February, 2009

Latest Bargaining Update

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Breaking News!!!

I'm sure many of you will be hearing this soon. I just got off a call regarding the latest bargaining update. Management has come back with a so-called proposal:  read more »

Budget forecast worse than expected

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The announcement this morning is disheartening at best. The expected deficit for the rest of this biennium is up to $855 Million. For the 2009-11 biennium, it rose to nearly $3 Billion.

Since no one thinks we have hit bottom yet, imagine what the numbers will look like in May. It's staggering.

Governor's Cuts Announced

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This morning Governor Kulongoski announced several steps he is taking to reduce our burgeoning budget deficit. Prior to the public announcement, this information was communicated to executive management, presumably statewide.

For those who haven't heard, here's a brief rundown of the cuts:  read more »

Proposed budget cuts announced

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The Oregon budget committee revealed their proposed budget cuts today.

Their proposal has to deal with a shortfall of $800 Million to make up by June 30th, 2009. Part of the money is coming from the Federal Aid package of $330 Million. Another $125 Million is coming from "other state accounts." Exactly which accounts that is, isn't clear from the reports seen.  read more »

Bargaining Press Conference

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SEIU 503 held a bargaining press conference this afternoon at the Capital.  read more »

The Bargaining Team's Latest Plan

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On Sunday, February 8th, 2009 there was a Bargaining Conference in Eugene.

Reports indicate that the topic of why we didn't take the initial offer put out by the Governor's office was not given much coverage. The primary answer was that until we have a ratified contract, DAS can pull out of even a Tentative Agreement. And the Bargaining Team felt that they thought DAS would pull out.  read more »