Governor talks with union members about layoffs

Governor Tom Vilsack met privately with unionized state workers this morning, many of whom are concerned and upset about layoffs. Vilsack talked with reporters just outside the meeting room. Vilsack says workers need to understand the state saw a sudden, and unexpected decline in state revenues. Vilsack says the state’s budget is tight, and that means some layoffs are likely, but he says state employees can help by identifying ways to save.Vilsack says he’s not concerned his relationship with union workers will suffer as a result of budget cutbacks. The largest union for state workers is AFSCME, and its political backing helped Vilsack win the governor’s election in 1998.