TSEA had a productive week on the hill. We ended the week Thursday evening with the Shelby County and Memphis Higher Education Chapter Legislative Dinner. We are very grateful to the Legislators who made time to visit with state employees at the dinner in Memphis:
Legislators who took time to speak to state employees in person or by zoom/phone during the Legislative Dinner in Shelby County include Rep. Antonio Parkinson, former State Sen. Chancellor Jim Kyle (on behalf of Sen. Sara Kyle), Rep. London Lamar, Rep. Karen Camper, Rep. Joe Towns, Rep. Jesse Chism, and Rep. Larry Miller. Other legislators who couldn’t attend but sent words of support through an attending legislator include Rep. Dwayne Thompson and Rep. Barbara Cooper.
During the presentation after dinner, TSEA Executive Director discussed this year’s legislative priorities and initiatives, which are included below:
TSEA’s 2022 Legislative Priorities
Retain and build on Governor Bill Lee’s proposed budget for:
- Funding for P4P increases equivalent to 4% (based on p4p scores)
- Funding for Higher Ed and other branches of government raises equivalent to 4%
- Encourage Higher Ed institutions to update market salary studies
- Funding for updated market study and then funding to make sure all job classes meet the market rate
- Advocate for increasing ranges of all preferred service job classifications
- Additional funding for TCRS legacy plan and open unfunded liability on post-retiree insurance
- A temporary one-year increase in 401(k) match to $100 starting July 1
TSEA Legislative Initiatives:
- Passage of Burden of Proof and other technical corrections involving employee rights
- Working administratively with DoHR and Higher Ed campuses to make sure TSEA has enhanced access to employee onboarding and orientations
- Equity in correctional teacher pay
- Retention bonus for state employees who no longer get longevity
- Support elimination of private prisons
- Monitor any caseload legislation for DCS case managers
- Pursue further discounts for state employees, retirees and Higher Education employees at state parks
Here are bill numbers for key legislation in committee this week:
Burden of Proof
HB2172 – Lamberth, Gant, Hawk | SB2422 – Johnson, Briggs
Summary: As introduced, replaces “list of eligibles” with “pool of candidates” for purposes of filling positions in state service; revises various procedures regarding proceedings against state employees.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 9:00 a.m. – Watch for this bill in the House Public Services Subcommittee
View live streaming video on Wednesday of the subcommittee here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/videowrapper/default.aspx?CommID=990020
Notes: After several years of negotiating with the Lee Administration, a compromise has been reached and is reflected in the language of this bill. There are several improvements that benefit state employees involved in the appeal process but most important is that the burden of proof will be the responsibility of the appealing party at the third and final step.
DCS caseloads
HB2163 – Lamberth, Gant, Vital | SB2413 – Johnson, Jackson
Summary: As introduced, specifies that the average caseloads of case managers must be calculated at least monthly.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2:00 p.m. – Watch for this bill in the House Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee.
View live streaming video on Wednesday of the subcommittee here:https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/videowrapper/default.aspx?CommID=831020
Notes: TSEA is watching closely as this bill works through committees. We want to make sure it will have a positive impact on DCS Commissioner Nichols’ ability to accurately report average caseload numbers.
TDOC Salary Increase
HB2339 – Windle | SB2345 Yager
Summary: As introduced, increases wages and salaries of preferred service employees of the department by 15 percent.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 9:00 a.m. – Watch for this bill in the House Public Services Subcommittee
View live streaming video on Wednesday of the subcommittee here: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/videowrapper/default.aspx?CommID=990020
Save These Dates
Upcoming Legislative Dinners:
Thursday, February 17, 6:00 p.m. – Davidson County – RSVP Here (Please RSVP by Monday, Feb. 14)
Saturday, February 19, 9:00 a.m. – Northeast TN Legislative Breakfast – RSVP Here (Please RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 16)
TSEA Lobby Day:
Tuesday, April 5 – Nashville, TN
