Whereas, certain obligations and expenses incident to the operation of state collective bargaining agreements will become due and payable immediately; and

Whereas, it is the responsibility of the Legislature to act upon those portions of collective bargaining agreements negotiated by the executive branch and the judicial branch that require legislative action; and

Whereas, the Governor and the Legislature share a desire to address in a timely manner the needs of certain state employees excluded from collective bargaining units; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. Costs to General Fund. Costs to the General Fund must be provided in the Salary Plan program, referred to in Part C, section 1 of this Act, in the amount of $9,882,391 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 and in the amount of $16,514,688 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003 to implement the economic terms of the collective bargaining agreements, including market and pay equity adjustments and benefits, made between the State and the Maine State Employees Association and the Maine State Troopers Association and, notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 979-D, subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraph (3), for confidential employees.

Sec. A-2. Costs to Highway Fund. Costs to the Highway Fund must be provided in the Salary Plan program, referred to in Part C, section 1 of this Act, in the amount of $3,722,039 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002 and in the amount of $6,699,146 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003 to implement the economic terms of the collective bargaining agreements, including market and pay equity adjustments and benefits, made between the State and the Maine State Employees Association and the Maine State Troopers Association and, notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 979-D, subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraph (3), for confidential employees.