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SLEBC Updates, Plan Notices, and Benefit Guide
by Tara Johnson 09 Sep '24

09 Sep '24

Happy Monday! If you are part of the SLEBC Medical plan, I have a few items to update you on. Please forward this email to anyone who is on the plan that may have interest, i.e. spouse, adult children, etc.. * We have a NEW URL to access your claims and plan information: SLEBC.myaptahealth.com<http://www.SLEBC.myaptahealth.com> * Secondly, you may have received mail from Magellan RX Management. Magellan RX Management has merged with Prime Therapeutics. Additional details regarding upcoming changes are listed below. New names for your PBM and pharmacy coming this fall: Magellan Rx Management, your current pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), merged with Prime Therapeutics in late 2022. Effective Oct. 1, Magellan Rx Management will become “Prime Therapeutics Management” and on Sept. 16 Magellan Rx Pharmacy will become “Prime Therapeutics Pharmacy.” You will receive additional information from their pharmacy if you currently use its services. * What this means for you: * On Sept. 16, the new website will be primetherapeutics.com. At that time, you will be able to access your new member portal by visiting wprimetherapeutics.com/member<http://www.primetherapeutics.com/member> and using the same login that you use today. Feel free to bookmark these websites for future use. * Please note that if your plan references magellanrx.com in its Summary of Benefits or other plan documents, starting on Sept. 16 you should instead go to your new member portal at primetherapeutics.com/member. * All current mail order medications should continue to be serviced with no disruption. * The phone number on your ID card remains the same. * I have attached both our SLEBC SBC and Benefit Guide for the 2024 calendar year. You'll find important information and required notices in these that you may want to reference throughout the year. I understand that this change may raise questions, and we want to assure you that we are committed to providing a seamless experience for you. Please feel free to reach out to me or the care coordinators or Magellan RX/Prime Therapeutics for additional assistance. Thank you, Tara Tara Johnson Director of Operations & Benefits State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council STAN | NCOA | NSFMA PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402.489.2081 Cell Phone: 402.440.8284 Fax: 402.500.3666 This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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Bargaining Team Update
by James Estwick 07 Aug '24

07 Aug '24

Hi Members, I wanted to let you know of the Bargaining Team we have in place for the 25-27 SLEBC Contract. This group was chosen with consideration to ensure we included multiple divisions, different camps and both Trooper and Sergeant ranks. While every division cannot be on the team, we do still want everyone's input on ideas. Even if we haven't been able or successful at bargaining for your idea previously, please submit it again this year. Email ideas to the team at: bargainingteam(a)groups.netreoopers.org SLEBC Board Members: James Estwick, President, Sgt. Traffic, Omaha Jamy Sloup, Vice President, Fire Marshal Nic Jaworski, Treasurer, Investigator, Omaha Doug Pollard, Secretary, Game & Parks Monte Dart, Bargaining Coordinator, Investigator, Grand Island STAN Bargaining Team: Isaiah Jaramillo, Traffic, Omaha J.J. Pedersen, Sgt. Traffic, Grand Island Seth Olson, Carrier, North Platte Sincerely, [cid:12d413c1-4037-4577-8926-dd19c1352536] James Estwick President State Troopers Association of Nebraska State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council Cell: 402.689.6169 This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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STAN Board Nominations - Treasurer, WVP, A, B, and HQ - DUE June 15!
by Tara Johnson 16 Jun '24

16 Jun '24

It's the time of year for STAN Board nominations and elections. The statewide Treasurer position is open to all active Trooper and Sergeant members while the Western VP position is only open to active Trooper and Sergeant members in Troop C, D, and E. Area Representatives for Troops, A, B, and H are also attached and are specific to those areas. The deadline for nominations is the close of business on June 15, 2024. Nominations must be signed by both the nominating party and the nominee to be valid. Ballots will be sent out by June 16, 2024, and must be returned by June 20, 2024. Return Nominations to: Email: tjohnson(a)netroopers.org Fax: 402-500-3666 Mail: STAN, 8540 Executive Woods Drive, Suite 500, Lincoln, NE 68512 Thanks, Tara Tara Johnson Director of Operations & Benefits State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council STAN | NCOA | NSFMA PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402.489.2081 Cell Phone: 402.440.8284 Fax: 402.489.6093 This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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LB 196 Passes
by J.J. Pedersen 11 Apr '24

11 Apr '24

As you may or may not have heard the Nebraska Legislature has passed LB 196 and it is awaiting Governor Pillen’s signature. Lucas Bolton will be sending out a more detailed email but I just wanted to send a note to thank everyone who took the time in this team effort to get this accomplished. From the previous STAN board members who laid the foundation for this legislation, to our members who took the time to contact Senators to let them know of the importance of this bill. This bill shifts the funding burden of more than 2 million dollars from our members and sworn troopers to the State of Nebraska. This inherently increases the overall retirement benefit to you by costing you 6 or 7 percent less of your money for the same benefit. This is as big of a legislative accomplishment that I have seen. I think this reinforces the need of STAN to be actively involved in politics so that our voices will be heard. This activism fosters positive relationships with those involved in the legislative and leadership process that have decision making power that directly affect us and our interests. This is a big team effort and the only way things like this get accomplished is we all work together for the same goal. Thanks again! J.J. Pedersen Troop C Area chairman Sent from my iPhone

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LB 196 Update and Amendment Filed Today
by J.J. Pedersen 25 Mar '24

25 Mar '24

Today Senator Clements filed an amendment to LB 196 to increase the contribution rate as it stands currently from 10% to 12%. As you may remember, he was one of the senators who voted no for the bill twice while votes were cast in committee. If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to reach out to your local state senator and ask them for their support. Lucas Bolton, Legislative liaison sent out a form email that you can copy and paste and send to your respective senator. We are getting close to the end of the legislative session and are trying to get this bill across the finish line for our members benefit. Now is the time to make your voice heard if you haven’t done so already and encourage anyone else who wishes to support troopers to do the same. Let me know if you have any questions or need assistance in contacting your senator. Thanks, J.J. Pedersen Troop C Area Chairman Sent from my iPhone

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Donation Request Vote $500 to Ofc. Chris Marcello Family Washington D.C. Fundraiser
by J.J. Pedersen 13 Mar '24

13 Mar '24

I am requesting Troop C STAN make a $500 donation to the fundraising efforts to send GIPD Ofc. Chris Marcello’s family specifically his wife Tami and four children to Washington D.C. all expenses paid. Ofc. Chris Marcello unexpectedly died at the age of 42 in July 2022 and his name will be unveiled on the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. during Law Enforcement Week in May. Hall County Crime Stoppers has been conducting various fundraising events to raise money to pay for all expenses for his family to attend. In addition to the ceremony, there are various other services that are provided to law enforcement officer’s families while they are there for the week. These services aid and provide tools to the family to help them with their grief journey. Please reply with a simply “Yes” or “No” vote directly to this email. Voting will end next Wednesday (3/6) at 17:00. Thank you for your consideration. As always, please reach out if you have any questions reference the vote or anything pertaining to STAN. J.J. Pedersen Troop C STAN Area Chairman Sent from my iPad Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

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2024 STAN & SLEBC Scholarship Information
by Tara Johnson 16 Feb '24

16 Feb '24

Dear STAN/SLEBC Member: Please find the attached 2024 STAN and SLEBC scholarship applications. The deadline to submit is March 29, 2024. Applications can be submitted electronically via email (preferred) directly to me, dropped off locally, or mailed. Criteria: · applicants must be the son/daughter of a current STAN/SLEBC member · applicants must be a graduating senior from High School this school year · applicants must be attending a 2 or 4 year college · applicants shall complete and submit the Scholarship Application(s) (attached) Thank you, Tara Tara Johnson Director of Operations & Benefits State Law Enforcement Bargaining Council STAN | NCOA | NSFMA PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Phone: 402.489.2081 Cell Phone: 402.440.8284 Fax: 402.489.6093 This email may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and delete all copies.

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LB1996- Off Duty Carry in Schools
by Lucas Bolton 05 Feb '24

05 Feb '24

Members, LB1339, a bill introduced by Senator Brewer, allows law enforcement to carry weapons when off duty at a school. This bill will have a hearing tomorrow afternoon. If anyone wants to submit a comment in support of the bill, please use the link below. https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=55183 Comments are due by 8:00 am Tuesday February 6th. Thank you, Lucas Bolton Legislative Liaison State Troopers Association of Nebraska STAN PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506

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We need your help!
by Lucas Bolton 03 Jan '24

03 Jan '24

Members, Today marks the start of the 108th legislature, second regular session. I am writing to you to ask for your help in contacting senators about a bill that will benefit all of us. The biggest goal of the STAN Board and my top priority this legislative session is obtaining the successful passage of LB196. LB196 is legislation which was introduced by Senator Eliot Bostar which proposes three important changes to the State Patrol retirement system. Below is a summary of the current version of LB196. First, LB196 would change the member retirement contribution rates from either 16% (tier 1 member) or 17% (tier 2 member) down to 8% for all current and future members. To put this into perspective, that would put approximately $468.00 (pretax) dollars into a current step one Trooper’s monthly paycheck. That is approximately $5,616.00 (pretax) annually. Those numbers for a current step fifteen Trooper are approximately $631.00 monthly or $7,577.00 annually (pre-tax). Obviously, those numbers will be different for other positions and pay lines. But as you can see, a contribution rate decrease would put a decent portion of the pay you earned back into your own pocket today, without a reduction in your future retirement benefits. Second, LB 196 proposes changes to the death benefits received by surviving spouses and dependent children of members. Currently the surviving spouse or dependent child under the age of 19 receives 75% of the member’s annuity after the member’s death. LB196 proposes that the surviving spouse or dependent child under the age of 19 receive 100% of the member’s annuity after the members death for members retiring on or after July 1, 2024. Third, LB196 proposes changes to how the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is calculated for current and future retirees. Currently the COLA is calculated using the lesser actual change in the consumer price index (CPI) or 2.5% (tier 1)/1% (tier 2). LB196 proposes the COLA be calculated using the lesser actual change in the consumer price index (CPI) or 4% for all members. This is meant to better fight the higher-than-average rates of inflation we have seen the last several years. Last session LB196 was introduced and sent to be reviewed by the Nebraska Retirement Systems Committee. A hearing was held on March 2, 2023, where the retirement systems committee called for an actuarial study to be conducted on the fiscal impact of the bill. The study was conducted and a second hearing was held on November 9, 2023. At the November 9th hearing, the findings of the actuarial study were presented to the retirement systems committee. This was followed by testimony in support of LB196 provided by myself as the Legislative Liaison representing STAN, Scott Black the Retiree Representative for STAN, and Denise Wagner (widow of Trooper Mark Wagner). I have attached copies of the testimony that Scott and I provided to the retirement committee. I unfortunately do not have a copy of Denise’s testimony but can attest to both its weight and clarity on why the death benefit for surviving spouses needs to be changed to 100%. We had an excellent turnout from both active and retired members and appear to have left an impression with the retirement committee. I would like to say thanks again to everyone who showed up and displayed their support in that hearing. Currently LB196 is a carry-over bill from the last session and still sitting in the retirement systems committee. For LB196 to move out of committee we need a majority (four of the six committee members) to vote to advance it to the floor for debate by the whole legislature. This is where I am asking for help from the membership. The board and I have and will continue to provide testimony on behalf of STAN, but phone calls and emails from as many members as possible could influence the Committee members who may still be undecided. Below is a list of the Senators on the Retirement Systems Committee and their contact information. I think it’s important to reach out to all the members, but I have placed an asterisk by the committee members that either appeared to not support LB196 or we are unaware of their support of LB196. Sen. Mike McDonnell, Chairperson<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2710 Email: mmcdonnell(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:mmcdonnell@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Teresa Ibach, Vice Chairperson<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2805 Email: tibach(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:tibach@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Robert Clements<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2613 Email: rclements(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:rclements@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Danielle Conrad<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2720 Email: dconrad(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:dconrad@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Brian Hardin<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> * (402) 471-2802 Email: bhardin(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:bhardin@leg.ne.gov> Sen. Tony Vargas<https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/landing-pages/index.php?SenatorID=…> (402) 471-2721 Email: tvargas(a)leg.ne.gov<mailto:tvargas@leg.ne.gov> Members, what I am asking of you is that within the next week or sooner please contact the members of the Retirement Systems Committee and ask them to support advancing LB196 out of committee and onto the legislative floor. This is a short legislative session, and we need to be timely and deliberate. Here are a few talking points for when you are asking for their support either by phone or email. * How you believe that passage of LB196 would critically aid in the Nebraska State Patrol’s ability to both recruit and retain troopers. Therefore, helping to maintain the needed manpower provided by the Patrol to ensure a safe and secure Nebraska for all citizens. * Sharing personal perspectives on how any of the three proposed changes in LB196 would affect you or your family. * If you are a constituent of a committee Senator, it would be especially impactful for you to mention that in your communication. I understand that this is a big ask, and honestly if we get LB196 out of committee, I will be asking for your assistance again with gathering support from all the Senators to secure the passage of the Bill. I hope I have done an adequate job in explaining how much of a positive impact LB196 would have for all members. Getting LB196 out of committee is the crucial first step in this process, and the STAN Board will need all your help. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or any members of the STAN board. Thank you, Lucas Bolton Legislative Liaison State Troopers Association of Nebraska STAN PO Box 6729 Lincoln, NE 68506 Cell Phone: 402-278-2468

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You're Invited to Join Rep. Flood's Back the Blue Roundtable on January 8th
by Tara Johnson 27 Dec '23

27 Dec '23

Below is a great opportunity to meet and discuss law enforcement with Congressman Flood in Lincoln on January 8. If you plan to attend, please feel free to RSVP yourself or let me know and I can RSVP for you. This would be wonderful to have some Troopers present - sharing ideas, issues you face, and what you see as future obsticals in your careers. Best, Tara [A picture containing text Description automatically generated] YOU'RE INVITED: NEBRASKA BACKS THE BLUE ROUNDTABLE As National Law Enforcement Day approaches, Congressman Mike Flood invites you to join a "Nebraska Backs the Blue" Roundtable. While respect for law enforcement has deteriorated in large urban centers, Nebraska has continued our tradition of supporting the men and woman who wear the uniform and keep our communities safe each and every day. At this roundtable, Rep. Flood hopes to hear about the challenges facing Nebraska's law enforcement agencies as they work to recruit and retain the workforce of tomorrow. Feedback from the roundtable will help inform "Nebraska Backs the Blue" initiatives. ROUNDTABLE DETAILS When: 10:00 AM CT on January 8, 2024 Where: Cornhusker Office Plaza (Second Floor - Yankee Hill Room) 301 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508 RSVP to Taylor Gage at taylor.gage(a)mail.house.gov<mailto:taylor.gage@mail.house.gov> OBJECTIVE & BACKGROUND Let's create a movement and system for getting more Americans to consider becoming law enforcement officials from both within and outside of Nebraska. We have a solid foundation to build upon. Last year, before he entered Congress, Rep. Flood was the proud cosponsor of the Law Enforcement Attraction and Retention Act in the Nebraska Legislature. This bill provided a variety of cash incentives for individual officers to help law enforcement agencies retain their workforce. It received nearly unanimous approval from the body. In the 2023, State Senator Eliot Bostar offered and passed the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Law, which allows for sworn officers and their dependents to receive a 100% tuition waiver at any state university, college, or community college that is good for five years. Nebraska has also continually maintained the policy of qualified immunity for law enforcement officials, while many other states such as Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico, and New York have done away with the policy. ### -- Taylor Gage | Communications Director Office of Congressman Mike Flood (NE-01) Website<https://flood.house.gov/> | Twitter<https://twitter.com/USRepMikeFlood> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/RepMikeFlood>

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