[Vision2020] UI Retiree Lawsuit

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the Lewiston Tribune.

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Judge believes UI retiree lawsuit will be decided by state high court

MOSCOW - A representative for the retirees suing the University of Idaho
over reductions to their early separation benefits believes the suit is
headed to Idaho's highest court.

And the judge who ruled against them in November said this morning that he
agrees.

"We all know this case is going up and will ultimately be decided by the
Supreme Court," said 2nd District Judge John R. Stegner after the attorney
for the retirees asked him to reconsider his earlier decision.

Stegner also acknowledged the state high court could reverse his ruling.
"It's really that close."

The judge said he would issue a new written decision "in due course," but
indicated it would largely be the same as his previous ruling.

The group of 268 former employees signed early retirement deals in 1998
and 2002 that gave them a cash payout and covered their health and life
insurance premiums. They sued the UI after the university changed the
benefits in 2007, requiring them to pay part of the premiums.

"It's a contract," said Wileen Anderson, who retired from the registrar's
office under the most recent buyout. "And then to come back and say 'we
got ya.' We'll carry it to the Supreme Court."

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown