VSEA Chapter Presidents from across Vermont are meeting today in Waterbury for a full-day training, focused on enhancing their union skill sets in areas like being a good advocate, communicating with and leading members, conducting effective meetings and a host of other topics related to the position.
Enjoy the training Chapter Presidents and thanks for your service to your union!
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In this week’s issue:
VSEA members living and voting in House Speaker Shap Smith’s district were asked this week to reach out to the Speaker to urge his opposition to the Governor’s additional $3 million cut he demanded out of the blue last week. One VSEA member shared her response from the Speaker with VSEA, and it is very welcomed and encouraging. He wrote:
"I have opposed and do oppose the Governor’s most recent proposal to make additional cuts. We are working with the leadership team and money chairs to close this year’s budget without asking state employees to endure any more cuts. I hope this clarifies my position."
Thanks Speaker Smith.
VSEA is sending huge congratulations to its dedicated members working at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington. The VVH recently learned that after two years, the facility is officially being removed from a "special oversight list" it was placed on a few years back due to failure to pass an inspection by the Division of Licensing and Protection — on behalf of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
"In the face of constant rumors of closure or privatization, VSEA’s members at the Vets’ Home have been able to drown out the noise and focus instead on the task at hand, which is to provide the best care possible to our veterans," praised VSEA President Shelley Martin. "Two straight inspections with no deficiencies speaks volumes to the way these workers have banded together to fulfill their mission. Congratulations to every worker at the Vets’ Home."
Pictured here are some VSEA VVH members.
To read Rutland Herald story about the good news, click here.
This past year hasn’t been a great example for how Vermont elected officials should treat public employees and the services you deliver, but hopefully, this week, some will pause to acknowledge the thousands of frontline workers who truly do make Vermont work.
"The fact remains that VSEA members have repeatedly stepped up to help Vermont weather some new fiscal crisis, so I’ll be suggesting to our leaders and lawmakers that they use this special week honoring public employees to find the money to balance Vermont’s budget elsewhere, like a tax on a hotel stay or other new revenue sources," says VSEA President Shelley Martin. "Vermont state employees continue to lead the nation in terms of dedication and commitment to the services we deliver daily with pride. Thank you the each and every VSEA member for your service."
