State employee insurance premiums preserved

The House and Senate have overridden a veto that would have forced state employees to pay 25 percent of their health insurance premiums. As a result, state employees hired prior to June 30, 2003, will continue to pay 15 percent for their premium. Those hired after that date will continue to pay 20 percent of the premium.

Gov. Romney had previously vetoed sections of the budget that maintained state employees' health insurance premiums at current levels.

The many calls and letters from MTA members urging their legislators to override this veto helped to make a difference in the outcome of this issue.