This Briefing is an overview of the revised regulations for Section 125. The Proposed Regulations not only include guidance on recent legislation that affects cafeteria plans and consolidate existing guidance, but also make several significant changes that may impact a plan sponsor's current benefit program. Those changes warrant thoughtful evaluation by plan sponsors. Some of the more significant changes and clarifications made by the Proposed Regulations are summarized. The link below provides further information.

»» Section 125: New Proposed Regulations

This Briefing discusses some of the Healthcare reform issues currently being debated. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the legislature’s health care reform proposal AB 8. The governor’s message to the legislature cited his position that the bill would place more pressure on an already broken system. Chief among the concerns he emphasized was a lack of universal coverage, potential loss or denial of insurance coverage to those most in need and an unfair financial burden placed on one segment of society. The link below provides more information on the Governor’s decision.

»» Governor Vetoes AB 8 Health Care Reforms; Republicans Propose Special Session Measures

Keenan Foundation Funding $7,000 in Scholarships for University of Southern California Certificate Program to Prepare Future Public School Business Leaders. As an organization that has supported California public schools for more than 35 years, Keenan will provide four scholarships this year toward the program through the University of Southern California/School Services of California Certificate Program. The link below is an announcement of the first two of four winners of the Scholarship.

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/articles-pr/2007/1009_scholar.asp

The Board of Directors of the Southern California Regional Liability Excess Fund (ReLiEF), a California joint powers agency (JPA), announced today the release of $1.95 million of surplus equity to its self-insured members to assist them in their disaster recovery efforts stemming from the recent high winds and catastrophic fires. Southern California ReLiEF President, Sue McCann, was quoted as saying "ReLiEF has a long history of driving down losses and returning the savings back to our membership. We're thrilled to be able to do this again at a time when our members need the money the most." Southern California ReLiEF is a non-profit, member-owned and operated California JPA serving California public educational agencies exclusively since 1986. In association with its regional counterpart, Northern California ReliEF, they currently serve 471 member agencies, representing 2 Million ADA and $36 Billion in TIV. For more information, go to:

»» http://www.socalrelief.org
»» http://www.keenan.com

State Budget Appropriates $1 Million For Community Colleges Part Time Faculty Health Benefits

Beginning in 1998, increased focused attention has been paid to the presence of part-time or adjunct faculty in higher education, with particular emphasis on part-time faculty in California Community Colleges. The system and the Board of Governors have identified and addressed issues related to the use, working conditions and compensation of part-time faculty in various initiatives and settings. This Briefing discusses some of the options California Community Colleges can offer part-time faculty:

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2007/1016_faculty.pdf

Brown Act Public Record Disclosure Provision Amended

The Governor has weighed in on the two Brown Act bills from the recently concluded legislative session. The governor vetoed SB 964, legislation that ensures that members of a local government agency can have equal access to all agenda item documents and not be charged a copy fee for them. The link below provides our Briefing on the Brown Act bills. Read more below:

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2007/1018_brown.pdf

Governor Vetoes Four Family Leave Measures, Approves Military Leave Provision

The Governor vetoed bills to expand employee leave. SB 727 by Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, would have expanded the state's family leave program to cover employees who have to care for grandparents, grandchildren, siblings or in-laws. Senate Bill 549 by Corbett would have specified that employees have a right to four days of unpaid bereavement leave. Schwarzenegger wrote that the state's workplace laws have already become too confusing. The link below to our Briefing provides more information covering the governor’s actions regarding these bills.

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2007/1023_leavelaw.pdf

Attorney General Weighs in on Speaking Rights for Personnel

Under the Ralph M. Brown Act, the Superintendent of Schools of a high school district may not prohibit an administrative employee of the district from speaking during the public comment period of a public school board meeting on an agenda item concerning his demotion from assistant high school principal to a teaching position. The Attorney General issues opinion on public employees attending or speaking at board meetings. For the text of the Attorney General’s opinion, please click on the link below:

»» http://ag.ca.gov/cms_pdfs/opinions/2007-07-26_07-106.pdf

EEOC Issues Guidance on Family Responsibility Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC] has issued guidance on "family responsibility discrimination." Family Responsibility Discrimination [FRD] is discrimination against employees because of their caregiving responsibilities at home. The term is broad enough to include people who care for children, and those who care for parents. It includes both men and women, and employees of all ages, education levels, and protected categories. The links below provide the EEOC Fact Sheet and detailed enforcement guidance:

»» http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_caregiving.html
»» http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/caregiving.html