September 2020: Volume 3, Issue 3

Our Mission: To provide merit-based, innovative workforce solutions which enable state government to attract, develop and retain a productive, diverse and engaged workforce that excels in delivering quality services to the citizens of Louisiana.
State Employee Recognition Week 2020
On behalf of the State Civil Service Commission and the Department of State Civil Service (SCS), I would like to take the opportunity to extend our sincerest gratitude to all state employees in honor of State Employee Recognition Week (SERW). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Employee Recognition Week was rescheduled from early May to September 27-October 3, 2020. The State of Louisiana is joining other states across the nation in celebrating SERW, which presents a welcomed opportunity to spotlight the contributions you as state employees make in the workplace and in our communities.
 
As a state employee, you are making a difference in moving Louisiana forward. Far too often, your dedication and commitment is overshadowed by perceptions that portray government workers as inefficient. I know differently, as I have seen firsthand the vigilant efforts of the vast majority. You must continue to rise above these perceptions and take every opportunity to highlight the value you provide to the citizens of our State. Your individual efforts are making tremendous impacts in Louisiana's ability to provide for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens among a host of other critical services. 

Social Media Campaign
If your agency is doing anything to recognize your employees that you'd like to share, send us photos or tag State Civil Service so we can share it on social media! Please use the hashtags #SERW2020 and #EveryDayForEveryCitizen. I realize some of you have safety sensitive positions and may not be able to share tweets or pics of yourself at work, but if you can, stand proud, and help us promote the faces of state employees.
 
Employee Spotlight Series
The Employee Spotlight Series is an effort by State Civil Service to highlight all the great and positive things state workers do while putting a face to state government. This series is featured on our website and social media platforms. Do you know someone in your agency that could be highlighted for his or her excellence? Please email their contact information to Jenny.Creighton@la.gov so we can reach out to them. Thank you for your participation in helping us recognize and honor the work of Louisiana's public service employees!
 
While we may not be able to celebrate SERW in the usual ways, that doesn't have to stop you from recognizing the important and valuable services each of you provide to the citizens of Louisiana. State Civil Service encourages you to use this time to celebrate and share the good work you are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic using the hashtags #SERW2020 and #EveryDayForEveryCitizen! 

Again, I sincerely thank each of you for your service!
 
Sincerely,
 
Byron P. Decoteau, Jr.
State Civil Service Director
Due to the ongoing issues related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Louisiana Civil Service League has decided to postpone the 62nd annual Charles E. Dunbar, Jr. Career Service Awards Program for this year. However, for the 2021 Program Year, any classified employee who was employed during 2020 or 2021 will be eligible for the award. There will also be a larger timeframe to submit nominations for the next program year.
OGB Annual Enrollment: What you need to know
Annual Enrollment for the 2021 plan year is upon us. The Office of Group Benefits (OGB) would like to update you on a few changes you will need to know going into annual enrollment this year.

The ever changing costs of healthcare requires OGB to occasionally make changes to our health plans in order to continue to provide our members with the coverage they are accustomed to. Therefore, effective January 1, 2021, premium rates for the Pelican and Magnolia plans will increase by 5.5 percent. Vantage Health Plan also will raise their rates by 6 percent. A copy of the premium rates for plan year 2021 can be found on our website, info.groupbenefits.org/premium-rates/.

Due to health concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, annual enrollment will be a little different this year. All informational meetings for Active Employees will be held online. These sessions will be held several times a day for two (2) weeks. Registration is required as space is limited. Our hope is to provide our members with the information they need in the safest way possible. A recorded version of the presentation will be available on the OGB annual enrollment website, annualenrollment.groupbenefits.org/meetings.



Visit my2020census.gov and fill yours out before
the September 30 deadline.
In 2016, LASERS members submitted hundreds of photos to us with a navigation theme. Those photos are currently featured throughout our website and digital and print publications.
Now, we are looking for original photographs that reflect Louisiana culture, business, or industry – think natural landscapes, crawfish farming, the restaurant industry, or more abstract ideas.
Have Something To Add?

This publication is intended to provide for increased communication between the Department of State Civil Service and all stakeholders within our system. Email your questions, comments, or suggestions to us, and we'll do our best to respond promptly. Your feedback may even be chosen for publication as part of this feature! Participants will remain anonymous if requested. Please note that not all feedback will be published and that only fact-based questions will receive a response.