Senators: Respect Collective Bargaining and Accept Budget Savings

For months Connecticut's governor and lawmakers have been unable to finalize plans for closing a projected $5.6 billion budget deficit over the next two years. Amid the gridlock, state employees and their unions stepped up to the plate.

Leaders negotiated and rank-and-file members approved agreements saving taxpayers $1.5 billion over the biennium and $24 billion over the next two decades, according to an independent actuarial analysis. If approved by lawmakers, critical public services would be protected not just at the state level, but in communities across Connecticut.

The vote in the state House was close — 78 to 72 in favor — with numerous Republican Representatives calling instead for an alternative scheme that would roll-back negotiating rights. This, despite the fact that collective bargaining is how union members worked with the governor to preserve good jobs, protect public assets and defend vital services.

Contact your Senator and urge they approve the agreements ratified by members of the unions in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC). Tell them not to reject a mutually negotiated solution that will help preserve Connecticut's quality of life for all.

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