Latest update on the legislative bill we're keeping track of:
SB 551 passes by a vote of 3-2-0-0 in the Senate Committee on Education
Aye: Dembrow, Gelser, Gorsek
Nay: Robinson, Thomsen
Now, it goes to the Ways and Means Committee. They could vote to pass the bill with or without amendments, reject it, or simply not take any action and let it die.
The Legislative Fiscal Office anticipates that the part-time faculty healthcare bill will cost $34.5 million for the 2021-23 biennium and $40 million for the 2023-25 biennium. There are about 1700 part-time faculty members who would be eligible for the healthcare plan if the bill passes.
The Governor’s 2021-23 budget recommendation included $10 million from the General Fund in HECC’s budget for part-time faculty healthcare coverage—$3 million below the Legislative Fiscal Office’s anticipated cost of the plan.
More information on the bill HERE.