H. 885 FY 2015 Budget – An Act Relating to the Support of Government
New Permanent Classified Positions
(a) The establishment of the following new permanent positions is authorized in fiscal year 2015 as follows:
(1) In the Department of Information and Innovation – three (3) classified positions – one (1) IT Contract Specialist and two (2) Enterprise
Architect.
(2) In the Department of State’s Attorneys and Sheriffs – four (4) exempt positions – Deputy State’s Attorney.
(3) In the Department of Public Safety – three (3) classified positions – one (1) Marijuana Registry Administrator, one (1) Fire Prevention Safety Officer, and one (1) Electrical Inspector.
(4) In the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets – two (2) classified positions – Food Safety Specialist.
(5) In the Department of Financial Regulation – one (1) classified position – Financial Examiner II.
(6) In the Department of Health – one (1) classified position – Public Health Dental Hygienist.
(7) In the Department for Children and Families – one (1) classified position – Financial Specialist III.
(8) In the Department of Environmental Conservation – one (1) classified position – Environmental Engineer VI.
(9) In the Department of Economic Development – one (1) classified position – Economic Development Director.
New Limited Service Positions
(b) The establishment of the following new classified limited service
positions is authorized in fiscal year 2015 as follows:
(1) In the Department of Environmental Conservation – one (1) Solid Waste Analyst, one (1) Environmental Analyst III, and one (1) Wetland Ecologist.
(2) In the Department of Liquor Control – one (1) Tobacco Compliance Officer.
(c) The conversion of classified limited service positions to classified permanent status is authorized in fiscal year 2015 as follows:
(1) In the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets – two (2) working lands staff positions – Agricultural Development Coordinator and Grants Program Specialist II
Your union successfully fought back attempts to cut the number of positions at the new Berlin Psychiatric Facility. All 183 positions recommended by the State are in the final budget
Position Pilot
A position pilot program is created for the Department of Environmental Conservation the Department for Children and Families, the Agency of Transportation and the Department of Buildings and General Services to allow the departments to add more permanent, classified staff if the need arises and the department’s budget will allow. The pilot essentially allows the State to add more classified positions without the need for legislative approval of each position. The rationale here is that the departments can reduce the use of temporary workers and contractors that would normally have to be relied on until the legislature can approve new positions.
Vermont Veteran’s Home
The first language section about the Veterans’ Home refers to a funding review study that will be performed by the Secretary of Administration. The language directs the Secretary of administration to come up with a plan that will eliminate the need for General Fund subsidies by 2018.
The second section of the budget that concerns the Veteran’s home requires the Veteran’s Home report to the legislature and the Secretary of administration before July 1 on the number of employees who work 16 hours or fewer per week. This section also includes language allowing a classified employee to serve on the Veterans’ Home Board of Trustees.
Community High School of Vermont
Language in the budget requires the Commissioner of Corrections in consultation with the Community High School Board of Trustees to submit a report to the Joint Legislative Corrections Oversight Committee. The report shall include the following: (1) a detailed description of the School’s programs, curriculum, and outcomes; (2) data and projections on the student population, including the total number of students enrolled at the School, the number of students who are currently incarcerated, student ages, and the current cost per student; (3) a comparison of the School’s current cost per student with statewide education spending per student; and (4) an analysis of the use of more efficient delivery systems, including technology.
The Joint Legislative Corrections Oversight Committee will submit a report to the General Assembly by January 1. It will include plans for funding programs and curriculum at the Community High School of Vermont.
S.193 Secure Choice Pensions
Study language was included in the state budget to research the implications of establishing a separate defined benefit plan for Vermonter’s who do not have them. This would increase retirement security in Vermont and potentially save the State funding for subsidies for low income retirees.
Funding for State Colleges
The final state budget includes an anemic $400,000 increase in funding for Vermont’s state colleges. This amount is barely enough to keep up with inflation. Fortunately, S.40, a bill to study how to get funding for state colleges and UVM increased back the level of funding provided in the 1980’s passed. VSEA will actively participate in this study and will work with our allies to launch a campaign to make state colleges viable and affordable for all Vermonters.
The VSEA Legislative team will be providing a more complete analysis in the coming weeks. Please watch your in-boxes! |