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Upcoming Events |
Support Senator Clinton for President
Come out for one evening this week or either day this weekend (Feb 1-3) to either our Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Las Cruces offices to knock on the doors of your sisters and brothers for Senator Clinton.We're paying members and members' family members (over 18 years old) who come out to canvass a $30 gas stipend. We're meeting at 5 p.m. each weeknight (starting Monday in Albuquerque and starting Tuesday in Santa Fe and Las Cruces) and at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Any questions, please call Carter at 463-8499.
Vote in City Elections Thoughout NM
Most ciites in NM will hold their elections on March 4, 2008. Please vote. These elections affect our AFSCME members.
State Legislature 30-Day Session Begins
The NM state Legislature's 2008 30-Day session began January 15, 2008 and concludes on February 14th. This session will primarily address budgetary items.
AFSCME Endorses Martin Heinrich
AFSCME endorses Martin Heinrich for New Mexico’s First Congressional District Candidate’s commitment to working families.
Recently, AFSCME New Mexico’s PEOPLE (political action) Committee voted unanimously to endorse Heinrich because he has consistently stood with the hard working people of New Mexico.
“Politicians always seem to talk the talk, but Martin walks the walk. He cares about the hard working people of this state and has always fought by our side” said AFSCME President Andrew Padilla.
PEOPLE committee member and water utility employee Maria Gallegos added “When city employees made the transition to the water authority, Martin made sure everyone would be taken care of and not a single employee would fall through the cracks. This is the type of person we need in Washington. Someone that will make sure New Mexico doesn’t fall through the cracks.”
AFSCME Endorses Congressman Tom Udall for United States Senate
AFSCME has endorsed Congressman Tom Udall for United States Senate. AFSCME is fully dedicated to putting all of its resources to use to make sure Congressman Udall is representing New Mexico as our next U.S. Senator.
Recently, AFSCME New Mexico’s PEOPLE Committee voted unanimously to endorse Congressman Udall because he has a strong track record of fighting for New Mexico’s workers and has the experience we need.
“Tom is a once –in-a-lifetime elected official. He is the type of person that we never have to second guess where he stands on workers issues. He has always been with labor and we are very thankful for that,” said AFSCME Executive Director Lawrence Rodriquez.
PEOPLE committee member and State employee Christine Serrano added “Congressman
Udall has been a wonderful representative for all of us in northern New
Mexico. We are going to miss him as our Representative, but we all know
he will make a great U.S. Senator.”
AFSCME and NM SPO Working in Cooperation
After consultation and agreement with the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Communication Workers of America and the Fraternal Order of Police, the New Mexico State Personnel (SPO) Office approved position reclassifications and alternate pay bands for several positions affecting state employees. These changes resulted in promotions and reflect increased requirements and responsibilities demanded by the affected positions. Read more…
Final Study Results:
Health Security Plan Most Cost Effective
Governor's Reaction: Study Results Don't Matter
On Thursday, June 21, The Governor's Health Coverage for New Mexicans committee received the final results of a study that it had commissioned comparing the cost of the existing health insurance system to four (now five) very different health care reform models over a five-year period.
Well before the results of the study became public, the Governor announced that he did not like any of the models and that he was committed to a solution that includes the private insurance companies.
Once again taxpayer dollars have been spent and the results ignored of a study that shows the path taken by the Health Security Plan is the most cost-effective, provides comprehensive coverage and freedom of choice of provider.
Read more about the Governor's position and the final results...
S.H.A.R.E. Concerns/Remedies
AFSCME leadership met with the Assistant Attorney General, Mr. David Thompson to discuss the on-going problems that the state human resource accounting and management system (S.H.A.R.E.) has had since its implementation. S.H.A.R.E. has issued thousands of errors with respect to state employees’ W-2’s, payroll checks, PERA contributions, overtime calculations, etc..
Our short term solution is simple and should be promptly addressed and implemented by responsible state officials:
1. Independent Audit: We are calling for the appointment of an independent auditor to review and audit the S.H.A.R.E. system since the state cannot adequately audit this system in a fair, accurate and objective manner.
2. Reporting: The Independent Auditor would report their findings to the State Legislative Finance Committee.
3. Resolution Timeline: We are calling for an expedited claims process with a 60-90 day “cradle to grave” window where any state employee can submit a financial claim and have an adequate answer and/or financial restitution within 60-90-days satisfactorily.
Members in the Political Process
AFSCME members and activists are tireless in our efforts to elect pro-worker candidates and shape public budgets to protect public workers and vital government services -- and to ward off legislative attacks on working families. Learn more about what's happening and what you can do can do on Capitol Hill and in your community to help elect politicians and enact policies that are right for working families.
For more information on what you can do and how to get involved, click here.