Senator Miner Says Union Contract Is a Mistake for Connecticut

State Senator Craig Miner (R-30) called the approval of the state employee union contract a serious mistake that continues the cycle of budget deficits and tax increases that have hampered Connecticut’s economy.

“This does not solve our problems,” Sen. Miner said. “Instead, it compounds those problems and prevents the legislature from being able to take reasonable steps to solve future budget problems.”

The agreement was voted into law when Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman cast the tie-breaking vote in the State Senate to approve the deal.

Senator Miner said he believes state workers make significant contributions to the quality of life in the state. However, he said the state cannot afford the four-year no-layoff provisions and guaranteed wage increases contained in the contract. It also prohibits efforts to save money by consolidating departments and services, or by privatizing services.

“The state is locked into this agreement for the next ten years,” Sen. Miner said. “The state’s economy is growing at a snail’s pace and tax collections are going down. I don’t know how the state will be able to afford the benefits guaranteed for the next ten years without raising taxes or severely cutting social services. It’s just a bad deal.”

Sen. Miner said Connecticut businesses and residents are struggling. The deal ignores them and will only add to their difficulties.

Sen. Miner represents the communities of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, and Winchester.