August 2003 News

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I always end my newsletter articles with a reminder to all members: "continue to be
professionally and technically the best at your jobs-thats how we can best serve
ourselves and the taxpayers!" I believe this is the best thing we can do as members of
the Association. The recent budget enacted is going to challenge employees in all
areas of State government.

Several members contacted me with concerns about their heavy workloads and
pending staff reductions. Stress is increasing in the workplace - plain and simple.
We should continue to be professional and technically the best, but we also have to
remember that the State owns its businesses and we are its employees. Those who
are in management are responsible for your work priorities. The stress is theirs and
you don't need to be taking on additional stress because there is too much work and
too few employees. As employees we don't have control over the resources or
workload. Concentrate on what we do best... our jobs.

Provide your supervisors/managers honest straightforward assessments of your
workload. If it is more than you can handle let them know. If there is too much work,
then ask that they prioritize it for you and work on the highest priorities first.
Communicate - don't let the stress levels rise too high. If stress is negatively impacting
you talk with your supervisor or contact the Employee Assistant representative in your
office.

We know our jobs best and what is and isn't possible. You owe the state a day's work
for a day's pay, but don't turn your job into a "sweat shop" position. Don't donate time
to the state - if you do that you are robbing from yourself and providing your supervisor/
manager a false impression on what work is getting done in a forty-hour week. As
employees it is our obligation to provide accurate information so management can
make informed decisions.

The Governor is now talking about his next budget and cutting even more state
employee positions. This certainly will not be good for the taxpayers. Cutting
employees is not the answer - cutting cost is the bottom line. It is not too early to start
contacting the Governor's office and your representatives and let them know continued
cuts to state employees is simply not cost effective.

Respectfully,
Timothy R. Hanley
SEA President
 

WCOA MEETING. JULY 16, 2003

Senator Schultz from Richland Center was our guest speaker. He is co-chair
of the JSCORS (Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems) of the Legislature
with co-chair Representative Vrakas. He indicated that there are significant changes
taking place in the Legislature.

The Senator indicated there is the changing of the guard with new leadership.

The Senate is also searching for a replacement for Senate Sergeant at-Arms. Donald
Schneider, who retired July 1,2003.

Senator Schu1tz is currently supportive of guarding the integrity of the WRS and
following the proper procedures.

Sandy Drew from SWIB provided us an update on the lawsuits SWIB is
engaged in with corporations in bankruptcies. .I have provided all SEA Board members
a copy of her update for your review.

She also gave us an update on SWIB's performance for the end of June 2003;
and today, August 7,2003, I received the performance for the end of July 2003. .It
keeps improving.

SWIB PERFORMANCE- Year to date

End of May End of June End of July Benchmark
Balanced Fund +8.6% +9.7% +10.1% +9.8%
Variable Fund +.10.4% +12..1% +14.9% +14.8%
S&P 500 +1 1.8%
Balanced Retirement Funds 50.66 Billion 50.86 Billion
Variable 5.10 Billion 5.24 Billion

SWIB is having their annual reception for any WRS participants on September 9,2003
from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Monona Terrace Convention Center. The reception
will follow the monthly Board Meeting from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Bill Ford of the Legislative Council gave us his updated legislative report on the retirement
bills introduced and the Governor's Budget Bill, S.B. 44. I have provided a copy of Bill's
report to all SEA Board members.

The next WCOA Meeting is scheduled for August 20,2003.

Melvin B. Sensenbrenner,
SEA Retirement & Health
Insurance Representative