Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and the Democratic legislature made two bold wagers in adopting the governor's first biennial budget: that 45,000 unionized state employees will ratify a concession-and-labor savings deal, and that the $1.6 billion in purported savings are real.
With a ratification vote under way, they will know soon if they won the first bet. Because the legislature pre-ratified the deal last week without benefit of a nonpartisan fiscal analysis of the savings, it will be months before anyone knows if the second will pay off.
Democratic legislative leaders insisted the unorthodox pre-ratification move was meant to signal labor there is no alternative to the deal, but critics said they ducked having to vote on the controversial deal later this summer under a brighter public spotlight -- and possibly in the face of a fiscal note that refutes some of the savings.
"I think some of your more liberal Democrats, who are more endeared to the unions, may not have wanted to vote on it after the session," said Rep. Steven Mikutel of Griswold, a Democrat who opposed the $40.54 billion biennial budget that relies on $1.6 billion in wage, benefit and other givebacks to remain in balance. "I think the legislature is uneasy about voting on contracts in general, and this one in particular."
"Their members did not want one [special] session and one vote on this issue," Senate Minority Leader John P. McKinney, R-Fairfield, said of the Democratic majority.
Two years ago, when then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell negotiated a concession package, the legislature waited first for labor unions to ratify the deal before voting to do so as well.
But rather than wait again, Democratic leaders included a provision inside a 277-page budget policy bill stipulating that if the unions approve the deal later this month, and if the legislature doesn't call itself into special session within five days of that action, then "the agreement is deemed approved by the General Assembly."
Further complicating matters, the budget policy bill sent to Malloy's desk just two days before the regular session's June 8 adjournment was adopted despite a warning from the legislature's nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis that it could vouch for less than 40 percent of the $1.6 billion in labor savings because of unanswered questions or insufficient data from the administration.
House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, R-Norwalk, has been particularly critical of nearly $350 million in unspecified savings to be found by employee-management panels studying health care, technology and general government spending, and of a wellness health program that hopes to save $205 million over two years through illness prevention.
When asked why they would pre-ratify the deal without the second fiscal opinion normally provided by OFA, Democratic leaders were uniform in their two-fold response: they trust the governor's math, and they wanted to reinforce with labor how badly state government needs the deal.
"I think that the governor and [his budget office] are confident that their projections are accurate," Senate Majority Leader Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, said, calling the concession deal "the linchpin the entire budget was built around. We are, in effect, assuming those concessions will be granted."
"I think it was important for us to send a message to labor," House Majority Leader J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, said. "If we left a lot of loose ends hanging it would have created the impression it wasn't all that important."
McKinney said he isn't buying it. "I think their members would have been embarrassed" had they waited for a nonpartisan analysis of the deal, and Democratic leaders realized this.
Mikutel also said he believes some of his fellow Democrats wanted the matter resolved before nonpartisan analysts could comment on some of the less-precise savings estimates from the Malloy administration. "All I know is there is some room for doubt and it is making some people uneasy."
Sen. Edith G. Prague, D-Columbia, co-chairwoman of the Labor and Public Employees Committee, voted for the pre-ratification measure, but said that while she hopes unions will ratify the deal, she is wary about the lack of information provided to legislative analysts.
"I am hoping that the unions will accept this agreement," Prague said, noting that Malloy has said the alternative is layoffs well in excess of the 4,700 pink slips he issued - and then later canceled - prior to the tentative deal being announced last month. "It's very scary to think of Plan B and the consequences of laying off that many people. But I still have to ask how could we have voted on something this critical when we didn't have the numbers?"
The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition hasn't weighed in on the pre-ratification vote, saying only that its leaders are focused on answering members' questions and preparing bargaining units for votes on the deal, which are expected to run through June 24.
And while Democratic leaders have noted that the bill still gives them the option of calling the legislature back into special session to vote on a labor deal, if ratified by the unions, Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, conceded when pressed during a floor debate last week that this scenario was unlikely.
"Why would we want to come back and waste the taxpayers' money?" he said.
House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden, said last week that he's optimistic the agreement will pass, adding that the alternative has to be avoided.
"We need that to balance the budget," he said. "I think the state employees understand that and they will do the right thing."
Let the troll onslaught begin....
Hope they didn't bet too much. This is a SURE loser!
The political corruption by the Democrats in Louisiana under the late great Huey Long does not light a candle to what is happening in Connecticut today. First the Democrats nominate an ultra left wing liberal socialist disguised as a "moderate" governor. He claimed that he revitalized Stamford when in reality major companies went back to New York.
When the election looked like it was not going the Democrats way election eve, they illegally kept the polls open in Bridgeport and then stuffed the ballots. They were never going to go allow another Republican Governor to take office
Read MoreEasy, Art. Don't hurt yourself!
You make some very fine points, however, and the satire is fun too.
Personally, I think that the governor painted himself into a corner mainly as a result of his inexperience. As I have said before, it is hard to imagine why a concession request such as this includes pension reforms that will harm folks due to retire prior to the conclusion of the current contract, especially when that specific group is large enough to sink the deal. It is very perplexing. And I am sure that we will be back to the table
Read MoreYes Edith Prague. How COULD you have voted on something without having all the numbers?
There is a such thing as Pumpkinhead....Pumpkinhead got Grandpa
Vote on contracts - up or down,
when Malloy came to town.
But, not yet Nutmeg folk;
this deal is a joke.
To Jen,
I was not being satirical one bit with my comments. I'm pretty much telling it like it really is in this state. We have a system in this state that is totally corrupt. The Democrats have virtually destroyed the Opposition Party
(?Republican?) and have Gerrymandered districts where they have complete control for generations to come. The Democrats have gone so far as to infiltrate the opposition. Chris Healy, Andrew Roraback, and others are no Republicans. They are RINO'S (Republicans in Name Only).
The Democrats have welcomed and support voters in this state that will
Read MoreI truely believe this concession package will be voted down and there will be a second concession offered that makes more sense and does not break the current contracts. They must know this..state employees are for making concessions but fair ones and they must include a hard freeze because as of july 1,11 if this concession passes there will be.more hiring do your research money has already been allocated to several state agencies and they are waiting for concessions to pass...i thought the whole point was to save money..ask the state employee to make sacrifices but then have money
Read MoreThe OFA was busy. Apparently, there were so many big questions left unanswered and gaps in the information provided that even they didn't catch a smaller one. Okay, sure, they caught a big one: "If we are currently assuming COLA increases above the current minimum of 2.5%, how will lowering that minimum generate any savings?""
So you can forgive them for overlooking this other little issue. As shown below, the state/SEBAC estimated that $32.5 Million can be saved in FY 12 by reducing the COLA from 2.5% to 2.0% for individuals who retire after 9/2/11.
Does anyone else see
Read Moreperturbed This is why they are in a hurry to get it voted on. Next year the budget will be out of balance. The no layoff agreement will be in effect so cities and towns look out the state will be cutting aid. Cities and towns will have to lay off or raise property taxes. The dems are making the mess bigger
Never Mind! I figured it out. Reducing the COLA should result in an actuarial gain to the SERS retirement fund and in turn, a reduction in the annual required contribution (ARC) for FY 12 and FY 13.
But if it's like similar savings measures, according to OFA, "The amount of these savings requires actuarial analysis, however actuarial methods have not been provided."
--perturbed
Our bargaining unit announced their vote today: 1079 for and only 178 against, an overwhelming 86% in favor. I am thrilled that my fellow members did not act like Sheep and blindly follow the rantings of the “No” brigade. That’s one unit heavily in the YES column. Let’s keep the ball rolling. (and yes, I, as a member, was allowed to watch the vote count occur)
A bargaining unit (which I won't name out of courtesy to them) announced their vote today: 1079 yes and only 178 no.
Looks like my prediction is coming true. This is the third bargaining unit's vote totals I have seen and the yes votes are miles and miles and miles ahead of the no votes.
The on-line smear campaign has been an abject failure. And I'm glad.
This whole Sebac discussion has now hit Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCFrYuwrAcM
Helen wrote: "This whole Sebac discussion has now hit Youtube."
Nice video. It actually makes the chaos sound inviting -- in a "bring it on!" kind of way -- when you match it with AC/DC.
We're up to 15,000 layoffs now? One third of the work force?
Is that your final answer?
--perturbed
Helen said: "And I'm glad."
Helen also said, about state workers: "...you complain like spoiled, entitled little children. That lack of maturity and integrity is breathtaking. State workers are despised by a sweeping majority of Connecticut residents because they see them as coddled, overpaid, under worked, lazy, spoiled, entitled, complaining, ungrateful crybabies."
Smear campaign?
Do you even really work for the state, Helen? Really? A union leader, maybe? With such utter disgust for your co-workers?
Are you Tier I? (That would explain a lot -- a Tier I union leader.)
--perturbed
I don't know why anyone responds to Helen.
And I hope vtteacher is wrong. The vo-tech teachers have nothing to worry about. Their inclusion in the phony plan
B was designed to get them to vote yes. Don't tell me they fell for it! Close all the schools? Common.......
The pension changes alone will sink this.
vtteacher got it backwards. It was actually 1079 AGAINST (VOTING NO) to the concessions and 178 that voted FOR (VOTING YES) to the concessions.
I can't honestly believe that teachers would be that ignorant to behave like sheep and get gently led to the slaughter house.
My ballot sits before me. So much fertilizer is being spread around - online posters and radio callers pretending who they are or what they represent. My decision has wavered nearly every day for the last several weeks. I don't feel good about "yes" or "no". Here are some of things I and others have been pondering.
State employees are enrolled in one of four retirement plans: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 2A, or the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP). Why is it that Tier 1 employees (4,000) will not be touched by this proposed agreement. Where is the shared burden?
Read More@Hapdaze
If I were in your shoes I'd vote yes as fast as I can. I don't think you have any idea what it's like in the private sector job market. Be thankful you have guaranteed employment and excellent benefits. The bottom line is you have a job with excellent benefits and you job is protected. You don't have to worry everyday coming into work if you'll be in the unemployment line the next morning.
The state is not out to get you. Remember the legislature controls the purse strings and the legislature is
Read MoreFirst vote tallies on Conn. union deal trickle out
Associated Press
June 15, 2011
HARTFORD, Conn.
At least two of the 34 state employee bargaining units have voted to ratify the labor savings and concessions deal reached with Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
The unit representing state police captains and lieutenants posted on its website on Wednesday that members voted 23-12 in favor of ratification. Also, the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association, with members at all UConn campuses, said in a news release that its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the tentative agreement: 1,079 to 178.
Read MoreRead it and weep conspiracy theorists: http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-ap-ct-connecticutbudgetjun15,...
This entire budget exercise has been a farce.
In the end, nobody will get laid off, the concessions will be entirely overstated and the public will be screwed again by having future commitments increased.
Government workers are already well paid and get crazy benefits.
The whole argument about COLA is stupid. Hardly anyone in the private sector gets any adjustments at all and we wait to collect till 65. The basic pension formulas for government are ridiculously generous to start with and almost everyone retires early and collects immediately.
I actually hope the union folks are stupid enough to reject
Read MoreAs I said Helen, Bob rinker oh i mean sal. It doesnt matter because none of you have any integrity nor does the Governor
I think that the polls are speaking pretty clearly.
George you have no idea what pay 45000 employees make or dont make they wanted you to fall for this while they institute universal health care.
OUr Governor is going side by side with Obama. So dont say I did not worn you if this goes through.
State emnployees really this is going to keep happening unitl you say no.
This shows that unions are crooked and
Read MoreHelen you just dont get it. We are state employees not right wing anything. WE dont want your socialist agenda. This healthcare is that. If it goes through what are you going to do when people realize that it is what are you going to do then???
I think that you will not have a job in the union that is what I think.
I also think that Obama care is unconstitutional. I also dont think the state of Ct will ever vote another democrat in. What all you politicians forgot is one important factor that you work
Read MoreTo the person that wrote, "I am thrilled that my fellow members did not act like Sheep and blindly follow the rantings of the “No” brigade." Your fellow members did act like sheep. They followed their Sheppard, your union leaders, and they are now in the pen waiting for slaughter. The "no" brigade has no Sheppard or leader. They are just people who research, learn, and apply reasoning skills, choosing not to follow the leaders blindly. Therefore, your analogy is incorrect. "I am thrilled that my fellow union members did not get distracted by
Read MoreMessage to the private sector it is up to you to stand up and fight for your rights not try to bring people to whatever misery you feel.
The companies are making more profits to day then they ever did. The longer they wait to hire the more money they make.
It is okay to make profits its your company but you should be giving people fair wages and benefits.
The point to working with the state was that we do not get big salaries or bonuses or other perks. Nor do we get the right to strike. The reason
Read More"Hapdaze" - "I'm not okay with the state trying to vastly reduce healthcare insurance for retirees."
- It DIDN'T. Both the State and SEBAC found a way to PRESERVE them... and for years to come, at that. Connecticut state employees' retirement health insurance has and will CONTINUE to be among the best - if not THE best - in the entire COUNTRY - and REGARDLESS of whether you compare it to other public sectors' OR the private sector's.
Enough
I agree. The followed like sheep if this goes through. It is extremely sad that they dont see that the unions are in bed with the Governor. I mean Dan, Bob and Sal since there name is all over sustinet and universal health care.
This voting should have never happened. This whole process is tainted including the voting procedures.
YOur union is suppose to stand up and fight not laid down with the dogs.
To the new employees we all were here and would not have the benefits we have today if someone did not pay a
Read More"George Levinson " - Have to admit that I really got a bit of a kick out of your post! If you're REALLY concerned about things and REALLY want to make a "difference," DON'T waste your time posting *here*. Instead, start writing to the Governor and your legislators INSISTING that they institute and strictly adhere to a hard and fast HIRING FREEZE. REDUCE the State's workforce by about 5,000 positions through attrition, and REDUCE the "manager-to-employee" ratio SUBSTANTIALLY.
Keep selling that crap steve
The health benefits are changing if you vote for this read the plans look at the dates for implementation see if it doesnt say they must get collective bargaining to agree first and then move on down the line by 2014 right along side of obama care.
Read it go on line and read sustinet and the plan that Bob Rinker wrote. Read about value health care and disease management plan on line it is all there. It all reads the same. Partnership pooling bill that passed read it.
THis changes the plan forever
Read MoreSteve you are a real prize. They have a place for people like you ..
So 2.87% of 45000 employees have voted to ratifiy the agreement. hmmm...maybe....not many votes there.
These numbers were only "claimed" to be the result. The article also reports 3 bargaining units that have voted but those results "have not been released". How come no numbers reported there?
To the best of my knowledge the votes will not actually be counted until next Friday. It's been confirmed that votes are being placed into steel boxes that require 2 different keys to be opened. Supposedly two federal judges will also be present, and will count the votes themselves.
So unless
George
These are not nice people we are dealing with. The State Employees have said that there is some really dirty dealings going on here. People really need to listen.
They are trying to push obama care and will do it at any cost. They think this will get them to Washington. They have been working on universal health care since 1999. It is a terrbile health care plan people have lost their loved ones because they can not get to doctors. It might not show its ugy head now but it will. George even you dont want this.
Read MoreSteve what a lie this is not the same health care plan I mean really you really insult people intelligience.
This plan is universal health care. It means you follow what they tell you to do and if you dont guess who gets the money oh the state. Well over 50 percent of the people fail. So what does that tell you???
It only changes if you vote for it and they are fighting hard because they have planned this for years and we walked right into it full democrat power. It is obama care. Hasnt our governor been in
Read MoreMy place of work voted yesterday and the count was done immediately following the close of the election, I observed along with about 5 other employees - they had 4 people counting - the cardboard box was opened - the ballots spilled to the table - each person made 2 piles, yes and no - each person counted their pile and then it was recounted by another person. That was it. Counted and done. The union rep also gave a verbal report on the votes at 2 other facilities. One yes, one no.
After working all day this site is the best comic relief I know. 15 shopping day until legislature starts taxing clothing under $50. GO BRUINS
Josephine. If you want the same insurance it is $100 per month. Except it. calling people names will not help you. You are in the union you need to except the outcome of the vote
You got that right, larrye2011 LOL! If there was something decent on tv - or I had the willpower to actually go out & mow the lawn - that's where I'd be. These online "blogs" are kind of like "reality tv," only they're truly user-generated entertainment programming (for real - I'm being serious). After all, it's not like anything that anyone says on these things actually makes a difference about *anything*. But once in awhile I do read an interesting idea or point of view about something somewhere. Pretty rare, though.
What I truly can't get over, though, is the
Read MoreHapdaze, thank you ...
... for sharing your thoughts and helping us all focus on the real issues. Yours is the most honest and incisive comment I have read anywhere on this Hobson's choice.
I completely appreciate your dilemma. No matter what choice you make, nobody will fault you.
I sincerely wish you the best,
--perturbed
Hapdaze wrote: "My ballot sits before me. So much fertilizer is being spread around - online posters and radio callers pretending who they are or what they represent. My decision has wavered nearly every day for the last several weeks. I don't feel
Read MoreA new Sebac item on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtN5OLrkfRQ
Very convincing.
Josephine, you are such an incomprehensible, motor mouthed whack-job that I can't even follow your train of thought. Please don't address your comments to me.
Perturbed and others, on the other hand, seem to know what's going on.
My feeling is that everyone should get good benefits. Single payer, universal health care would have gone a long way to level the playing field. Unfortunately Obama is not interested in real reform. Government workers at all levels are privileged with benefits far beyond the private sector. The fighting going on in Connecticut it typical, but unlike Wisconsin and other Republican states,
Read More"If the state does not change its demographic trajectory, it faces a bleak future."
A Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis report, "Recovery Stirring, But Will Connecticut be Too Old to Compete?"
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January 2011: 9.3%
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July 2011: 8.9%
August 2011: 8.8%
September 2011: 8.6%
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