The state faces an estimated $2.5 billion decrease in anticipated revenues
------------------------------------------------------------
mailto:
[email protected]?&subject=&body=[link removed] [blank] [link removed] [blank] [link removed] [blank] [link removed]
------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to Union Station, our weekly newsletter that keeps you abreast of the legislation, national trends, and public debate surrounding public-sector union policy.
** OHIO ASKS PUBLIC-SECTOR LABOR UNIONS TO MEET WITH STATE OFFICIALS ON REDUCING PERSONNEL
------------------------------------------------------------
On June 2, Kimberly Murnieks, Director of Ohio's Office of Budget and Management, announced ([link removed]) that the state is asking unions representing state workers to meet with officials to discuss reducing personnel costs. The move comes as the state faces an estimated $2.5 billion decrease in anticipated revenues. Murnieks also announced that the state would be reducing the salaries of non-union workers.
** BUDGET BACKGROUND AND SALARY CUTS FOR NON-UNION STATE WORKERS
------------------------------------------------------------
On March 22, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and Amy Acton, Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued a stay-at-home order, which directed residents to remain at home and closed or otherwise restricted the operations of non-essential businesses. This reduced income and sales tax receipts, which make up the bulk of the state's revenues. As a result, budget officials now expect that state revenues in the 2020-2021 fiscal year will come in at $2.5 billion less than originally forecasted. The stay-at-home order expired on May 19.
Murnieks announced that approximately 16,000 non-union state workers will see salary reductions averaging out to a 3.8 percent cut ([link removed]) . Actual salary reduction amounts will vary between groups of employees (for example, state cabinet directors will see a 4 percent reduction in pay). Murnieks estimates that this will save the state approximately $138 million.
** WHAT ARE THE REACTIONS?
------------------------------------------------------------
DeWine said ([link removed]) , "We're trying to be as transparent and open with our employees as we are with the people of Ohio. The amount of money, the chunk of money set aside for the employees looking at that [3 percent] raise, that money's not going to be there. We can't print money in Ohio. We have to balance the budget. We intend to do that. We also have other obligations."
Chris Mabe, president of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA), said ([link removed]) , "We have had numerous conversations with the state about cost savings during this crisis. We've talked to them about voluntary cost-savings days, reigning in expensive contractors, restructuring management teams and saving money through long-term telework. But in times of crisis, Ohioans need public services the most. Now is the time for the administration to use the Rainy Day Fund for what it was intended: emergencies such as this."
** WHAT COMES NEXT?
------------------------------------------------------------
The state has asked public-sector labor unions to submit their suggestions about cutting personnel costs by June 15. The 2020-2021 fiscal year begins July 1.
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
------------------------------------------------------------
** WHAT WE'VE BEEN READING
------------------------------------------------------------
* Taunton Daily Gazette, "Raimondo administration seeks furlough volunteers," June 4, 2020 ([link removed])
* Fox Business, "Members of Congress ask unions to stop collecting dues amid coronavirus unemployment," June 2, 2020 ([link removed])
* Providence Journal, "Providence sets furloughs for 500 city workers," June 1, 2020 ([link removed])
* The Sacramento Bee, "‘You just got a letter out of the blue’: California state workers surprised by reassignments," June 1, 2020 ([link removed])
* New Jersey Globe, "Unions back Murphy borrowing referendum," May 30, 2020 ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
** THE BIG PICTURE
------------------------------------------------------------
** _NUMBER OF RELEVANT BILLS BY STATE_
------------------------------------------------------------
We are currently tracking 96 pieces of legislation dealing with public-sector employee union policy. On the map below, a darker shade of green indicates a greater number of relevant bills. Click here ([link removed]) for a complete list of all the bills we're tracking.
** _NUMBER OF RELEVANT BILLS BY CURRENT LEGISLATIVE STATUS_
------------------------------------------------------------
** _NUMBER OF RELEVANT BILLS BY PARTISAN STATUS OF SPONSOR(S)_
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
** RECENT LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
------------------------------------------------------------
Below is a complete list of relevant legislative actions taken since our last issue.
* CALIFORNIA AB3096 ([link removed]) : Existing law prohibits public employers from deterring or discouraging public employees or applicants from becoming or remaining union members. This bill would extend that provision to the University of California.
* Democratic sponsorship.
* Ordered to a third reading June 4.
* CALIFORNIA SB1173 ([link removed]) : Existing law requires public employers to provide unions with contact information for all employees within the bargaining unit. Existing law also requires that public employers provide unions with contact information for new employees within 30 days of hire. This bill would impose liability on employers who violate these provisions three or more times in a 12-month period.
* Democratic sponsorship.
* Senate Appropriations Committee hearing scheduled for June 9.
* MASSACHUSETTS H4744 ([link removed]) : This bill would make it unlawful to file a civil action against any union for advising its members of their right to refuse to work "because of an abnormally dangerous condition at the place of employment."
* Bipartisan sponsorship.
* Joint Judiciary Committee hearing (written testimony only) June 5.
* MASSACHUSETTS S2700 ([link removed]) : This bill would make it unlawful to file a civil action against any union for advising its members of their right to refuse to work "because of an abnormally dangerous condition at the place of employment."
* Bipartisan sponsorship.
* Joint Judiciary Committee hearing (written testimony only) June 5.
------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for reading! Let us know what you think! Reply to this email with any feedback or recommendations.
BALLOTPEDIA DEPENDS ON THE SUPPORT OF OUR READERS.
The Lucy Burns Institute, publisher of Ballotpedia, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Donations to the Lucy Burns Institute or Ballotpedia do not support any candidates or campaigns.
Click here to support our work ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
============================================================
** Follow on Twitter (#)
** Friend on Facebook (#)
** Forward to Friend ([link removed])
_Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved._
OUR MAILING ADDRESS IS:
Ballotpedia
8383 Greenway Blvd
Suite 600
Middleton, WI 53562
** unsubscribe from all emails [link removed]
** update subscription preferences [link removed]
** [link removed]
