HARTFORD — Republican lawmakers are not celebrating the approval by unionized state employees of a labor concessions package projected to save $1.5 billion over two years.
House Minority Leader Themis Klarides said Tuesday she still opposes the deal because it ties the hands of future legislatures and doesn’t make long-term, lasting changes that will result in more savings down the road.
She and Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano say their respective budget proposals generate more savings by renegotiating with the unions and imposing workplace changes.
House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz disagrees that the GOP plans will save more money. He says House Democrats are pushing ahead with a two-year budget proposal that includes the $1.5 billion in labor savings.
It’s unclear when lawmakers will vote on the labor deal.
