Lawmakers emphasize they do not set collective-bargaining terms as budget concerns persist

Several Council members and representatives responded to questions about how collective bargaining outcomes will affect the budget, stressing that bargaining is conducted between the governor's office/OFM and unions, not the legislature.

One participant asked whether Democratic lawmakers support a 0% general wage increase referenced in bargaining documents. Multiple legislators responded that the legislature does not engage in collective bargaining: “We stay out of the collective bargaining process. That is between the bargaining representatives from OFM and, various unions,” one lawmaker said. Others reinforced the point that the legislature’s role is limited to an up-or-down vote on agreements once they are presented.

Lawmakers generally agreed the forecast offers some future relief but not enough to eliminate near-term fiscal challenges; several said 2027 legislative discussions will likely include how to reduce current spending to balance fiscal 2028.