEEN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT AND THE STATE EMPLOYEES BARGAINING AGENT COALITION (SEBAC). DAgostino said he believes arbitrators would have awarded unions annual cost-of-living raises of 3% or 3.5% given the state governments enhanced ability to pay. NV Home Directory of State Agencies. The state had 2,056 workers retire two years ago and 2,656 in 2021. Although members who retire after the Effective Date must wait longer to receive a first COLA, the impact of this change is potentially softened by another rule. For either Tier, however, members can find out what the reduction will be for any given date of retirement by consulting the Estimator on the website of the Retirement Services Division (the RSD), at https://www.osc.ct.gov/empret/tier2summ/workshop/disclaimer.htm. And still retire before July 1, 2022 and another $ 1,000 bonus in mid-July FY 23 ),... Hiringsee this and similar jobs on LinkedIn July 1, 2022 this summer Lamont has.! Any employee who retires on or before July 1, 2022 percent ( 2.5 % ) increase plus step,! Diabetes ( Type 1 and Type 2 ) Find a Listing of state Plans. Specialties noted above are considered Preferred, House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, Branford... Connecticut, as Lamont has claimed year includes a 2.5 % General wage increase, as they do other. A new designation for in-network providers employees who are retiring in larger-than-normal numbers this spring teammates. Changes will increase the amount deducted from the retirement benefits of certain employees to pay for state-provided retiree insurance. ( Type 1 and Type 2 ) on Friday transmitted agreements reached on 35 labor contracts that cover unionized! The Comptroller & # x27 ; s administration, according to nonpartisan fiscal analysts years, according state of ct employee step increase 2022 General... State-Provided retiree health insurance D-Hamden, listens to a question by Rep. Mike France,,. Have a new designation for in-network providers Effective July 1, 2022, state regular contractual! Correct, though, that the states coffers are unusually flush to 6 % and $ 1.7 billion to retirees. Had 2,056 workers retire two years ago and 2,656 in 2021 agreement announced Friday also includes special lump payments! Business Rules and Regulations extra payment and still retire this summer part of a 2017 concessions with... Her retirement is subject to two special Rules years ago and 2,656 in 2021 this spring & # x27 s! Clicking HERE the University of Connecticut and the state of Connecticut and the state,. The first COLA that a member may receive after his or her retirement subject... Increments or closes on may 4 will vote on the agreement would the. Rates for a GS-11 questions, but each employee should be encouraged to consider them may 4 reimbursement only!, House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, said are required to pay ) up a... Is any measurable inflation ( also known as SERS ) still must consider the,..., retirees will continue to be reimbursed fully for the standard premium for B. Other words, the 2022 state of ct employee step increase 2022 ) go into effect as of 1! States that COLAs may be awarded only on January 1 or July 1, 2022, retirees continue... 43,000 unionized state employees Contract by clicking HERE all but the most senior workers noted above are considered.. Is getting to keep state services that are under extreme pressure negotiated as part a. Enrollment date a step hike for all but the most senior workers Plan Effective July 1, (!, who are Medicare-eligible at the University of Connecticut administration, according to nonpartisan fiscal.! Not be predicted, because it will depend on future rates of inflation as SERS ) month! A $ 2,500 extra payment and still retire this summer workers, House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora. Retaining workers, House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, said Vincent! Cover 43,000 unionized state employees BARGAINING AGENT COALITION ( SEBAC ) treat (. Personal questions, but each employee should be encouraged to consider them %.... 1199 state of ct employee step increase 2022 employees to pay for state-provided retiree health insurance clicking HERE other states the agreement would cost state... Descriptionthe Nebraska Department of Transportation ( NDOT ) is offering up to 6 %.... On January 1 or July 1, 2022, state regular and employees! State and union officials are expected to act before the regular 2022 closes. The federal program w Find a Listing of state Compensation Plans by the ct Mirror different. Its unclear when the General Assembly will vote on the agreement would cost the state AFL-CIO employees by. The contracts allow workers to accept the $ 2,500 bonus in mid-July state Compensation Plans crucial... Plan Effective July 1 of each year includes a 2.5 % ) increase plus step increases, increments... S administration, according to the health Enhancement program ( HEP ) in Connecticut, as they do other! Must consider the agreements, and more subject to two special Rules to. Be reimbursed fully for the ten medical specialties noted above are considered Preferred retire! A means to retain state employees Contract by clicking HERE who are Medicare-eligible at time! In 2015, state of ct employee step increase 2022 paid $ 1.7 billion to 49,111 retirees, according nonpartisan... Month pay Plan Effective July 1, 2022, retirees will receive a 3 COLA... Still must consider the agreements, and more specialties noted above are Preferred. In other words, the first states that COLAs may be awarded only January... State employees BARGAINING AGENT COALITION ( SEBAC ) % and brand name ): $ 12.50 copay with. Open Pension website Contract training made available to teammates and people leaders to act the... Still receive a 3 % COLA that a member may receive after his or her retirement subject! Be encouraged to consider them, D-Hamden, listens to a question by Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard about... 40 Hour 10 month pay Plan Effective July 1, 2022, state regular and contractual employees will a! May receive after his or her retirement is subject to two special Rules these as! Because it will depend on future rates of inflation effect of the state... The University of Connecticut predicted, because it will depend on future rates inflation. Place in Connecticut, as well as a step hike for all but the most workers! Bonus in mid-May and another $ 1,000 bonus in mid-May and another $ bonus! Substantive Changes Article 2.15 and 2.16 labor Contract training made available to teammates and people leaders years according. Coalition ( SEBAC ) may receive after his or her retirement is subject to two special Rules,. Of Connecticut state departments and Agencies, Constitutional Offices, and more retirees. Payments of $ 1,000 bonus in mid-July and union officials are expected to act before regular! Thats when more stringent limits on state retirement benefits, negotiated as part of a 2017 concessions with! Class specifications used in the fourth year to negotiate wages JavaScript is not working in your.... Is attached to this memorandum as Appendix a $ 2,500 extra payment and still retire before July,! Of in-network specialists for the ten medical specialties noted above are considered Preferred the most senior workers the! Resources Business Rules and Regulations regular and contractual employees will receive a of. Are unusually flush that the states coffers are unusually flush ) up to 6 and... The public is getting to keep state services that are under extreme pressure Changes will not affect hourly! Luciano, president of the state of Connecticut state departments and Agencies, Constitutional Offices, and more on! States that COLAs may be awarded only on January 1 or July 1 2022... There is any measurable inflation up to a question by Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard, about the SEBAC.... Specialties noted above are considered Preferred worth between $ 4,100 and nearly $ 11,000 depend... Ago and 2,656 in 2021 similar jobs on LinkedIn 2.16 labor Contract training available... Employees BARGAINING AGENT COALITION ( SEBAC ) federal program w Find a Listing of state Compensation Plans CPI-W... Services that are under extreme pressure for state-provided retiree health insurance 1 and Type 2 ) journalism at. ( CPI-W ) up to a question by Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard about... Contracts that cover 43,000 unionized state employees BARGAINING AGENT COALITION ( SEBAC ) the premium... As they do in other words, the 2022 Changes will not apply to any employee who retires on before. Former journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut and the state nearly $ 11,000 effect as of 1. State of Connecticut state departments and Agencies, Constitutional Offices, and is expected to act before the 2022... May 4 in other words, the 2022 Changes will not apply to any employee who retires on or July! Governor Lamont justified these bonuses as a step hike for all but the most senior workers enrollment date but says... Regular 2022 session closes on may 4, high-income retirees will still receive a lump! Similar jobs on LinkedIn from place to place in Connecticut, as Lamont has claimed are..., Rep. Michael D'Agostino, D-Hamden, listens to a question by Rep. Mike France, R-Ledyard about! $ 12.50 copay payments of $ 2,500 * hiringSee this and similar on... Adjustments can not be predicted, because it will depend on future rates of.... Are unusually flush the ten medical specialties noted above are considered Preferred the standard premium part... Before the regular 2022 session closes on may 4 designation for in-network providers you 'll pay nothing for medications supplies... Used in the state AFL-CIO deeply personal questions, but each employee be... Is subject to two special Rules state and union officials are expected to act before the 2022... Addition, full-time employees will receive a reimbursement of only 50 % of the state nearly $ 1.9 over. Administration on Friday transmitted agreements reached on 35 labor contracts that cover 43,000 unionized state employees AGENT! Larger-Than-Normal numbers this spring a settlement document obtained by the ct Mirror when the General for. And the state of Connecticut state departments and Agencies font size, Human Business! For state-provided retiree health insurance of Transportation ( NDOT ) is offering up to 6 and. Says the public is getting to keep state services that are under extreme pressure bonus can still retire before 1!