Statewide plan for teacher health benefits weighed

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/120174451847420.xml&coll=1

Thursday, January 31, 2008
BY JAN MURPHY
Of The Patriot-News

Legislation that would take health care benefits off the bargaining table in school employees' contract talks is gaining momentum in the state House.

The House Education Committee voted Wednesday to send to the full House a bill that could lead to a statewide health benefits program for all school districts except Philadelphia.

The bill would create a new, 20-member Public School Employees' Benefit Board. If that board found a statewide plan cost effective, it would be authorized to design and implement the program for 230,000 school employees.

"It's a bold step" to control local costs, said Rep. Dan Surra, D-Elk, the bill's sponsor.

State Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak backs the measure as a way to preserve health care benefits for educators, reduce teacher strikes and tackle "one of the biggest cost drivers impacting public schools."

Districts spend $1.5 billion annually on medical and prescription drug coverage, according to Gov. Ed Rendell. Between 2003 and 2005, health care premiums for districts rose by 24 percent.

FULL story at link.

[LWolf]

1. It's a real issue that drives contract negotiations.

Frankly, I think something like this is a good idea. Without the fight for benefits, we could focus on working conditions and appropriate salaries.

Of course, I've long been a supporter of HR 676. ;)