State Workers Demand Staffing Levels Be Addressed for Safety

📞 860-280-6443

📧 comms@seiu1199ne.org

HARTFORD — Amidst worries about budget reductions, cuts in federal funding, and the safety of staff, SEIU 1199NE's State Division members are calling on officials to reconsider their support for crucial agencies and programs grappling with significant challenges in effectively and safely running their facilities. Members from the Department of Mental Services, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, and the Department of Developmental Services will convene at the Capitol on Tuesday to advocate for essential funding to be allocated in the budget. These resources are vital not only for key initiatives but also for maintaining staffing levels that ensure everyone's well-being.

State funding has been reduced and hiring for important roles in these agencies has been put on hold. These roles are crucial for ensuring the safety of those being served, as well as the safety of other staff members and the proper functioning of programs. Regrettably, the state views these programs, which offer care, development, nurturing, and stability, as "unnecessary".

These "unnecessary" programs help teens prepare for life in the real world, they help inmates get sober.  They allow those suffering from a mental health emergency, mothers, fathers, children and grandparents, to get the psychiatric care they need.  These programs allow people in our society with mental or intellectual disabilities to live a dignified life.   

Without the necessary financial support, the unfortunate reality is that we will witness an increase in the number of children left waiting in emergency rooms during mental health crises, deprived of the vital care they require. Individuals striving to overcome addiction may experience setbacks and relapses due to the abrupt discontinuation of their treatment programs.And that's just scratching the surface. We might witness issues escalate and spread rapidly throughout our state. It is imperative that we prioritize funding for these crucial services to prevent such detrimental outcomes and ensure the well-being of those in need.

We have witnessed the impact of reduced funding on these programs firsthand. Recently, the federal government decreased crucial funding to our state, which supports various programs within the Department of Public Health. These programs are responsible for tracking disease outbreaks, monitoring newborn health, and ensuring the safety of our water supply. These are essential services that every resident in our state relies on.

Instead, our state has been excessivley spending on overtime and mandatory shifts for the last three years.  Outspending what we are requesting to address the growing staffing crisis.  If elected officials would fill the desired positions, this growing cost of overtime would be easily addressed, if not nearly eliminated.

We are urging the state government to take immediate action in reinstating the previously approved positions for these crucial agencies. These positions are at risk due to the current hiring freeze, which is affecting the delivery of critical services to many individuals in our state. In addition to reinstating these positions, we are also calling for an additional $87 million to be allocated to the budget. This funding is necessary to adequately staff and expand our services to meet the growing needs of our community. It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our citizens and ensure that they have access to the support they need.

We urge the state to review their strategy, allocate more funds to boost personnel in state departments, and efficiently allocate taxpayer funds to essential programs and services. Instead of squandering funds and excessively compensating for overtime, tackle the underlying issue of the staffing shortage in our state.