Tonight the State Senate passed the SEBAC concession agreement after five hours of debate. Every Republican voted against the agreement causing a 18-18 tie that Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman had to break. The agreement finally passed 19-18.
We had an incredible showing of state workers at the capitol throughout the day which really made a difference as three democrats were undecided until debate on the agreement started this afternoon.
Make sure to visit our Facebook page to see all your co-workers who were at the capitol today https://www.facebook.com/NEHCEU1199/.
Also, check out DDS worker Irene Marquis’ interview on FOX http://fox61.com/2017/07/31/senators-votes-on-contract-for-connecticut-state-workers/
At the end of the night it’s the hard work and activism from state workers that is saving the state $24 billion and preserving our right to collectively bargain.
Below please find the official statement from SEBAC.
“We commend the State Senators who voted yes and Lieutenant Governor Wyman for doing the right thing on behalf of Connecticut and its working and middle-class families.
The passage of the SEBAC agreement secures $1.5 billion in savings in the biennium and $24 billion over the next two decades while protecting vital public services, that all Connecticut residents depend on. We urge the Senate to build on today’s momentum to develop a budget that serves the interest of all of Connecticut’s residents.
Today’s vote is a clear rejection of the right-wing, out of state money that sought to influence the direction of our state. Their campaign was based on false claims and misinformation and did not win in Connecticut today. There is no doubt that these special interest groups will continue their efforts in the upcoming budget debates but hopefully like today the voices of middle-class families will prevail.
In Connecticut, the very wealthy pay a lower percentage of their income in state and local taxes than working and middle-class families do. This is a level of unfairness that our state just can’t afford and we hope the General Assembly passes a fair and moral budget for all Connecticut residents.”
