The State Worker

Pension vote in Rhode Island shows changing political times
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island -- Michael Downey, a plumber at the University of Rhode Island and the president of this state's largest public employee union, considers Republican Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin the face of the anti-labor movement he sees taking hold in state capitals around the country. But Downey thinks his own governor, Lincoln Chafee, runs a close second. (Stateline.org)

Report: California's middle class shrinks to below 50 percent
Not even half of California's families are middle-class anymore as the recession and its aftermath widened the gap between rich and poor, according to a new report. Contra Costa Times)

Jobless insurance fraud yields jail term for ex-state employee
A former state employee was sentenced Thursday to 21 months in jail for her part in the theft of $90,000 from the state's unemployment insurance fund. (Sacramento Bee)

The Buzz: Unfilled job at California's Fair Political Practices Commission raises eyebrows
An unfilled job at California's Fair Political Practices Commission is raising eyebrows. The state ethics watchdog agency's most recent executive director, Roman Porter, announced in August that he would be leaving the post. Four months later, the commission has yet to appoint a new executive director, whose position is written into the state Political Reform Act. (Sacramento Bee)

EDITORIAL: Lawmakers pander on reforming public pensions
Gov. Jerry Brown showed up personally to pitch his 12-point pension plan before a joint Assembly- Senate Committee last week. The rare appearance underlines the importance of pension reform for the governor. (Fresno Bee)

234 mayors endorse Christie plan to alter public employee's sick leave and vacation benefits
As Gov. Chris Christie's office Thursday announced that a bipartisan group of 234 mayors support the governor's proposal to change how public employee sick leave and vacation pay is allotted, Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) said the legislation is unconstitutional. (newjerseynewsroom.com)

Ban on benefits for domestic partners of state workers heads to Snyder
Legislation barring domestic partner benefits for public employees in Michigan is on its way to Gov. Rick Snyder, despite a dispute among backers of the measure about whether it applies to university employees. (Detroit Free Press)

State Workers Strike Deal With Ohio
Just days after Ohioans repealed a new law that cut the negotiating clout of public employee labor unions, one of those unions has reached a tentative agreement with the state of Ohio on a new three-year contract. Details now from statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen. (WCPN)

Laid off state workers heading back to work
SPRINGFIELD | State officials are slowly cleaning up the fallout from Gov. Pat Quinn's now-averted decision to lay off nearly 2,000 employees. Lawmakers last week faced down the governor on his threat to close seven state facilities, but the legislative action didn't come soon enough to stop the layoffs of nearly two dozen workers at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. (nwi.com)

Follow @TheStateWorker on Twitter and check out our community page on Facebook for links, comments and insights into our reports, blog posts and columns.