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I was a state employee when the 6% retirement pickup was added.  Folks tend to forget that was done in lieu of more cash compensation and actually gave the state more bang for the buck -- they did not have to pay FICA/MCARE on the money that went to pensions.    Again -- this pickup was in lieu of immediate return.

Seems to me state employees pay the same copays, coinsurance other folks do.  Also you usually had to pay for family coverage. Depends on the health care options you choose.

Step increases aren't that big.  I was at the top of my grade (no more step increases, nothing to promote into) and still could not have afforded home ownership.  I left civil service because I could not afford to stay.  What I did was necessary work but you wouldn't have known it from the compensation.

Oh -- and why doesn't the kicker work both ways?  If we are getting money back when collections exceed estimates why aren't we paying more when they fall short?  That whole system is insane.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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There are low cost/sliding scale programs out there -- Bethel Neighborhood Youth Drop In (near Killingsworth & Denver) has summer and afterschool programs for elementary school kids. (503-285-4919). Though housed in the church, it is a non-religious neighborhood partnership. The summer program started this week: 9-6, Mon-Fri. Lunch and snacks are provided. The program emphasizes fun activities that foster retention and growth of math and reading skills; there are field trips to neighborhood parks, swimming pools, library, farmers market, etc. so that kids find out about resources in their community. Again, fees are very reasonable (sliding scale: as little as $10 a week) with scholarships for those most in need.

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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