SEBAC Leadership Applauds Legislature for Overriding Gubernatorial Veto of Healthcare Reform Bills
The State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) is praising yesterday’s vote by the Connecticut General Assembly to override Governor M. Jodi Rell’s veto of the Sustinet Plan healthcare bill. This important legislation will bring much needed coverage to citizens of the state and will be a first step on the path toward economic stability for Connecticut’s struggling economy.
Members of the coalition’s unions had also supported several previously vetoed bills lawmakers overturned yesterday, including legislation that would extend insurance coverage to the families of custodians working in State buildings. Unfortunately the legislature was unable to override the Governor’s veto of the Connecticut Healthcare Partnership, which would have allowed employees of municipalities, schools, small businesses, and non-profits to join the State health plan’s “pool.” This legislation, originally proposed by the coalition in 1991 and actively supported ever since, would have brought down skyrocketing healthcare expenses in local communities across the state.
The next, and most important step is for the Governor and the legislature to reach a budget agreement that protects vital public services and secures the contribution of the wealthy and the large corporations. Economic experts all agree that healthcare costs are one of the driving factors in the current recession. They also agree that cutting public services is the wrong thing to do to pull us out of the downturn. Only by having those who can afford to pay their fair share can we bring the state out of a fiscal hole that is estimated to be over $8 billion over the next two years.
“The public is tired of the Governor holding up the process — they want to see a budget passed that protects vital services like healthcare and education that are so desperately needed in this recession,” said Sharon Palmer, President of AFT Connecticut.
SEBAC leadership urges the legislature and Governor to reach an agreement now that calls on the wealthy and corporations to contribute toward a budget that keeps those vital programs intact and puts Connecticut back on the right track.
AFT Connecticut is one of the thirteen unions in SEBAC, which serves to unite approximately 50,000 Connecticut State public service workers to address issues of common concern. To learn more about the coalition’s campaign for a fair budget and a livable state with great public services visit www.InThisTogetherCT.org.
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