May 30, 2008

We have just been advised that the Department of Health is planning significant increases to license fees for certain health care job classifications, including Radiologic Technologists, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, and Respiratory Therapists. In some cases, fees would more than double.

Our union is doing everything we can to oppose these large and burdensome increases. The union’s lobbyist is working with other unions to investigate why such excessive fee hikes have been proposed. We are also prepared to testify against the increases at a public hearing scheduled for June 10th at 2:30 pm at the Department of Health office at 310 Israel Rd SE in Tumwater.

In the days leading up to that June 10th hearing, we need affected members to spread the word and immediately let the Department of Health know what you think about the increase and how it will impact you personally.

We have drafted sample letters (see the box at right) you can use to express your opinion to the Department of Health. Feel free to use this letter, but it’s even more effective if you add your own personal message to the letter and copy your State Legislators as well. You can also send your comments via email to: HPQAFeeIncrease@doh.wa.gov.

If you are not sure who your legislators are or how to contact them, you can call the State Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 to find out, or use the State’s online Find Your District tool at leg.wa.gov

The timelines are short, so we encourage you to act quickly on this issue and spread the word to your co-workers. Information about the proposed license fee increases will be available on our website (www.ufcw21.org), and we will post additional information as we learn more.

If you have any questions, call the office to speak to your Union Representative.