With the only Republican on the committee absent at the time of the vote, the tally was 7-0 without any audible testimony, on the night of the first and only hearing on the bill which mirrors a controversial contract right given teachers two years ago that is under challenge in court.
In response to a Journal inquiry, J. Michael Downey, the president of the largest state employees union - Council 94, AFSCME - said his union sent a brief letter supporting the bill.
But I don t think it is that big of a deal, he said, even though his union members are currently working under an expired contract.