Alabama Supreme Court halts refunds to public education employees

The Alabama Supreme Court has put a hold on the return of millions of dollars to state educators while the justices consider an appeal of a ruling that deemed Public Education Employees Health Insurance Plan premium increases illegal.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Johnny Hardwick ruled in August that a meeting of the PEEHIP board in April 2016, at which members voted to raise premiums, was held illegally. That meant that the premium increases paid in by all PEEHIP members – some $60 million – would have to be returned.

The PEEHIP board, which is represented in the lawsuit by attorneys from Balch & Bingham and Retirement Systems of Alabama attorney Leura Canary, is planning an appeal of Hardwick’s ruling. In the meantime, PEEHIP requested a stay so it wouldn’t be forced to dole out refunds to members which it might have to request be returned if the appeal is successful. The Supreme Court agreed.

But not all board members are so eager to go forward with the appeal.

APR reported on Sunday that several board members would like to let the issue die, but Canary and other attorneys are pushing forward. Sources said emails from Canary were threatening and explained the appeal was moving forward regardless of board members’ input.

Read more: http://www.alreporter.com/2017/09/13/alabama-supreme-court-halts-refunds-public-education-employees/