WFSE/AFSCME EMBRACES SENATE COST-CUTTING MEASURE

The Federation on Thursday (Jan. 22) applauded a Senate plan to cut administrative costs of state government to help avoid cuts in staff and programs.

"It makes sense to cut back everywhere we can apart from direct service where services and needs are increasing," said Dennis Eagle, the Federation's director of legislative and political action. He testified before the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Senate Bill 5460 would generate about $105 million in savings through June. The House plans to unveil a proposal today (Friday) to cut an additional $300 million.

The plan would prohibit new positions or filling of vacancies, with exceptions for public health and safety, law enforcement and revenue collection.

It would also impose a freeze on most new personal services contracts, equipment purchases over $1,000 and most non-emergency or service-related travel and training.

And for the next 12 months would freeze the pay for state employees not under a contract. That would not apply to you. And it would impose higher health insurance premiums for executive and management state employees (who are not under a contract).

Not surprisingly, agency and higher education management testified against the bill.

Veiw this and other hearing excerpts at WFSE.org > State Budget & You > Session Media Archives