As the Governor attempts to put together his biennel budget, he requested that the Unions informally meet with budget director Ben Barnes.  The unions did meet and listen to Ben Barnes presentation on the future budget problems.  It appears, the Governor suddenly realizes he isn't going to Washington and he may need to work with labor.  The parties will meet again and hopefully have some positive discussions, we will report out any developments if they occur.

posted 11/23/16

11/22/16

Governor Malloy is preparing his 2-yr budget proposal which will be unveiled in February 2017.  In advance of the Biennial Budget announcement the Governor has asked all agencies to submit a proposal to acheive a 10% reduction in their budget.

11/21/16

A&R is operating under a contract "extension" agreement with the State.  This means the language of our contract continues to apply, however, no "new" money is provided. 

Our contract ended on June 30, 2016 and therefore did not require any State funds to be added for Tuition Reimbursement  nor towards Professional Development/Conferences for July 1, 2016.  Since no "new" money was added to these funds, we are now operating only on  the remaining "carry-over" funds from the prior contract year.

Unfortunately, RC 10 lost three of our most involved members during the last year. Those who strive to make a difference in the world, who love and are loved by those around them, are never really gone. Their impact is felt long after they have left us. We can choose to honor their memories in ways that continue their legacy.

A&R member Valerie Seery is a License Application Analyst working at the DOT's Regulatory & Compliance Unit.  Valerie's commitment to public service goes well beyond the realm of DOT.  In her "spare time", this wife and mother of two is known as Lieutenant Colonel Valerie Seery.

Lieutenant Colonel Seery has been active in the Connecticut Army National Guard for 27 years in addition to 2 years of active duty with the Army. Among her many assignments, LTC Seery served on post at the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad while deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005).  Valerie has served her military career with distinction, receiving numerous awards and decorations, including: 

• Meritorious Service Medal
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Army Achievement Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals (8)
• National Defense Service Medals (2)
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ M device
• Army Service Ribbon
• Overseas Service Ribbon
• CT Long Service Ribbon (25 years)
• CT Veterans Wartime Service Medal
• Dept of State Meritorious Honor Award

A&R is proud to call LTC Valerie Seery one of our own.

Complete bio/Iraq deployment photo

Have a member in mind for the spotlight?  Please let us know.

Reconnecting McDowell is a comprehensive, long-term effort to make educational improvement in McDowell County the route to a brighter economic future.

-11/16/16

The Comptroller's Office and the legislature's Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) both recently released budget projections for the current fiscal year which ends June 30, 2017 (FY17).  The two reports vary somewhat (as they always do) and both are projecting small deficits of between $42 and $77 million for the current fiscal year.

In this issue, I would like to shine a light on Fair Trade. NYSUT has been encouraging Fair Trade since a 2006 NYSUT RA resolution was passed. The resolution resulted in a statewide education and awareness campaign, encouraging NYSUT members and the schools they work in to purchase Fair Trade products.

Click to read complete From The Desk of the President

December 2016

Published by the Clearwater TRIF UNIT

CLICK to READ