2002 Signature 2002 Veto 2002 No Action 2001 Veto 2001 No Action 2000 Signature 2000 Veto 2000 No Action 1999 Signature 1999 Veto 1998 Signature 1998 Veto 1998 No Action 1997 Signature 1997 Veto 1996 Signature 1996 Veto 1995 Signature 1995 Veto 1995 No Action		June 25, 2002 TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE: In accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Section 43-1-4, I am transmitting herewith, with my disapproval, 2002-S 2280 Substitute A, "An Act Relating to Corrections Department." This Act amends the section entitled "Declaration of Policy" contained in Chapter 42-56, the enabling legislation for the Department of Corrections. The law presently sets forth four major policies to be followed by the Department of Corrections. This Act would add a fifth policy as follows: "(5) The State commits itself to the supervision of offenders by public employees unless specialized services for offenders are required." Since at least since 1976, the State and the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers ("RIBCO") have negotiated contracts that govern the wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment of RIBCO members. Staffing at the Department of Corrections is an important issue of collective bargaining that has been subject to intense negotiations, particularly in the last few years. The State has long depended upon the members of RIBCO to staff secured facilities operated by the Department of Corrections. The State's relationship with RIBCO, however, should be governed by the parties' Collective Bargaining Agreement. Upsetting the balance contained therein in favor of the union through legislation is not in the public interest nor in the interests of Rhode Island taxpayers. For the foregoing reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto. Sincerely, Lincoln Almond Governor