42.1 In recognition of the mutual advantages in addressing employees’
dependent care needs, the State and PEF agree to provide dependent care
benefits through family benefits programs designed to assist employees with
balancing work and family responsibilities.
42.2 A joint labor/management
advisory body, which recognizes the need for combined representation of all
employee negotiating units and the State, will monitor and evaluate the family
benefits program and other work-life services.
42.3 The State and PEF remain committed to ensuring that all network
child care currently available to State employees is provided in safe, high
quality centers. Therefore, the State and PEF agree to:
a)
Continue financial support for health and safety
grants for child care network centers;
b)
Provide technical support and training for child and
elder care initiatives; and
c)
Encourage the continuation of existing host agency
support for child care centers.
42.4 The Committee shall continue to fund the administration of the
Flexible
42.5 In the second year of the Agreement, the State shall provide a
contribution to each Dependent Care Advantage Account enrollee as follows:
Up to $35,000 $600
$35,001 - $45,000 $500
$45,001 -
$55,000 $400
$55,001 - $65,000 $300
Over $65,000 $200
In subsequent
years, the employer contribution may be increased or reduced so as to fully
expend available funds for this purpose, while maintaining salary sensitive
differentials. In the event that available funds are not fully expended for
this purpose, the residual funds shall be made available to benefit members as
mutually determined by the Director of GOER and the President of PEF or their
designees. In no event shall the
aggregate employer contribution to DCAA enrollees exceed the available funds
for this purpose.
42.6 Employees choosing not to use the Flexible
42.7 In the interest of
providing greater availability of dependent care and other services to PEF
represented employees and maximizing resources available, the Family
42.8 The State shall prepare,
secure introduction and recommend passage by the Legislature of such
legislation as may be appropriate and necessary to obtain appropriations of $1,041,390 for Fiscal Year 2003-04, $1,041,390 for Fiscal Year 2004-2005,
$1,041,390 for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 and $1,041,390 for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 to fund the activities of the Program.
42.9 The President of PEF, or the designee of the President, shall serve
as a member of the Advisory Board
for the term of this Agreement.