It would be one thing if AHPA had tried and failed. It is entirely another matter when the AHPA did nothing to fulfill their announced goals – except bash the FOP.
The FOP – Results, not empty promises.
The FOP’s 2006 Legislative agenda was once again a 100% success.
We would like to point out that the Fraternal Order of Police has the most effective and successful legislative record of any law enforcement employee representative group. Our record of legislative achievement is a reflection of the respect our organization has at the legislature.
2006 F.O.P. Legislative Agenda Recap
DPS; officer organizations; SB1139 -
Further clarifies our original DPS Meet and Confer bill, which was passed into law during the 2005 session.
Changes the number of votes required for DPS to recognize an employee organization to be the majority of those voting rather than of all DPS employees - if the majority of eligible employees vote in the election.
The FOP's 2006 DPS officer organizations modification bill, sponsored by Senator Blendu, passed both the Senate and House and was signed into law by the Governor on 4/11/06.
Law enforcement agencies; retirement credentials; SB1258
Requires law enforcement agencies to issue photo identification to officers who retire honorably.
The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act was passed by Congress in 2004 to exempt qualified law enforcement officers from state laws prohibiting the carrying of concealed handguns. The Act allows qualified law enforcement officers to carry a concealed weapon nationwide if they possess (1) a retired ID card and (2) a certificate of qualification. Prior to the passage of SB1258, law enforcement agencies could refuse to issue retired ID cards, thereby making it impossible for law enforcement retirees to meet the requirements Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.
Requires law enforcement agencies to issue a certificate or qualifying identification to law enforcement officers who retire honorably.
Requires the chief law enforcement officer to determine whether an officer retired honorably and this determination is not subject to review.
The FOP’s bill, sponsored by Senator Huppenthal and Senator Gray, was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor on 3/31/2006.
Support substantial salary improvements for all State employees - SB1202 and HB 2661 as amended.
Initially the FOP OPPOSED the original bill which would have made all new hires "at will" employees. The FOP was allowed to work an amendment, which was adopted and approved. The FOP initiated amendment removed the "at will" provision for law enforcement and corrections employees. The "at will" provision for all other employees started at grade 24 and above. The pay raise portion was enhanced to 6.3%.
The bill was approved by the Senate and House and was transmitted to the Governor. It was signed into law on 1/30/2006 and the Governor used a line item veto to remove the "at will" portion of the bill. The legislative leadership has initiated a lawsuit over the line item veto.
Support substantial catch-up salary improvements for State Corrections Officers
The Fraternal Order of Police, in cooperation with the Director of the Department of Corrections, advocated the adoption of additional salary improvements for State Corrections Officers. As a result of all the salary improvements, Corrections Officers gained over $6,000.
DROP for CORP (Reverse DROP) -
A corrections officer with more than 24 years of service, at retirement, can elect to receive an immediate Deferred Retirement Option lump sum. CORP DROP is intended to provide Corrections Officers with a pension option similar to that already available to firefighters and police officers as an incentive to stay working longer.
CORP Re-employment
Passed unanimously by both the Senate and the House, allows a retired member of CORP, who retired prior to January 1, 2006, to be re-employed by a CORP participating employer and receive pension benefits.
Other Legislative Issues
Late in the session, the AHPA asked the FOP to allow a strike all on SB 1172 to enable legislation establishing ordinary disability pension benefits for the dispatchers who join the Corrections Officers Retirement Plan. The FOP agreed and we consolidated the original provisions of SB 1172 in another bill making it possible for the other organization to proceed with their bill.
Although we are repeatedly bashed by the other organization, the FOP chose to cooperate with the AHPA’s request. Why? The bill will benefit DPS dispatchers who choose to enter CORP.
Speaking of being bashed by AHPA – We all remember the AHPA publication which tried to paint a negative picture of the FOP’s legislative success. The document falsely claimed that the FOP had no legislative goals for 2006. Further, in November 2005, the AHPA loudly announced their Legislative Goals for 2006;
AHPA will obtain a DROP for Civilians (Although a civilian DROP already existed).
In fact, no AHPA action was taken to design a different civilian DROP program.
No AHPA contact was made with ASRS to work towards a different civilian DROP.
No civilian DROP bill was drafted or sponsored by AHPA.
The AHPA did discuss the need for a civilian DROP in an unusual legislative committee meeting; however, neither a draft bill nor a description of the civilian DROP was offered. No vote was possible as there was no bill to vote upon.
The existing civilian DROP program was repealed by the legislature.
AHPA will obtain Additional Pay Hikes for Civilian and Sworn
No DPS pay proposal above and beyond the State pay raise was included in the budget.
AHPA will Expand Retiree Health Insurance Subsidies
Again, no AHPA bill was produced, sponsored or approved to expand Retiree Health Insurance
Those of us who know the legislative process quickly recognized the AHPA 2006 Legislative Goals announcement as an ill conceived empty promise designed to entice DPS employees to join the AHPA.
When voting for an organization to represent your interests, look closely at the outstanding legislative success of the FOP. The other organization simply makes empty promises, while the FOP produces results.
It would be one thing if AHPA had tried and failed. It is entirely another matter when the AHPA did nothing to fulfill their announced goals – except bash the FOP.
