Make the investments

Stop the layoffs, make the investments, WFSE/AFSCME member tells Senate panel on Capital Construction Budget

Statewide Parks Local 1466 member Brian Yearout spoke for all of us Thursday (Jan. 11) when he called on the Senate to act on the Capital Construction Budget to stop project delays and the layoffs of 500 state employees.

“Several of my valuable co-workers have already been let go,” Yearout told the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Yearout’s testimony came on Day 4 of the 2018 legislative session as the Senate committee joined the fast-track push to pass the long-stalled state Capital Construction Budget. The Senate version is SB 6090.

That budget funds needed improvements to our infrastructure. The delay has driven up costs and jeopardized safety. And led to layoffs.

“The inability to move forward with these projects has created adverse effects on our buildings, roads, utilities, our natural and historic culture and our state economy,” Yearout said.

It’s also harmed efforts to recruit and retain good state employees.

The committee has scheduled a vote on SB 6090 for next Tuesday, Jan. 16.

“Make the investments in our institutions, schools, our public safety programs and your state parks,” Yearout testified.