|
Law
Enforcement and State Employee Issues:
·
Pursue a stipend for physical fitness as a condition of
employment or expand the program to other law enforcement
agencies
·
Provide that DPS be involved as an enforcement agency for
any gambling legislation that is authorized for Texas and
strengthen other gaming laws
·
Resist imposition of employee contributions to the LECOS
Fund
·
Design eligibility criteria for the LECOS Fund
·
Correct the inequities between hazardous duty pay and
longevity pay
·
Support a cost-of-living increase for retirees
·
Provide an open records exemption for personnel records of
DPS peace officers
Support of Other Issues:
·
Support the Department’s request for in-car computers
·
Support the Department’s request for a driving course
·
Support the Department’s polygraph bill for federal task
force appointments
·
Support the Department’s request for appropriations to meet
its funding shortfall
·
Support
TPEA’s agenda: Oppose HSAs, support maintaining current 100
percent insurance premium contribution for employee and
retirees and 50 percent state contribution for dependent
coverage, oppose any significant increases in out of pocket
health care costs, support maintain retiree health benefits,
and not force retirees under the Medicare Part D drug
benefit
Other Law Enforcement Issues:
·
Watch for licensing requirements for off-duty employment
·
Support ERS efforts to secure funding for state employee
health insurance
·
Prevent encroachment of other law enforcement employee
groups onto the Article IX law enforcement pay schedule
·
Support ERS efforts to secure adequate funding for the state
employee retirement funds, including the LECOS Fund
·
Codify civil penalties for false complaints against peace
officers
·
Support public safety issues such as cell phone regulation,
child restraint safety systems, highway safety, and law
enforcement for the general public.
The
above items have been adopted by the Association’s Board of
Directors as issues that Board members believe the
Association should support, oppose or monitor. Action taken
by Board will largely depend on the legislation that effect
these issues. On some legislation, action may only require
a letter from DPSOA that establishes the Association’s
position; at other times, DPSOA members may spend many hours
at the Capitol to testify in favor or against a bill.
This
is large and ambitious legislative package. When the agenda
was drawn up late last year, Board members were looking for
ways to improve the lives and jobs of DPS employees and
their families. DPSOA will be there to protect your rights
as employees (or retired employees) of DPS. |