STATE - V.P. Monica O'neal

STATE WORKERS SUPPORT GOVERNOR’S BUDGET  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 29, 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Doug Martin, Legislative/Communications Director

(850) 222-0842 work, (850) 212-7447 cell

Gov. Charlie Crist today issued his 2010-11 budget. Although no pay raise for state workers was proposed, AFSCME supports the governor’s priority of avoiding layoffs as this would damage our economy and undermine critical services at the time of greatest need. During the past few years of fiscal crisis, the governor and Legislature have done their best to avoid layoffs and we hope that continues this year.

There are places in the proposed budget that we worry could lead to layoffs, such as the closure of Juvenile Detention Centers in Osceola, Monroe and Hillsborough counties with a reduction of 129 positions. However, the governor’s stated intention is to avoid putting workers on the street.

The governor also proposed no changes to the State Group Insurance Program, either by increasing active employee premiums or altering benefits. Increasing insurance costs to employees would represent a pay cut when workers are entering their fourth year without a pay raise.[1]

“We are just elated that Governor Crist is concerned about his employees,” said Council 79 President Jeanette D. Wynn. 

 

Crist: Budget will not include layoffs, pay cuts for state workers

Video Updates