Iowa state workers urged to pay 20% of health care

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20120702/NEWS/120709964/1707#iowa-state-workers-urged-to-pay-20-of-health-care

Published Monday, July 2, 2012 at 2:05 pm / Updated at 2:09 pm

DES MOINES (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday that he and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will begin paying 20 percent of their health care insurance premiums beginning Aug. 1 and he urged all state employees to follow suit.

Snip: “I suppose it made some sense to the governor when he made this outrageous request, especially considering his own $130,000 salary, $50,000 state pension, free housing and transportation, and a state-funded personal chef,” the Fort Madison Democrat said. “Unlike the governor, these state workers have experienced furloughs, layoffs, pay freezes, and doing more work for no additional pay.”


Further down: Unions have said the no-premium coverage enjoyed by most state workers is a trade-off for the lesser pay they receive in government jobs versus the private sector.

Danny Homan, head of Iowa’s largest state worker union, criticized Branstad, saying his demands run counter to productive union negotiations.

FULL story at link.

[xchrom]

1. Du rec. Nt

[rurallib]

2. If the Dems didn't have one house of the legislature

Branstad wouldn't suggest this, he would do what the other ALEC governors are doing and unilaterally break the contract.
This next election is quite important at the state level here.

[LiberalFighter]

3. I'm wondering

Do state governors pay state and federal taxes on the free housing, transportation, and food?