In July, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen confirmed that he has directed state code agencies to cut their budgets by 10% prior to the beginning of the legislative session in January. He has also asked non-code agencies to do the same. The governor’s office stated these cuts will directly lead to the elimination of state jobs.
We have no details at this point on who may be affected by potential cuts. Ultimately, it will be up to the legislature to amend the state budget, and lawmakers will reconvene in January. At this time, we do not anticipate a special session, but the Governor could choose to call Senators back to Lincoln prior to January. Union members are organizing to make sure that our legislators understand the importance of the work we do and how budget cuts would impact the Nebraskaans who depend on vital state services we help provide.
We must make our voices heard with our State Senators as they begin considering cuts. The Governor is proposing a $500 million reduction to the budget. To put that in perspective, at the height of the “Great Recession” in 2009, the legislature cut $156 million from the budget. We must ensure these cuts do not harm the services we provide to our fellow Nebraskans, and frontline state employees must not bear the brunt of cuts.
Our contract has procedures and protections for union members during a reduction in force. We will make sure our union members are educated on their rights if we begin to face layoffs. If our contract is violated, we will enforce our members’ rights.
We must organize and prepare. Stay informed, get involved, and become a leader. Our union membership is at a record high and we must continue to grow to strengthen our voice.
Everyone can contact their State Senator by email or phone and tell them that you don’t support cutting the state budget because it will reduce essential services. If you are not a member of our union, will you join us today? Stand with your coworkers, strengthen our voice, and send a message that $500 million in budget cuts is unacceptable.