I first would like to commend all of our law enforcement and public safety professionals for the tremendous sacrifice you and your families are making during these difficult times. Many of you do not have the ability to work from home and are on the front lines protecting and safeguarding the public at the risk of your personal well-being.  I thank you for your service.

Many of you may also be anxious about the potential fallout from the pandemic-related economic downturn in relation to jobs, possible cuts and furloughs. I understand the concerns.  The truth is, we simply don't know the particulars yet.  The state is asking the federal government for a share of a trillion dollars.  The state doesn't know how much it might receive as of this writing. Once that figure is established the rest of the details will assemble.

Please know that CSLEA is in direct contact with the governor's office as the issue develops. CSLEA met with the governor’s office yesterday and some options were discussed as to how CSLEA and the state might reach agreement on cost savings should the state not receive the requested federal assistance.

Some of you have heard that SEIU has told its members the state is considering furloughing its members two days a month to reach a 10% cost savings. SEIU has posted that it has the option to let the state choose how to achieve any necessary cost savings which might include furloughs or it could negotiate with the state to reach agreement on less drastic measures.

The governor is committed to a collaborative effort between the state and organized labor, is open to CSLEA's suggestions on how to achieve cost savings, and would like to achieve its necessary goals via collective bargaining.  CSLEA is in the process of scheduling bargaining meetings with the state to explore the least impactful options for securing any necessary cost savings should the state be unable to secure the federal assistance it is seeking.

We are all traveling through unprecedented circumstances and will have to work together.  We will share more information as we continue to work with the governor's office. Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect you.

Please continue to take all the necessary precautions to stay healthy and well and as always, please reach out to us with your questions, comments and concerns.