(02/11/2002) Limited-term state employees who are called into active duty in the military Reserves are eligible to collect their benefits and maintain their insurance coverage due to the intervention of Secretary of State Candice S. Miller.

Following Sept. 11, state officials recognized the need to protect the benefits of permanent state employees in the Reserves who are called to active duty. Thanks to the support of Secretary Miller, the Civil Service emergency rule, which was issued earlier today, was extended to include limited-term employees as well as permanent employees.

"I am very pleased the state is supporting the men and women who are called from their homes and jobs to defend our country," Secretary Miller said. "They are being asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this nation and it is important that we recognize and honor that duty."

Four employees who work for the Department of State are in the Reserves, and three of them have been called to active duty since Sept. 11. Two of the three reservists are limited-term employees and, because of Secretary Miller’s involvement, they will be eligible to collect their benefits and insurance coverage retroactively, the same as permanent employees.

Under the Civil Service emergency rule:

• Any civil service employee called for duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2002 will be covered by insurance and receive benefits.

• Limited-term employees will be given a leave of absence for the period of time up until their appointment was to end. Appointments can be extended if needed.

Under Civil Service rules, a limited-term appointment expected to last the equivalent of 90 full-time workdays or more in a calendar year is considered career employment for all benefit purposes, except as otherwise provided in the rules or regulations. This emergency rule now provides limited-term employees with military leave rights consistent with permanent employees.