Connecticut public service union members call on Governor, lawmakers to make criminal justice workforce investment in General Assembly 2008 session
HARTFORD—Connecticut's correctional supervisors and educational professionals are responding to the political posturing and divisive rhetoric in the two weeks since state lawmakers passed criminal justice reform legislation. On the day Governor M. Jodi Rell delivers her budget address and the Connecticut General Assembly convenes for the regular 2008 legislative session, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 members are urging more comprehensive common-sense solutions, and less empty election-year rhetoric.
Cathy Osten, a lieutenant in the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC), commented on the high-profile war of words between State lawmakers and the Governor. "Instead of arguing over who's tougher on crime, they should be working to enable the Department to handle the needs of our growing prison population in a way that protects public safety" Osten, the president of the union's council representing correctional supervisors, observed.
Ann Francisco, a DOC pupil services specialist, expressed concern the bill passed in the January special session lacks the workforce investment needed for real reform. "I often see inmates who want and would benefit from job training, developing a skill, or earning their high school diploma. But too many are unable to do so because of a lack of resources and staff to provide these services" Francisco, a steward in the union's council of DOC educational, vocational, and rehabilitative professionals, commented.
As the number of inmates incarcerated in Connecticut reached an all-time high last week, the need to support the public correctional services workforce is greater than ever. CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 members are urging elected officials to invest the resources necessary for:
• Safer and more secure correctional facilities through increased supervisory staffing;
• Effective mental health services training for DOC professionals, and access to pre- and post-incarceration supportive housing for inmates with mental health disorders;
• Improved assimilation of released inmates through additional educational, vocational, and recreational staff; and
• Improved communications between criminal justice, law enforcement, judicial, parole, and public safety professionals.
CSEA/SEIU Local 2001 represents 25,000 active and retired public sector workers serving in state, municipal, and town agencies, as well as local school boards across Connecticut. Visit