From the State Employees' Association of NH, SEIU Local 1984 today:

SEA has learned that at least some under-65 State retirees have been asked to sign "State Retirement Annuity Deduction Authorization" forms.

These forms look like they would authorize the State to deduct an unspecified monthly amount from the retirees' pension benefit, and states that the signer understands "that the amount of the deduction hereby authorized to be made... may increase or decrease without further notice to me... and I hereby authorize said additional amounts to be deducted."

As you may know, SEA has filed suit over the issue of whether under-65 State retirees can be forced to pay for medical benefits. That suit is pending in Merrimack Superior Court. This form asks individual retirees to authorize payment for the benefits that SEA is suing over.

If you -- or any State retiree you know -- receives this form, please do not sign your rights away.

Please do not sign the form! Instead, please contact the SEA at 271-3411 or sea@seiu1984.org and let us know you have received a copy of the form.

We are working with legal counsel to determine the next steps on this matter, and we will provide updates as we can.

An example of this "authorization form" is available at here.