Legislative update, Week 2

We’re in the 2nd week of the 2022 legislative session. This is a short (60-day) session.
Budget
This session the legislature is considering a supplemental budget that includes a number of pay raises for WPEA’s state employee members:

• The bargained 3.25% Cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for all WPEA state employee members, effective 7/1/2022.
• A lump sum payment for nearly all WPEA state employee members, effective 7/1/2022. The structure was bargained contract by contract – see your contract’s MOU for more details.
• The governor’s proposed budget also includes targeted re-allocations for specific job classes in state service. While these did not come through the collective bargaining process, they are an important step for recruitment and retention and pay equity for these members. See the complete list of proposed classifications and increases.

 
Long Term Care
This week, the House passed two bills to improve the state’s WA Cares (Long Term Care Insurance) program.
HB 1732

• Delays implementation of the WA Cares premiums 18 months (until July 1, 2023)
• Delays implementation of the WA Cares benefits 18 months (until July 1, 2026)
• Allows WA Cares participants who are close to retirement to receive pro-rated benefits, based on how long they pay premiums (currently, those close to retirement would not be eligible to receive benefits).
• Requires employers currently collecting premiums to return those premiums to employees within 120 days of collection.

 
HB 1733

• Allows the following a set of employees to apply for an exemption from the WA Cares program:
  • Spouses and domestic partners of active duty service members
  • Veterans who have a service-connected disability of 70% or more
  • People who hold non-immigrant temporary worker visas
  • People who live outside of Washington State

Both bills are being fast-tracked and are expected to be signed into law.