President Gilbert has been offered and accepted a Management position with DYS. He will remain President until August 2, 2008. In accordance with the Local and International Constitution, the Local Executive has voted Paul Faria as interim President to fill the remainder of Gilbert's term. The Board further voted in Jimmy Liberidis to fill the remainder of Faria's Secretary Treasurer's term.
All the current Local Officer's seats are up for an election in October, to begin the two year term in October. Notices will be sent to every member, in accordance with the bylaws of the union.

DYS, in conjunction with the WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT initiative, has issued a very important survey. This survey will be completed online, to ensure it remains totally anonymous. The Local leadership encourages every member to take a few minutes and complete the survey. For those members who do not have access to the Internet, we ask those who do, to assist your Brothers and Sisters in this important task.
 
In Solidarity,
Chris Gilbert, President

Dear AFSCME Member;
We are pleased to inform you that the Massachusetts House of Representatives has voted to REJECT a proposal in the House budget that would have raised state employee health insurance contribution rates by 5% to 10%.  This proposal would have resulted in out-of-pocket increases of 33%-67% for our members.
The proposal was defeated through an amendment co-sponsored by 106 of the 160 members of the House. The amendment passed by a vote of 144-10.  
While there were widespread reports throughout the week that we would win this fight, the formal vote did not take place until Friday evening at 7:40 P.M.  
The budget process now moves to the Senate where Council 93 will continue to aggressively fight any effort to increase your health insurance costs.
Thanks to all who contacted their state representatives to seek their support.  Please forward this message to your members.