"The State is still spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year more than it is receiving in revenues," Governor Lingle stated. "It is important that the Legislature join with me in changing laws that will lower the costs of government and improve its operations. I encourage the Legislature to schedule hearings on these bills that will enable the State to save and use taxpayer dollars more efficiently and improve the collective bargaining process."

The Administration has proposed four bills that would reduce the costs of the Employer-Union Trust fund that pays health insurance costs for state employees and their dependent. In addition, the Administration has proposed three bills that would correct flaws in the current system for negotiating labor contracts with government employees.

Read the news release.