State Worker Contracts Pass Legislature After Speed Bumps

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Senate has approved six labor contracts covering more than 50,000 prison guards, engineers, scientists and other state workers even as some lawmakers expressed concern that they do not save as much money as originally hoped.

The Senate needed 27 votes to pass SB151 on Monday, including votes from two Republican lawmakers. The first time the measure came up, it received only one GOP vote, from Sen. Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo.

A few hours later, Republican Sen. Anthony Cannella of Ceres, approved it. The legislation now goes to the Assembly.

Supporters say the contracts will save the state about $300 million and include higher worker contributions toward their retirement. Critics said Gov. Jerry Brown was shooting for $515 million in savings but fell short of that goal.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)