Jan Feb Worklife Elevated

Volume 3, Issue 4

January/February 2009

Department of Human Resource Management

Worklife Elevated State of Utah Employee Newsletter

Where is this picture? See page 8 Executive Directors Message 1 Employee Spotlight: Ruben Arredondo

2

Executive Director’s Message (cont.)

3

2009 Governor’s Awards for Excellence The Governor’s WorkWell Challenge W-5 and W-2 Information and Deadlines

4

Employees More Positive About 4-10’s

5

What’s New for Your 405(k) and 457 New Fleet Driver Eligibility Rules

6

New PEHP/Healthy Utah Rebate Program We Have What You Want

7

Year End Deadlines Thank You Utah Leadership Institute Update 2009 Legislative Session On the Front Cover

8

Executive Directors Message Commissioner Ted Boyer, Public Service Commission We are pleased to share the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) with the State of Utah Employee newsletter. Our agency is one of the smallest departments in state government, but undoubtedly has an effect on most Utahns through the utility rate setting hearings as well as other procedures carried out by the PSC. Virtually every person and every organization that receives utility services in Utah is touched by the decisions of the PSC. Since 1917, the PSC has served the citizens of Utah through technical and economic regulation of the state’s public utility companies. These privately owned but government-regulated companies provide the telecommunications, electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage systems through which important services are delivered to Utah households and businesses. These utility systems are essential to the governor’s and Commissioner Ted Boyer, legislature’s economic development strategy to bring more Public Service Commission successful businesses to our state. All these structural elements, whether provided by public authorities or regulated private companies are known as “infrastructure.” Roads, railways and other modes of transportation, and communications and other network-based services like electricity, natural gas and water, facilitate the flow of goods and services between buyers and sellers, making this infrastructure a prerequisite for economic growth. Utility companies are certificated monopolies. With recent exceptions primarily in the telecommunications industry, each utility is the sole provider of utility service in designated geographic areas of the state. Because there is no competition, federal and state law obligates the PSC to promote and protect the public interest by ensuring that public utility service is adequate in quality and reliability, and is available to everyone at just and reasonable prices. Implicit in that statement is the necessity of maintaining the financial health of the regulated companies. That is the PSC’s goal. The prices, terms and conditions of utility service affect the quality of the state’s infrastructure and therefore, the quality of life in Utah. Someone suggested, partly in jest, that one way to determine if the PSC is doing its job is to observe if everyone is mad at the PSC. That would mean that the tension between customers wanting good service at reasonable prices and the companies’ desire to be profitable are at an appropriate level. In 1983, the legislature last reorganized Utah’s public utility regulatory function, and the PSC now functions as an independent entity with a small clerical, legal, and technical advisory staff. There are presently 15 full-time employees at the Commission including the (Continued on page 3)

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

Employee Spotlight: Ruben Arredondo By Julie Orchard grew up with a curiosity for matter is so interesting also makes it how our government easier to learn,” he says. Another Ruben Arredondo is the regulates energy production positive: working with friendly and newest employee of the and consumption. talented people. “When I first started Public Service Commission (PSC). He currently serves Working with the PSC has listening to my co-workers talk, I thought, ‘Wow. These people are as the Administrative Law allowed Ruben to fulfill a smart—very smart!’ But what I Judge/Legal Counsel for the dream to work in an area appreciated was their willingness to PSC. that impacts the quality of explain things to me and willingness to life for Utahans not only Previously, Ruben worked direct me to the right sources from now, but in the future as in private practice, doing which I could well. mostly commercial, learn more construction and Rueben Arredondo “Working with effectively. It the PSC employment litigation. The has been a gives me a chance to change is definitely different from the great place to work behind the scenes daily rush and pressure of litigation. work.” of one of our State He jumped at the chance to work on agencies dealing with When he utility regulation; an area which has energy and utility completed law always interested him. “I was kind of regulation—one of the school in weird as a teenager,” he says. “My 2003, Ruben dad was a hearing officer in the Coast most important areas impacting not just worked as Guard, and would often bring home Utahans, but people all staff attorney cases he was dealing with. I remember across our nation. It’s a for six judges reading the cases, memos, and Rueben with his family in Australia fascinating time to be in in the Second evidence and being fascinated with the energy regulation field.” District Court. That helped him how laws and our government work understand how adjudication works, together to regulate our infrastructure. Besides doing the normal how to write and research effectively Once I went to college and graduate adjudication involved with resolving and how to resolve complicated issues school, I knew I wanted to combine a complaints and other applications career in law and something relevant regularly made before the PSC, Ruben in a simple and precise manner. He said working for the State has only to government. When I was offered also has a chance to help the three helped enhance his career and make the job at the Public Service Commissioners and PSC staff issue him a better employee—wherever he Commission, it was a chance to do just decisions regulating the utility has worked. that, and I am fascinated with the companies in Utah. He enjoys the regulatory issues that face the camaraderie and daily learning In his spare time, Ruben and his Commission. Now I am part of involved in working with the family love being outdoors, traveling determining the outcome for every Commissioners and staff. He thrives (whenever the money comes along), Utah citizen as decisions are made on having new challenges. hiking, and cooking. He looks forward regarding utility regulation and to a fulfilling career with the PSC and “On my first day, I was told to get interpreting these important statutory ready to drink water from a fire hose.” hopes to make a positive impact not requirements.” He thought they were kidding, but soon only in his workplace, but also on the lives of Utah citizens. Ruben and his So after college, he decided to realized they weren’t when he was obtain a law degree and Masters in handed a stack of paper one foot thick wife, Alicia, have one son and one daughter and are expecting a third Public Administration. This allowed and told that was one of the cases him to work in the legal field, as well as before the PSC. Ruben said although child in March. in areas where public policy is the matters the PSC deals with have The Public Service Commission implemented. Also, being raised in been challenging, he has enjoyed the enjoys having Ruben on the team. energy-rich Texas, and having worked challenge this new area of the law has for energy-services companies, he brought. “The fact that the subjectPage 2

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

The Governor’s WorkWell Challenge

Executive Directors Message (cont.) (Continued from page 1)

three commissioners. Each commissioner is appointed by the Governor to alternating six-year terms, only two of which can be members of same party. During fiscal year 2008, 273 cases were docketed with the PSC and 157 were resolved by written Commission order following hearing and deliberation on the evidentiary record. Many of the remaining cases were handled informally. The Public Service Commission regulates 153 utility companies with gross intrastate revenues exceeding $2.9 billion. The Public Service Commission employees, several of whom have been with the PSC for many years, are committed to providing dedicated, efficient, public service to the citizens of the state who have regulatory questions or comments. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the PSC to contact us or visit us online at http://www.psc.utah.gov/

2009 Governor’s Awards for Excellence The Governor’s Award for Excellence recognizes state employees who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the following categories: Heroism Humanitarianism Innovation and Efficiency Leadership Outstanding Public Service Award criteria, helpful tips on how to write an effective nomination, the nomination form and procedures can be found on the Employee Gateway. www.employeegateway.utah.gov Nominations will be accepted January 12, 2009 through the close of business on February 23, 2009. Page 3

We live our lives by numbers: phone numbers, PIN numbers, account numbers. But do you know your health numbers? Everyone should know certain numbers when it comes to their health, including: • Body Mass Index (BMI) • Blood pressure • Blood glucose • Total cholesterol • Waist circumference These numbers are key indicators of your risk for major illness. If you know these numbers, you can take action to reduce your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other major chronic diseases. Here is what you should know: • BMI measures your weight in relation to your height. Anything above 24.9 is considered overweight. Excess weight puts you at greater risk of developing high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. • Blood pressure measures the amount of force it takes your heart to pump blood through your body. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease and can damage your brain, eyes and arteries. Your blood pressure should be less than 120 over 80. • Glucose is sugar stored in the blood as your body's main source of energy. If your blood glucose is too high or too low, you may have diabetes. Your fasting blood sugar should be below 100 mg/dL. • Total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL. Your blood cholesterol level is the amount of fat in your blood. If your level is too high than you are at a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. • If you carry fat mainly around your waist, you are more likely to develop health problems than if you carry fat mainly in your hips and thighs. Waist circumference should be below 35 inches for women and below 40 inches for men. Those with increased abdominal fat may have a higher disease risk than people with smaller waist measurements because of where their fat lies. When measuring your heart health numbers, don't just look at where you are -- look at where you're going. If your blood pressure is below the recommended level, that's good, but if it's been going up, it's still a concern. On the other hand, if your cholesterol is high, but on the way down, pat yourself on the back! Small changes can make a big difference. If you eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and avoid smoking, you can turn bad numbers around. Take the first step towards protecting your health and know your health numbers this year!

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

W-5 and W-2 Information and Deadlines Earned Income Credit (EIC) Employees that receive Earned Income Credit need to submit a new original (no faxes or copies) 2009 W-5 form to State Payroll by January 5, 2009. The 2008 Earned Income Credit form expires on the December 31, 2008. Check the IRS website for the 2009 form at http://www.irs.gov/. Address Changes for W-2’s December 22, 2008, is the last day for address changes to be made for inclusion in W-2 processing. Verify that the name and address listed on your last check stub or deposit advice is correct. Notify your HR office immediately if changes need to be made. The Division of Finance sends all W-2’s to Central Mail on or around January 2, 2009. Central Mail will then take a few days to mail the W-2’s out to all employees including those that terminated. All W-2’s are mailed to the address in the payroll system as of the December 22 update. How to Request a Duplicate W-2 W-2s are mailed to your home address around January 15 of each year. If you do not receive your W-2 by the end of January, you should notify your agency Payroll contact. In the event you lose your W-2 or require a duplicate copy for another reason, you can print your own* (see below) or request one from State Payroll after January 31. There is a $5 processing fee for each tax year requested from State Payroll. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the State of Utah. You can request a duplicate either in writing or in person. The request must include your name, Social Security Number, the tax year being requested, your mailing address, a daytime telephone number, and your authorizing signature. Parking on Capitol Hill is very limited from January 1 through March 15. If you should need to visit Capitol Hill on business during this period, we encourage you to use mass transit. Otherwise, limited public parking is available on the east side of the Capitol. Office hours for the Division of Finance are from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday • Send written requests to: Division of Finance - Payroll 2110 State Office Building Salt Lake City, Utah 84114 Include $5 for each tax year requested

•

•

To request a duplicate in person, go to the Division of Finance office located in 2110 State Office Building, which is the building directly north of the State Capitol. Limited public parking is allowed on the east side of the State Capitol. Bring an ID (driver’s license or state ID) and $5 for each tax year requested. If you need a duplicate W-2 for a year prior to 1996, call State Payroll at 801-538-3056.

Under no circumstances will W-2s be sent by FAX. * Employees who have access to ESS can print their own duplicate W-2 forms. To access this function, log in to ESS and click on the Employee Self Service tab. Then click on "My Information." The links to access "Print Duplicate W-2" and "IRS W-2 Instructions" are in the Detailed Navigation tray on the left. The Help Tools on the My Information Overview page include "Description of the Print Duplicate W2 screen" if additional instruction is needed. Page 4

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

Employees More Positive About 4-10’S By Conroy Whipple analysis to this point are posted on the • Our youngest employees, under employee gateway but here are some age 27, are more enthusiastic State employee attitudes about the highlights. about the 4-10 work schedule 4-10 work schedule have become than other employees and more positive according to the results • When asked to respond to the expressed a stronger preference of a just completed survey. This is the statement; “I prefer the four day/ for it. general finding of the survey which ten hour work schedule over the was conducted the week of November five day/eight hour work Childcare is still a significant issue 18th to the 25th. schedule.” 13 percent more for employees. In the baseline survey employees expressed in July, 20.3% of employees expressed DHRM received over 6,500 agreement or strong agreement real concern with child care issues. In completed surveys, an exceptional rate (56% in July vs. 69% in this survey that percentage dropped to of return. We also received over 4,100 November). just under 12%. It is evident that many written comments. This was a complete surprise and a very gratifying • A larger percentage agreed with employees have used a variety of solutions to resolve this issue. development. This is evidence of the statement that the new strong employee interest in this pilot schedule has reduced commute However, the comments indicate that this is still a tough issue for many program and provides a rich source of costs. information for analysis. • A larger percentage agreed that employees. A wrap-up survey will be conducted Initial results show that there are a the new schedule has increased in May. Our intent is to use what we significant smaller percentage of employee morale. have learned from the baseline survey employees who have negative or • The average private vehicle and this November survey to conduct a neutral feelings about 4-10’s. There is commuting days in a week for of course a corresponding increase in employees is down .7 days from more in depth analysis in order to make solid policy recommendations to positive feelings, some rather the 5 day/eight hour schedule the Governor. dramatic. The full results of our (3.78 days per week vs. 4.46).

WHAT’S NEW FOR YOUR 401(K) AND 457 Did you know you if you visit URS website at www.urs.org , you can learn more about the Utah Retirement System? You can find copies of the Highlights brochures for the Noncontributory, Contributory, Public Safety and Firefighters’ Retirement systems, as well as brochures from their Retiring Right series. There is also a Retirement Benefit Estimate Calculator where you can compute an estimate of your potential monthly retirement benefit. An additional feature on myURS gives members online account access and information; you can check daily values and review quarterly returns for all of the investment options. What’s new for 2009 are the maximum limits for deferral into your 401(k) and 457 plans. The “50+ catch-up” also increases this year, making the amount for each plan $22,000. Potentially a person that is 50 years old or above may contribute as much as $44,000 pre-tax combined. The Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits have not changed and remain at $5,000 with a 50+ catch-up of $1,000 for a total of $6,000. (Keep in mind that the IRA maximum limit applies to all IRA accounts you have open and is subject to a one-time limit each year.)

Page 5

Plan

Contribution Limits

50+ catch up

401(k)

$16,500

$5500

457

$16,500

$5500

IRA

$5,000

$1,000

Roth IRA

$5,000

$1,000

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

New Fleet Driver Eligibility Rules By Sam Lee motor vehicle conviction in any of 41 specific motor vehicle code The Division of Fleet Operations violations defined in the rule (DFO) recently updated its driver including: driving under the eligibility rules (R27-7) for all drivers of influence of alcohol or drugs and state vehicles. The new rules effective reckless driving. November 11, 2008 are intended to model driving standards of the state 4. The unauthorized use, misuse, fleet to those of the private sector and abuse, or neglect of a state improve safety. Under the new rules vehicle as validated by the the authority to operate a state vehicle driver’s agency. may be suspended or revoked for up to 5. On the basis of citizen complaints three years for any of the following validated by the driver’s agency, reasons: the authorized driver, while acting 1. The authorized driver, while within the scope of employment acting within the scope of has been found, pursuant to 63Aemployment, has been involved 9-501, to have misused or in three (3) or more preventable illegally operated a vehicle three accidents during a three (3) year (3) times during a three (3) year period. period. 2. The authorized driver has four (4) Motor vehicle records for all drivers of or more moving violations within state vehicles will be reviewed weekly 12 months. by DFO staff. Drivers not meeting the new minimum standards will be 3. The authorized driver has a

summoned to a formal hearing by the newly created “Driver Eligibility Board.” The purpose of the Board is to evaluate high risk drivers and determine potential driving suspensions for operators of state vehicles. Appeals to the decisions of the Driver Eligibility Board are available through a written communication to the Executive Director of Administrative Services within 30 days of the decision by the Board. New employees hired after the effective date of the administrative rule will be subject to the new driver eligibility standards for the three years previous to the hire date recorded by DHRM. Hiring managers should require a copy of the potential employee’s personal motor vehicle record to review prior to the offer of employment to ensure the new employee will meet the minimum driving standards defined in R27-7.

New PEHP/Healthy Utah Rebate Program circumference. • Complete an online If disease prevention, health risk assessment longer life, improved mood questionnaire through and energy aren’t reward www.healthyutah.org. enough for good health, how You get $50 for about cold, hard cash? completing “First Steps.” If Changes to the PEHP/ your results are in healthy Healthy Utah rebate program will allow ranges and you don’t use tobacco, you more URS/PEHP employees to reap will also receive the “Good for You!” the benefits of good health as well as continue to provide incentives to those rebate, another $50. If you don’t initially qualify for the “Good for You!” who need improvement. rebate, you can earn other rebates by You can participate in the new making health improvements in areas PEHP/Healthy Utah rebate program that have been identified as risk factors beginning January 1. New incentives to you (see chart). begin with the “First Steps” rebate. WHAT YOU CAN EARN “First Steps” requires you to: • $50 for completing the “First Steps” • Complete biometrics/lab screening health assessment and biometrics/ with Healthy Utah or a health care lab screening. provider. It measures body mass • An additional $50 “Good for You!” index (BMI), blood pressure, rebate if you take the assessment cholesterol, glucose, and waist By Jeremy Drecksel

Page 6

and meet certain criteria for good health. • If you fail to qualify for the “Good for You!” rebate, you can earn others by improving in areas identified as risk factors. IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM RISK FACTORS REBATE Lipid (LDL-cholesterol) $50 Blood pressure $50 BMI $50* Diabetes management $300 Tobacco cessation** $100 * each drop 5 BMI | **once per year REBATE PHASE OUT The physical activity rebate is being phased out at the end of this year. If you are currently working on a physical activity rebate, plan on completing it by December 31, 2008.

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

We Have What You Want By Loretta Potter Need a new desk, chair or vehicle but do not want to spend a lot? The public is invited to come on down to Surplus Property where we have what you need. desks, chairs, monitors, staplers, bookcases, phones, cameras and file cabinets just to give you an idea of what is available. Surplus also is where you will find that “new” used car to replace your problem machine. It is a snap to see what vehicles are here by going to our website DFO Surplus Program and clicking on Vehicles in Inventory. Our address is 447 West 13800 South Draper, UT, hours 7am – 6pm, Mon – Thurs.

Surplus is where you will find that “new” used car to replace your problem machine

The State The LESO Program has Surplus Property the potential of providing Program is tasked Law Enforcement with the accounting agencies with a variety of and ethical disposal items from the of State-owned Department of Defense. property. Property The property can include is first offered for firearms, aircraft, boats, reutilization to state vehicles, body armor, State surplus property has what you and other night vision scopes and need, including desks, chairs, monitors, staplers, bookcases, government other military hardware phones, cameras and file cabinets agencies, and for your law enforcement secondarily offered for public sale. needs. Come shop for your Agency and just The National Defense Authorization bring along your ELCID code for Act authorizes state and local billing. Public sales are conducted on governments to purchase law a retail sales basis and in some enforcement equipment for counterinstances by sealed bids and drug activities through the Federal auctions. Government. The 1122 Program The Federal Surplus Property allows state and local governments to Program is a Utah State governmental take advantage of the discount program that is tasked with the available to the Federal Government responsibility of locating, acquiring and due to its large volume purchase distributing federal surplus property to ability. state and local governments and We look forward to seeing you at eligible non-profit organizations. State Surplus in Draper.

Year End Deadlines Annual Use or Lose, Opt-Out, FLSA Exempt Anniversary Comp Delete Period and Calculation of Converted Sick Leave Annual Use or Lose Employees have until January 9 2009, (the end of pay period 26) to use or donate annual leave over 320 before it is lost. The annual accrual for pay period 26 must be used as well or it will be deleted. Opt-Out of the Converted Sick Leave Processing Employees have the option to not have sick leave moved into converted sick and/or annual. If sick leave is converted every year then moved back by your payroll person then you may optout of this process entirely and no sick leave will be converted. January 9, 2009, is the last day to notify your agency payroll/HR representative if you prefer to not have sick leave converted (optout). FLSA Exempt Anniversary Comp Delete Period FLSA exempt employees with a comp delete pay period of 26 should be aware that they have until January 9, 2009, to use or lose their comp time. Please be aware that any comp earned during pay period 26 will be deleted. Page 7

We want to thank all those employees who participated in the statewide employee satisfaction survey conducted at the beginning of November. We had a great response with over 5600 total surveys, which provides a solid foundation for our analysis. We will release the statewide results sometime in the coming months once we have completed the analysis of the data. We greatly appreciate the willingness of state employees to participate in our surveys, which helps us to formulate better state policies and programs.

Volume 3, Issue 4

Worklife Elevated, State of Utah Employee Newsletter

January/February 2009

The Utah Leadership Institute is pleased to announce the January and February training schedule The Government Performance Workshop series continues in 2009. We also have a new Lunch and Learn program where you can get a taste of our new trainers’ services, as well as a bite to eat! Come and partake of some of our new specialties! Register early so you don't miss out as classes will fill up fast. Updated course information is always available at http://www.dhrm.utah.gov/events/ or check out the Employee Gateway at www.employeegateway.utah.gov for up to date training information and a link to the ULI home page.

We’d love to hear from you. Please submit feedback, suggestions, or ideas for future articles to: [email protected] DHRM is adding value to the State of Utah by: - Increasing Customer Service - Increasing Efficiency - Decreasing Liability Department of Human Resource Management Administrative Office 2120 State Office Building Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Phone: 801-538-3025 Fax: 801-538-3081 Worklife Elevated Editor in Chief: Jeff Herring Production Editors: Debbie Price Sarah Tice Sherry Saracino Tina Sweet Michelle Watts Iris Sanchez Jennifer Fitzgerald Gary Schow Worklife Elevated is published bi-monthly Page 8

2009 Legislative Session The 2009 Legislative General Session will be held January 26 through March 12, 2009. Parking on Capitol Hill will be very limited during this time. Parking is available in the Capitol visitor's parking lot located on the east side of the Capitol and State Office Building. Some parking is also allowed around the perimeter of the Capitol along the streets, but please pay attention to posted parking restrictions. Parking regulations will be heavily enforced. To avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles, listen to presentations and subcommittees on the legislative web page at www.le.utah.gov to online. There you will also find information pertaining to this years General Session. On the front cover: Bryce Canyon Pinnacles: Winter scene in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Photo Courtesy of Utah Office of TourismPhotographer– Frank Jensen The annual Bryce Canyon Winter Festival will run February 14-16 at Ruby’s Inn, toward the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. The festival features cross country ski races, an archery clinic, archery biathlon competition, free snowshoe tours, free clinics in photography and snow sculpture. There will be kids' events, entertainment, food, music and more. For more information please visit: http://www.utah.com/bryce/