1199/SEBAC Report on Meetings With The Governor

The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) leadership, of which 1199 is a member, remains in discussions with the Rell Administration and continues to honor the request to refrain from publicly commenting on those discussions. We remain hopeful of reaching agreement on a comprehensive solution that provides savings and, more importantly, protects critical public services in an economic crisis. Such a solution could well provide savings in this year’s budget, as well as in the upcoming biennium.

Meanwhile, we urge the Administration to reconsider its approach to deficit mitigation. The continuing cuts to higher education and other vital services threaten immediate and perhaps irreparable harm to the very programs and institutions all Connecticut residents are counting upon to help pull us out of this recession, and to provide for a better future.

SEBAC leadership has emphasized, from the very beginning, that public service workers are willing to do their part. The coalition hopes that the governor is genuine in her wishes to find a mutually acceptable agreement. This means it must help balance the budget, protect vital public services, and avoid further crippling our economy by adding to the rolls of unemployment.

However, SEBAC leaders caution that without assurances for preserving public services by avoiding layoffs, any agreement would be virtually worthless. The citizens of Connecticut rely on these vital public services, especially during this recession.

SEBAC also cautions that any job loss - whether it is the public or private sector - will only hasten the downward economic spiral Connecticut is experiencing. It is important that the governor and her representatives both acknowledge and avoid any long-term consequences of budget cuts. SEBAC will continue working with the governor to do our part for the people of Connecticut, and will continue to fight to protect the public services that will help put Connecticut back on the right track.