CSU: Davis Signs Bill Granting Health Benefits to Part-Time Workers
Part-time employees at California State University who work at least 40% of a typical schedule could be eligible for health benefits under legislation signed Monday by Gov. Gray Davis (D). AB 211, introduced by Assemblywoman Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), makes coverage available to part-time workers through CalPERS. The benefits still would have to be approved in the collective bargaining process or be granted by the CSU trustees. Current law requires part-time employees to work a minimum of 50% of the normal schedule to be eligible for health coverage. Under the new legislation, approximately 1,400 CSU employees would be eligible for coverage -- which is estimated to cost between $2.8 and $6.9 million, depending on the number of dependents. The bill takes effect in 2001 and is "essentially the same" legislation vetoed in 1994 by former Gov. Pete Wilson (R) because of its cost (AP/Sacramento Bee, 4/19).
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