05/12/08

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Aides for Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter plan
meetings with government workers and retirees in August and October
across Idaho over proposed changes to their benefits plan.

The state Legislature in April rejected the changes, saying not
enough communication was done to ease fears of retired Idaho
workers over the repercussions.

Otter aims to trim benefit costs, to reduce an unfunded medical
liability among retirees now at $442 million.

Teresa Luna, a Department of Administration spokeswoman, says
the meetings will cover the current plan, then go over how proposed
changes will affect workers.

New employees would be barred from retirement medical benefits,
while premium subsidies for existing workers who retire early would
be capped to limit state costs, under the proposal.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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