In the Governor's State of the State address he referred to the various union leaders as his partner. We want to make a few things clear:
Frst, we are not his partner! Despite his claims, the Governor did NOT contact any of the Union presidents regarding his budget plans (nor did his staff). This was political terrorism. He walked into the General Assembly and blasted us without warning…not something you do to a partner. He didn't share his plan or consult with any union officials prior to his speech. He is not our partner, nor are we his. The governor’s ambush successfully galvanized the union presidents. I assure you, A&R leadership is not alone in its mistrust of the governor's office. We will work with the legislature and whoever is the successor to this Governor. So long partner!
Second, he has not approached SEBAC regarding any givebacks on pension benefits or expenses. He has only (via the media) presented changes to the funding of the pensions (NOT the benefits). There is a big distinction between changes to the benefits and structural changes to the funding method. It should be clear that the Governor has also successfully “unfriended” everyone in SEBAC. I foresee no ability for him to obtain any changes in our pension/healthcare benefits, we just won't accept it.
Third, it should be clear that A&R does not buy the assumptions underlying his budget. The Governor complained of an expenditure problem. Recognize that the expenditure problem is of his own doing. The “fiscal cliff” is his own creation and can be avoided (if he wasn’t so adamant that the unfunded liability be paid off in just 15 years). The Comptroller has proffered an alternate plan which is far more palatable/inexpensive with the same end result as the Governor’s plan. Recently (prior to his Disgrace of the State address) the Governor himself offered a course of action that would save over a billion dollars annually without impacting any pension/healthcare benefits . So his deceptive speech regarding the ‘fiscal cliff’ isn’t a lie, but isn’t honest either.
Fourth, we do not buy into the premise that the revenue streams are dried up and that no new revenue can be achieved or accounted for in the budgeting process. This pessimistic view ignores the obvious fact that there is plenty of room for increased revenue that won’t require taxing middle class or working families. Again, his premise that revenue increases are impossible shouldn’t be accepted as truth.
Bottom line, the Governor’s budget proposal is just a blueprint and our position is that the assumptions he uses should not be accepted. It is up to the General Assembly to actually craft a budget. Your voice counts, speak to your legislators, not as an employee but as a constituent. Speak to your legislator as a voter.
-John D