Exempt state employees
now have the opportunity to purchase computers using interest-free loans due
to a program implemented through the Exempt
Professional Development Program.
A total of 1,110 loans for $1,477,825 were
issued to state employees exempt from
bargaining units between the implementation
of the computer purchase plan in November
2001 and the end of fiscal year 2002. Another
713 loans were issued during fiscal year 2003
for $911,266.
Full-time exempt employees with at least
one year of service as an exempt employee
are eligible to borrow up to $1,500
interest free for their computer purchase.
Prior to fiscal year 2003,
eligible employees could receive a
total benefit of $1,500, which they
also could use for education assistance.
Now, the total benefit amount is $1,500
for the computer purchase plan and another
$1,500 for education assistance, which was
expanded for fiscal year 2003 beyond college
tuition reimbursement to include other forms
of professional development, such as workshops,
seminars and conferences.
During fiscal year 2003,
a total of 607 applications for professional
development opportunities from 326 employees
were approved for $144,448. During that same
year, 678 applications from 405 employees were
approved for $470,281 in tuition assistance
at accredited colleges and universities.
The previous year, 568 applications
from 343 employees for tuition reimbursement were approved for $380,113.
This portion of the DAS eNewsCenter is for Human Resources Division customers.
| This article was reprinted from the 2002-2003 DAS Biennial Report. |