The path to getting our contract funded continues.  The proposed budgets from the Governor and the House of Representatives included funding for our contract.  But the struggle in the Senate remains.

Early this morning, at 1:30 A.M., the Senate voted on an amendment to its budget, put forth by Senator James Hargrove (Legislative District 24), which would have funded our DOC contract if it had passed.

Unfortunately, that amendment failed and our contract remains unfunded in the Senate budget.  While a majority of senators voted in favor of the amendment (the final vote was 29 in favor and 20 opposed), the amendment failed because earlier in the day Senate leadership had orchestrated a controversial rule change that required 30 votes to pass a budget amendment instead of the previous 25.

With the last-minute rule change, the Senate failed to pass the amendment to fund our contract by just one vote.

On Monday, the Senate will reconvene and the good news is that all senators have now gone on record in support or in opposition to our contract.  A complete list of yes and no votes and Senators' contact information is listed below.

On a positive note, Senator Hargrove stood up on the Senate floor and praised Teamster correctional employees for their service.  As you watch the testimony given by the various senators, please take note that the ONLY labor organization mentioned by anyone was yours - THE TEAMSTERS!

You can view the debate over funding your contract, including Senator Hargrove's remarks below. (If you are unable to view the video, the debate starts at 07:48:46 on the TVW website.)

Please remember to thank Senator Hargrove and the many other legislators who support funding our contract, and continue to target the Senators who are opposed with your phone calls and emails now!