Senators, Because the UO senate is considering a resolution this afternoon on PEBB, I was asked to find out what I could about Chancellor Cox's meeting with the Governor yesterday afternoon. Here is my report of that conversation that I am sending also to the UO Senate.

The meeting included all of the Governor's staff with Board President Tom Imeson, Chancellor Joe Cox and Denise Yunker on the OUS side. First of all, Kitzhaber did not dismiss the issue but listened to them and was aware of a number of the issues (opting out, cash back). Kitzhaber did not give an answer because he wants his staff to look into it, prepare a list of questions for the Chancellor's office and the OUS, before he makes a decision. Cox noted that this is the governor who wants to put the state health and retirement systems into one cohesive system and the fact that he listened shows his mind is not closed and he is willing to listen to arguments (based on solid information).

One important point in addition came out: there is no legal way faculty can have a separate program not available to all members of PEBB within the PEBB plan. Our options are either: 1) move out as an entirely separate unit, or 2) stay in PEBB and get the PEBB board to include our needs as options for the entire membership.

This situation arose as a conflict between to movements in the state: 1) making OUS more entrepeneurial and with a constituency that tends to make many decisions (professional faculty from all over the country and world with a broad understanding of options), and 2) the attempt to combine the philosphically different Bargaining Units Benefit Board with the State Employees Benefit Board.

Finally, by December 30, 1999, OUS must declare its intention to leave (or stay?) in PEBB and by March 30, 2000 must move to enact its intention. These are the deadlines the system faces.

Paul (simonds@oregon.uoregon.edu


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