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On February 15, the legislature’s Appropriations Commit tee met to consider immediate action to relieve basic health and safety problems at Augusta Mental Health Institute. The committee was convened to consider recommendations of the Human Resources Committee. Funding for 81 positions will be included in the supplementary appropriations bill enacted on an emergency basis take effect immediately on the signature of the Governor. Previously, on February 14, MSEA held a meeting with AMHI workers to discuss immediate needs. Commissioner Susan Parker had recommended 48 temporary positions ending June 17 of this year. The unanimous position taken by the workers at that meeting was that it made no sense and could be counterproductive to fill these positions on a short term basis. After review of the specific recommendations of the Commissioner, employees spelled out minimum meastxss needed to address health and safety problems at the institute. Among concerns expressed was the need for new custodial workers to help maintain the institute on weekends; for more direct care personnel such as nurses, mental health
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„workers, and therapists; and for ward clerks to relieve the paperwork burden for direct care personnel. The Human Resources Committee met under the leadership of Senator Paul Gauvreau and Representative Peter Manning. Members of the committee who had been made aware of workers feelings expressed serious misgivings with the plan for 48 temporary positions. It became apparent quickly that there was broad consensus that whatever positions that were funded must be full time. The committee recommended 90 new positions. The Appropriations Committee then met to decide on funding on February 15. The Governor had visited AMHI earlier in the day and supported 74 new positions. Final agreement was reached on a, total of 81. This week’s action marks only the first inning in a long game. For beleaguered AMHI personnel who have been bearing the burden of ,»,nrk snd qhoukterinn much of the criticism, the actions of these two important committees and the Governor’s willingness to become personally involved are both very favorable signs.
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M e n ta l H e a l th W o r k e r s ....... ...........3 1 N u r s e s .............................................. ...........1 3 P h y s i c i a n s & S t a f f .................... .............. 7 C le r ic a l S t a f f ................................ ....* ...1 1 C u s t o d i a l ......................................... .............. 4 F o o d S e r v i c e .............................. ......... 4 . 5
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I n s i d e Legislative A g e n d a ........................ .............................. P-3 Legislative G u id e ........................... .......................p p .4 - 7 B argaining S ta r ts ........................... .................p p .1 0 -1 1 S c h o larsh ip A pplication..................
George Burgoyne (right) was elected by MSEA delegates at the January 28 special convention to be the new Retirement System trustee representing active employees. President Jim Webster with him at the council meeting.