The State Budget: How Will It Affect You?
AFSCME Maryland Director Patrick Moran sent the following message out to AFSCME maryland members and supporters:
When Governor O’Malley submitted his proposed budget, many state employees breathed a sigh of relief. Rumors had been circulating that the budget would include a 12% cut in pay, or a reduction of the workweek -- with a one day a week pay reduction. Instead, the Governor held fast to the commitment he made to AFSCME at the bargaining table—where we demanded that he not balance the budget on the backs of state workers.
Maryland is facing the largest budget deficit since the Great Depression, two billion dollars, twice as large as last year. In the face of this, AFSCME was able to save hundreds of jobs.
The furlough equation is the same as FY 2010, no changes. This is something we had been told could be much worse. We were able to keep it the same.
AFSCME fought hard for, and saved, all health insurance benefits. There will be no changes. Many still remember that 1,500 state employees had their positions abolished during a comparable budget crisis in the early 1990s. This time, there were 155 vacant positions abolished. Eighty percent of the abolished positions were vacant and only five positions affected AFSCME bargaining unit members. AFSCME found positions for four of the five members—and we are working hard to find a position for the fifth. While abolished positions are bad news, there were fewer than had been predicted for this time around.
The budget process is not over. The General Assembly will now make their recommendations. Promises are already being made in the halls of Annapolis about significant cuts. Some legislators are grumbling that the governor and has NOT CUT ENOUGH from state employees:
"We’ve got to...do the spending reductions that we need to do..." -- House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Dist. 29C). The Gazette, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010
You can help prevent further cuts. As in past years, each state agency will have its own budget hearing in both the House Appropriations and Senate Budget and Tax committees. These hearings are an important time for state employees to speak out. Come to Annapolis to let legislators know about the important services you provide and how more cuts could hurt you and those in need.
A schedule of major budget hearings is posted, you can view it here. Please mark your calendar. If you can attend, please make sure to confirm times before you leave to make sure there have not been any changes in the schedule.
You can confirm by calling the Department of Legislative Services at:
From the Baltimore Area: 410-946-5400
From the Washington Area: 301-970-5400
Statewide: 1-800-492-7122
If you are interested in testifying at a budget hearing, contact AFSCME’s Legislative office at (410) 267-7550. Your participation can mean the difference between a cut and no cut, so mark your calendars now!
In solidarity,
Patrick Moran
Director
AFSCME Maryland
