State Unions to Report Results of Second Vote at 12:30 p.m.

SEBAC, the umbrella organization for the 15 state employee unions, will announce the results of the second vote taken on a concessions package that would save thousands of state jobs and avoid deep cuts to everything from technical schools to DMV services at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a number of news outlets.

The new vote requires only 8 unions to ratify the changes, after the organization in July. The first vote, held in late June, required 14 of the 15 unions to ratify the agreement, but only 11 did.

The package would freeze state union wages and benefits for two years and ensure there are no layoffs for four years. By ratifying it, the unions would plug a $1.6 billion hole in the state budget - eliminating the need for harsh cuts and mass layoffs proposed in Gov. Dannel Malloy's "."

In Meriden, the Budget Balancing Plan would slash funds for early childhood education programs, neighborhood youth centers, Wilcox Techincal High School, and increase train and bus fares. The plan would also close the nearby full-service DMV in New Britain.

Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman have announced press availability at the capitol at 1:30 p.m., likely to address the vote.