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New Board Member
Steven J. Slaughter
Steve started his State career in 1985 at North Princeton Developmental Center (NPDC) in Skillman, NJ as an electrician. He attended Mercer County Vocational School where he acquired his certification as a Journeyman Electrician. He was promoted to the title of "Planner/Scheduler Computerized Maintenance and transferred to New Lisbon Developmental Center; then he was promoted and transferred to North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, NJ as Assistant Engineer in Charge of Maintenance 1 and now serves as Engineer in Charge of Maintenance 1. He is a Certified Public Manager and studied Business Administration at Mercer County College in 1974. He also completed Electronic Technology at Trenton Technical Institute in Trenton, NJ.
In 1975, he was recruited into the New Jersey Army National Guard - his Army career lasted 27 years before retirement in 2002. In the Army he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7) as a Tactical Communications Chief. He completed Basic Non Commissioned Officer School, Advance Non Commissioned Officer School and a host of other military leadership/tactical schools.
Over the years, he has been involved in several community activities. One of which was a Scout Master in Troop 360 of the George Washington Council in Edison, NJ. He was awarded the city of Trenton Mayor's (Douglas Palmer) "Outstanding Citizen" Award.
According to Steve, "As a manager in NJ State government, the injustices we have endured for decades is unbearable. The NO Raises, lack of training and the obvious lack of consideration by several administrations is to the point of "something has to be done" and I want to have my say in these matters. PSMA/IBEW is giving me that opportunity and I thank them for that."
We welcome Steve to the Board of Directors.
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PSMA Revises Member Discounts on Website
The Board of Directors is committed to providing members with greater benefits and discounts. We have moved the discounts out of the members only section and placed a button on the Home page of the PSMA website to make it easier to access the discounts. Just click on the button above or the same button on the website to bring you the latest benefits and discounts including: Carriage House Spa & Salon TheComfortOutlet.com Regal Cinema United Artists AMC Theaters Edwards Theatres We will be adding more discounts over the coming months. |
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CONTRIBUTE TO THE PSMA PAC
In order for an organization to be effective it has to have a well-funded Political Action Committee (PAC). PSMA is not allowed to use dues to give donations to candidates and political parties. All monies used for that purpose come from a separate PSMA PAC which gets its funding directly from contributions by members. This past year the PSMA PAC made some very critical donations to legislators who ended up supporting us in our quest for union legislation.
This effort requires a small contribution from everyone. Please consider donating $2.00 or more per paycheck to the PSMA PAC. You can get a special PAC dues deduction card by e-mailing info@psmanj.org, or directly from your payroll clerk. You can also send a donation to:
PSMA PAC 212 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08608 |
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Board of Directors & Staff
Stan Cach, President (DEP) Biff Lowry, 1st Vice President (DEP) Tonya Coston, 2nd Vice President (DOE) Fred Gmitter, Secretary (LPS) Michael Simone (LPS) Vince Mastrocola (DOE) Berit Osworth (DCA) Steven Slaughter (DHS) Phillip Freeman, Sr.(AG) Alfred Laubsch, Jr.(DOL) Barry Chalofsky (Ret.) Thomas Flynn (Ret.) Phil Frigero (Ret.)
Lisa Ginther, Executive Director
Mike Larkin (Ret.), Financial Officer |
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We Need Your Contact Info
It is not clear whether the State will block our newsletters and other e-mail communications, but in order to serve you better PSMA/IBEW is asking that you update your contact information with your personal e-mail address. Just go to our website at www.psmanj.org and fill out the interactive form. |
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PSMA Website
If you have questions about PSMA or want to provide an alternative e-mail address please send an email to: |
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Negotiating Team Progress
The Local 30 Negotiating Team of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers met with Governor's Office on April 10. 2012 to discuss the list of eligible managers. They have agreed to set up a sub-committee to resolve eligibility. The team continues to meet every other week and is finalizing the draft proposals for the contract negotiations.
What Does This Mean To PSMA Members?
Although IBEW Local 30 is the entity entitled to represent the PERC-eligible managers in negotiations with the Administration, as we have stated before, Local 30 does not get any financial resources from the International IBEW. The International does provide negotiation leadership and legal support, but we the managers have to do the actual negotiations and all of the other functions of the local. At this time PSMA and its membership form the core basis for that support. Once we have a contract, Local 30 will become self-sustaining and we will discuss how PSMA fits into that new structure. PSMA is also still the constitutional representative of all managers not eligible for IBEW. Therefore, it is critical that we build the membership of PSMA so that we can support the efforts of Local 30 during the difficult negotiations facing us.
Please help us to enlist non-members to PSMA so that we can continue to financially support the negotiations process. Contact Lisa Ginther, Executive Director at execdir@psmanj.org for information on how you can help get new members - remember our $100 new member bonus! Non-members should sign an application card and dues deduction card which can be found at http://www.psmanj.org/join.html. PSMA applications should be sent to PSMA, and dues deduction cards for PSMA go to your Department Payroll Office. We need everyone to support this effort!
How about Eligible Managers not on the list?
We are continuing to work with the State and PERC to refine the list of eligible managers. If you are a manager that no longer supervises other managers. or who believes that they were erroneously left off of the original list, please let Executive Director Ginther at execdir@psmanj.org know ASAP!
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(Click On Button To Take Action)
Sick Leave Payout
Call To Action
Dear PSMA Member:
As you are aware, the Governor and the Legislature are pushing sick leave payout changes that have major negative consequences to managers and retirees. As PSMA continues to communicate with the legislative delegation, we need you to get the message out to your legislators that they need to stand against this misguided effort. It matters most to your Senator and Assemblypersons to hear from you directly.
PSMA has developed a NEW MESSAGE on this issue that is being considered by the legislature that you can easily send to your representatives. All you need to do is click on the link below, "Take Action Now", then choose your municipality from the drop down menu and select the representatives you want your message to reach. Finally, complete your information, and click to send your email immediately to your legislators.
Let's get the word out together and let our legislators know that we live in their district and we VOTE. The bill is up for consideration next week so we need you to send your e-mails TODAY!!
In solidarity,
Stan V. Cach
President
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Sick Leave Legislation Still Progressing - Over 80 Emails Sent To Legislators!
PSMA/IBEW continues to work with members of the Legislature on this issue. 81 emails have been sent to legislators through our email advocacy system but more are needed! Help fight this loss to managers!
The Christie Administration has indicated that it looks favorably on legislation proposed by Senator Sweeney (D) (S1564). At the same time other bills have been proposed by Democrats and Republicans in the Assembly and the Senate with different provisions. One bill in particular - A2489 - proposed by Assemblywoman Lampitt (D), would unfairly target non-unionized employees which would have a significantly negative impact on some PSMA members. However, while there is clearly areas of disagreement, especially between the Assembly and the Senate, it appears that some sort of compromise may be imminent because bills are being presented by both parties. PSMA/IBEW. PSMA has issued a Call to Action (click on Call To Action button above) to protest this legislation.
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New Member $100 Bonus Is Back
Earn $100 for every new member that you refer that enrolls in PSMA. (See details below.)
1. New member (as of 7/24/11) must complete a payroll dues deduction card and submit it to their payroll office.
2. The new member must also complete a PSMA membership application (available from www.psmanagers.org ) and mail the application to the PSMA mailing address (see below). The membership application list the name of the PSMA sponsoring member in order to be eligible for the $100.00 recruitment rebate.
3. The Executive Director will issue the rebate to the sponsor upon receipt of payroll deduction verification completed membership application with the sponsor's name.
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Board of Directors Minutes - 4/3/12
The Board of Directors met on March 6, 2012 and discussed the progress of the Negotiating Committee, the proposed sick leave legislation, adopted the Strategic Plan, established a list of social/fundraising events, and discussed the Annual Meeting. The next Board meeting is May 1, 2012.
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Board Adopts Strategic Plan
The Board of Directors adopted a Strategic Plan for PSMA at the April 3, 2012 Board Meeting. The plan which is available at http://psmanj.org/extras/StrategicPlan.doc, discusses the organizations Vision, Mission, and Purpose. It has a number of Program Areas including Member Benefits/Membership, Professional Development, Public Relations, Fundraising, Scholarship and Retirees Group.
The Board has designated Team Leaders for each of the Program Areas:
Member Benefits/Membership - Tonya Costin/Steve Slaughter
Professional Development - Stan Cach/Berit Osworth
Public Relations - Phil Frigero/Phil Freeman/Barry Chalofsky
Fundraising - Fred Gmitter/Biff/Lowry/Barry Chalofsky
Scholarship - Mike Larkin/Al Laubsch/Biff Lowry
Retirees Group - Phil Frigero/Tom Flynn
Each of these Teams are looking for more members to help out in the process of implementing the Strategic Plan. Please review the Plan and contact Executive Director Lisa Ginther at execdir@psmanj.org if you are interested in helping out.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BE SUCCESSFUL!!
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 Federal Health Care Reform -
Changes To the State Health Benefits Program
Federal Health Care Reform is requiring the SHBP to make several changes, listed below. All changes are effective as of January 1, 2012. These changes will also apply to most other health plans as well. The SHBC reports that as ID cards are replaced over time the new cards will identify these changes.
Preventive Services
Certain preventive care, such as immunizations (age and population restrictions may apply), certain age and gender appropriate screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, newborn, etc.), FDA-approved contraceptive methods and well-baby care are covered without member cost-sharing. Therefore, primary care well visits (annual exams) will no longer require a member co-pay or co-insurance. Note: the provider must be in-network and the primary reason for the visit must be for a well-care visit. For a full report of the changes from Horizon please visit: http://www.horizon-bcbsnj.com/SiteGen/Uploads/Public/horizon_bcbsnj/pdf/Health_Reform/Preventive_Care_Guide_MEMBER.pdf
Preventive Medications
Some preventive medications are covered with a zero dollar co-pay with a doctor's prescription for members meeting specific criteria. They include aspirin, fluoride, folic acid, iron supplements, and certain drugs that assist with smoking cessation. Check the Prescription Drug Plans Member Handbook to see who and what qualifies on page 14: http://www.nj.gov/treasury/pensions/epbam/exhibits/handbook/hp0506.pdf
Children up to Age 26
Children up to age 26 are eligible for coverage as a dependent even if they are eligible for other employer-based coverage (this is a change for 2012). Such children are eligible regardless of whether they live at home, live out of state, are married, or are not financially dependent on their parents. In short, practically any documented child is eligible to be covered as a dependent up to age 26.
New Appeals Procedure
Appeals of medical or drug issues filed on or after January 1, 2012 will continue through the current two step appeal process at the carrier level (Horizon, Medco, Aetna, and Cigna). However, the next step will no longer be an appeal the State Health Benefits Commission, but to a federally qualified independent review organization. Dental appeals and appeals of eligibility will continue to go to the SHBC.
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PSMA/IBEW Announces 2012 Annual Scholarships - $10,500
MAY 14, 2012 Deadline
The Board of Directors has unanimously voted to continue and expand the PSMA College Scholarship program. This year's program will provide seven scholarship opportunities to children of PSMA members - four $1,500 scholarships based on merit, and three $500 awards will be randomly chosen from all complete and qualified applications, at our annual meeting.
In addition, we are offering three $1,000 scholarships to members who are taking a course(s) at a NJ institution of higher learning.
Scholarship applications and requirements may be obtained at the PSMA website, www.psmanj.org. The deadline for filing the application is May 14, 2012. Questions related to the program may be addressed to execdir@psmanj.org. |
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PSMA Seeks Department Liaisons
PSMA is seeking members who are willing to serve as Department Liaisons to other managers. These individuals will act as a liaison to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to funnel questions and comments between the Board and managers. There is no specific time commitment, nor will you be asked to represent any manger before the Administration of your Department. It is simply to act as a resource for managers in Departments where there is no Board Member available and also to work on membership recruitment. We are looking for liaisons for all Departments other than DEP, DCA, DOE, LPS, PD (Public Defender) and AG. While we have a Board member representing DHS we could use additional liaisons. You can still volunteer even in the Departments where we have Board members. |
 PSMA Retired Managers' Network Growing
Due to the large number of managers that have retired in recent years, and the need to ensure that their benefits are protected, PSMA has created the Retired Manager's Network. The Network is headed up by Tom Flynn, Retired Board Member and Phil Frigero, Retired Board Member. The Network will not only bring advocacy and information to retired managers, but also is looking to create social opportunities. We now have 8 members. We have placed the Retired Member application on our website, as well as the PAC Donation form - please go to http://psmanj.org/extras/retiredmanagersform.pdf to get a retired member to sign up. Contact Lisa Ginther, Ececutive Director, at execdir@psmanj.org for more info. |
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