Tennessee prepares for flu pandemic
 

The news tells us that the avian influenza, commonly referred to as the bird flu, is now in 32 countries.  Tennessee state government is doing its part toward pandemic flu preparedness and on July 6 released the State Pandemic Influenza Response Plan (http://www2.state.tn.us/health/newsreleases/070606.htm).

“The new Tennessee pandemic influenza response plan is a major step forward in our preparedness progress in the state of Tennessee,” said Kelly L. Moore, MD, MPH, medical director of the Tennessee Immunization Program and the state Department of Health’s pandemic planning coordinator. “This new plan provides a framework of polices that will help local planners develop response plans that are consistent across the state.”

Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, Pandemic Planning Coordinator for Tennessee Department of Health

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 Moore said there is no current threat, i.e., no evidence that the HFN1 avian influenza has spread to North America, but it is natural to expect that another pandemic will occur at some point because pandemics have occurred periodically throughout history. Experts believe the avian flu has the potential to trigger a human pandemic, and we are gearing up to meet the challenge. All the steps that we’re taking to prepare ourselves today will serve us well in the future whenever a pandemic comes. This new state pandemic response plan provides guidance to local officials, hospitals, businesses, colleges and universities as they develop local plans that will use their available resources to respond to a pandemic if one were to occur.“The same basic things that will protect you from seasonal flu and other common coughs and colds will help protect you from a pandemic flu strain as well,” said Moore. “These basic steps include washing your hands frequently, covering your coughs and sneezes with tissues or a sleeve, and staying home when you’re sick. It’s also very important to teach these lessons to children from a very early age.”Pandemic influenza is a different type of public health emergency largely because it lasts for months at a time instead of occurring over a very short period of time. Also pandemics affect by definition everywhere around the world at about the same time so local communities will need to respond with local resources, because they won’t be able to expect the government to provide help from out of state or out of their local area. Governor Bredesen advises us that the pandemic influenza response plan contains good information for our ability to respond effectively whatever the emergency – flu, tornadoes, or an earthquake. A good plan, clear lines of communication, and general awareness will enhance our preparedness. For more news and facts about avian flu and pandemic preparedness, go to www.pandemicflu.gov, a Web site established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that has up-to-date information and useful links to state and local sites.  
     
 

Unemployment Compensation Advisory Council discusses Trust Fund adequacy

Unemployment Compensation Advisory Council members, made up of representatives from business and labor, met recently with Commissioner Neeley, Employment Security Administrator Don Ingram, and other departmental staff to discuss options for protecting the Trust Fund.  The objective was to find a means that all parties can live with that would build the Trust Fund during good economic times and avoid tax increases during economic downturns.  At the same time, there is a need to keep taxes at a level that will be attractive to bringing new employers to Tennessee.

The Advisory Council discussed the following options:

  • Raising the Taxable Wage Base – Tennessee has not raised its $7,000 taxable wage base, the lowest allowed under federal law, since 1983.  Only nine other states still have the federal minimum wage base.
  • Level the Premium Rate Tables – The current tables do not generate the $75 million needed to cover the drop in the Trust Fund between tables, and the current rates vary greatly from table to table and by reserve ratio without logical reason.  Leveling the Premium Rate Tables and changing the rates so they bring in more revenue would generate an equal amount of about $75 million needed to cover the drop in the Trust Fund between the tables.
  • Increase Trust Fund Trigger Levels – Currently the lowest Premium Rate Table triggers on when the Trust Fund is $750 million or more.  Projections show that this is not high enough to sustain us through a recession without significantly raising taxes.  The highest Premium Rate Table does not trigger on until the Trust Fund balance falls below a dangerously low $450 million.  If trigger levels are raised after the Trust Fund reaches a safe level, there would not be an increase in taxes to employers as long as the Trust Fund remained at a safe level.

If the Trust Fund were to go broke, we would have to borrow money to pay benefits and this money would have to be paid back, so employers would have a double burden, repaying a loan and rebuilding the Trust Fund.  When the fund went broke in 1983, the General Assembly passed legislation, including a solvency tax, which doubled costs for employers.  The solvency tax was abolished when the economy improved and the Trust Fund became healthy, but similar measures would have to be taken if the Trust Fund was depleted again.

Our current $275 maximum weekly benefit amount has been the same for five years even though the average weekly wage in Tennessee has increased.  Even without an increase in the maximum benefit amount, benefit payout will increase as wages increase and more claimants become eligible for the maximum weekly benefit amount.  While we need a higher maximum weekly benefit amount to keep up with inflation, we must first bring the Trust Fund to an adequate level.

The Department is doing an in-depth study of these options and will present them to the Advisory Council in November for further discussion.
 
Also noted at the meeting was that the UI Claim Center has expanded to now cover 56 counties. The division is starting remote centers, i.e., virtual claim centers. Existing local office staff will be trained in taking claims by telephone.  Even with increased technology costs, the resulting regional claim centers will cost a fraction of what a new center would cost and will keep experienced staff. The regional centers (in addition to claim centers in Nashville and Chattanooga already operational) are proposed for Johnson City, Crossville, Knoxville, Covington, and Huntingdon over the next two years.

 

  
 
 
 

Minnie Hughley
 

Minnie Hughley
Regional Coordinator for Civil Rights, Diversity and Compliance Assistance
34 years with the department.

1. What do you like best about your job?
Being able to help people is what I like most about my job.  Often, people do not know they have options when something happens on their jobs; sometimes it’s unfair, sometimes it’s illegal.
2. Name a person who is an inspiration to you.
My older sister, Frances, is an inspiration to me.  She is such a big-hearted person.  She can cut through all the mess and get to the heart of a situation.
3. What do you listen to on the way to work?
 I listen to the Tom Joyner Morning Show on the way to work.
4. What do you eat for lunch every day?
For lunch, I eat whatever snack I can find from home to keep from going to a restaurant.
5. What's usually your “water-cooler chat”?
My water cooler chat usually consists of talking about the weather or some new restaurant.
6. Name something you cannot go one day without.
I cannot go one day without prayer.
7. What’s your favorite vacation spot
My favorite vacation spot is a mountain cabin in Pigeon Forge.  A group of friends and I went there and I enjoyed the scenery and the chance to relax and de-stress.
8. What would we be surprised to know about you?
People are usually surprised to know that I entered college at the age of 16 and finished at age 20.
9. What are your personal interests/activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to work puzzles and watch game shows.

 

  
EAP Winners
 
 


Carolyn Shepherd, TDLWD Personnel representative who heads up the department’s Employee Assistance Program Awareness Month observance each March, accepts the Creativity Award for the department from Carol Boone, head of the Employee Assistance Program, and Richard Chapman, Insurance Administration director, both with the Department of Finance & Administration. Carolyn was in charge of getting TDLWD employees involved in the EAP promotion.

 


Commissioner Neeley (center) is pictured with employees representing departmental unit winners in the EAP promotion: (from left) Jennifer Snow and Bryan Irvin, UI Claims Center, first place; Edith Cook, Internal Audit, second place; and Paulette Johnson, Nashville Career Center, third place.

  
 
This month is the first month of the new fiscal year. We’ve been working a lot on our funding streams and possible upcoming cuts from the federal government. Keep in mind that our budget is more than $200 million, and 88 percent of that money comes from the federal government.
 
 
The feds have already cut back on our funding for the unemployment compensation system, and as a result we’re operating at a $5 million deficit. We’re trying to address that in a very sensible manner, and we will continue to work on that throughout this fiscal year, being mindful of employees, offices, buildings – the whole situation.


Commissioner Neeley

Also, Congress is working towards Workforce Investment Act Reauthorization, and both the House and Senate have passed versions that are somewhat in conflict with each other. The House is proposing a substantial rescission in the amount of $6 million. If that happens our entire incumbent worker program could be eliminated, and other programs could be affected. We will work hard to protect our programs from the possible cutbacks. I along with the executive directors of our local areas plan to contact our representatives in Washington and see what we can finally come up with.It’s been an eventful first month in the new fiscal year.

Take care and I wish you the best – I’ll be talking to you later about some good positive stuff.

 
 
  Labor Standards recognizes two companies

The Division of Labor Standards recently presented two TEAM (Tennessee Employer Award of Merit) awards.  These awards are for the exemplary efforts these companies have shown regarding compliance for both the child labor laws and the prevailing wage act. 
  
 
 
 
 

 

Labor Standards inspector Santiago Rodriguez and Mary Ellen Grace, Labor Standards director, honor Ray Bell Construction Company, presenting the Prevailing Wage TEAM award to Keith Pyle, president, and Linda Perkins, administrative assistant.

   

Mary Ellen Grace, director for Labor Standards, presents the Child Labor TEAM award to officials of Captain D’s; pictured are (from left), Mike Dattilo, inspector; Ron Walker, Captain D’s president; Mary Ellen; and Mike Smith, manager for the Hendersonville Captain D’s.

    
 
Division Updates
           
  Adult Education     Boilers & Elevators, Mine Safety, Labor Standards, Labor Research & Statistics  
 

More than 500 Adult Education teachers and supervisors attended the Division of Adult Education’s annual statewide Academy for Instructional Excellence July 10-13 in Memphis.  The Academy is designed to provide training and professional development to help adult educators build skills for continuous improvement. With the ultimate goal of improving student achievement, the Academy featured in-state and national experts on a variety of topics including GED and English as a Second Language (ESL) content areas as well as policy updates for supervisors.

“Our educators face great challenges when responding to the rapidly changing field of adult education,” according to Phil White, Administrator.  “We will continue to support our instructors and supervisors by responding to these needs and challenges.”

   

Special thanks to Commissioner Neeley for discussing the urgent needs of the Mine Safety Division with Commissioner Goetz of Finance & Administration. The federal government, MSHA (Mine Safety Health Administration) has informed our Mine Safety Rescue Team that our equipment needs upgrading to meet new federal regulations that were developed after the West Virginia mine tragedy. The cost of such upgrades could exceed $100,000. Commissioner Goetz gave us the go-ahead to purchase these upgrades immediately.  This would make the mine rescue team even more efficient in their efforts to continue to provide for the rescue and recovery of trapped miners in an underground mine.
 
The mine rescue teams are trained by our division of mines. They are 18 part time employees and are on call 24 hours in case of a mine disaster. The trainer is Oscar Frederick, assistant director of the Mines Safety Division.

 
 
           
  Employment and Workforce Development     TOSHA  
 
  • On June 29th the Senate passed its version of reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.  In order for the legislation to be enacted, a conference would need to occur to resolve differences in the House and Senate Bills, and this is unlikely by the first of the year.  In addition, the House has proposed a $325 million rescission of 2007 WIA funding.  Both our department and the Local Workforce Investment Boards are appealing to our congressional delegation to preserve WIA at its current allocation levels, since a rescission would mean a 10% decrease in overall funding for next year.
  • The division was recently notified that a $1.4 million grant was awarded to Tennessee for Disability Project Navigators.  Twelve of the 13 local workforce areas will be implementing this two-year program that will enhance services to job seekers with disabilities. 
  • The year 2007 marks the beginning of a new planning cycle for workforce programs that will focus on the entire Workforce Development System.  A workgroup has been formed of state and local partner staff and meetings will begin in August.
   

TOSHA has just completed and made available to the public a video on “How To Develop a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program.”  The video explains the requirements in the TOSHA regulations for the use of PPE to protect employees while on the job.  Examples of PPE include safety glasses, goggles, and/or face shields to protect employees’ eyes from flying particles or splashing chemicals, ear plug or muff type hearing protectors to protect employees from hearing loss, hard hats to protect from head injuries due to falling objects, and respirators to protect employees from breathing harmful chemical vapors, dusts, or fumes.  The video is available for purchase at a nominal cost of $20.

TOSHA has also published its training schedule for the fall of 2006.  Seminars on various subjects relating to TOSHA standards will be conducted by TOSHA trainers across the state.  Included are programs on occupational safety, industrial hygiene (occupational health), safety committees, and basic TOSHA information.  Last year over 11,000 persons attended TOSHA training programs.  The schedule is available on the division’s Web page.

 

 
 
           
Employment Security Workers' Compensation  

A recent initiative to reduce outstanding unpaid unemployment insurance premiums has resulted in a 7.63% drop in the overall Employer Accounts Receivables balance from the previous month.  The largest reductions occurred in the Johnson City Employer Accounts Office with a 20.6% decrease, in the Memphis office with a 16.7% decrease, and in the Chattanooga office with a 16.0% decrease.   

During the seasonal July spike in unemployment claims, the Claims Center staff has been working overtime to ensure all claims are processed and paid timely.  During the busiest week after the July 4 holiday, the Claims Center took a record number of more than 4,100 calls and processed a near record of 6,988 claims.  Now that the seasonal spike has passed the staff is focusing their attention on the opening of the remote claims center in Johnson City in late August.   

The Medical Impairment Rating (MIR) Registry has now completed its first evaluation. The MIR Registry is a new program in the Workers’ Compensation Division that was developed to assist parties in settling disputed claims in a faster, less expensive manner that will not involve the court system. 

This is accomplished by having workers whose claims qualify for the Program evaluated by a neutral physician chosen from the Registry by the parties.  The physician issues an impairment rating deemed legally “accurate,” ensuring that the rating is based on solid medical evidence. This method should enable parties to settle claims without the expense, hassles, and delays that filing a lawsuit brings. Ironically, the Registry’s first case involved a state employee. Evaluations involving non-state employees are being processed.

For more information about the Registry Program, contact MIR Program Coordinator Jeff Francis at 615-253-6269 or b.jeff.francis@state.tn.us.

 
 
 
           
       
 

July 30 – August 2, 2006
29th Annual Tennessee Safety & Health Congress & Exposition
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville

August 17
State unemployment rate for July released

August 24
County unemployment rates for July released

August 24 – 25
NW TN Career Center @ Union City closed for moving to new facility; office will be open ½ day on Thursday, August 24, then closed after lunch and all day Friday, August 25

 

    

September 4
Labor Day; offices closed

September 14
State unemployment rate for August released

September 21
County unemployment rates for August released

October 27
Grand opening of Rutherford County Career Center
Tennessee Technology Center
Murfreesboro

 
       
 
To:

TDLWD PROVET Office at Fort Campbell

From: Tommy Heaton, Mobile Aerospace Engineering
 

“I am pleased to announce that Mobile Aerospace with the support of FTCKY
ACAP (Fort Campbell Army Career and Alumni Program), PROVET (Promoting Re-employment Opportunities for Veterans) program and NCI (North Central Institute) recently hired another of Ft. Campbell’s finest veterans as a member of our growing team of aircraft maintenance professionals.

 

Mike was interviewed during our last ACAP visit despite the bad weather and the post’s closing early. I guess the short visit paid off.
 

Keep the referrals coming, and thanks for your support. We’re looking forward to the next job fair, and I'm hoping to visit ACAP and NCI again soon.”
   
To:

Mary Ellen Grace, Labor Standards
From:

Retail Management Class at International Academy of Design & Technology
 

 

“We just wanted to send you a quick note thanking you for coming to our class and speaking to us about Labor Standards for the State of Tennessee.
 

 

It is always such a pleasure and very educational to hear advice from professionals. We especially appreciate your views and history of doing business in Tennessee and the advice you gave us on hiring and being employees.
   
 

Thank you again for such an informative and pleasant visit and for taking the time out of your busy schedule to accommodate us.”
To: Jim McGrath, Workers’ Com/Benefit Review
From: A Workers’ Comp case
 

“I would like to express my gratitude for all your help, support, and guidance during the settlement case. I consider myself very lucky to have had a caring and considerate person like you involved in my case. Thanks for being so nice.”
   
 
Comments or Questions ? Contact Martha Deacon at martha.deacon@state.tn.us.