Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today released the following statements regarding the vote by members of the state employees’ unions to ratify the agreement reached with the state:
“I applaud the hardworking men and women who voluntarily voted for significant contractual givebacks and structural changes to our labor agreements,” said Senator Looney. “Independent analysts confirm that this agreement makes important long-term changes to our state employee pension and benefit programs resulting in significant savings for taxpayers—roughly $24 billion over the next 20 years.
“The Senate will debate the agreement on the floor and hold a vote. I urge its passage.”
“This is the most critical piece of the budget equation, and without it the consequences would have been grave,” said Senator Duff. “As a result, Connecticut taxpayers will save $24 billion. For us to solve Connecticut’s problems, all parties must have skin in the game. I want to thank all of the workers who voted in favor of this plan.
“This agreement is the latest step toward making government more affordable and more efficient. We’ve already taken significant steps to reduce the size of government and fund our long-term pension obligations for our current workforce.”