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State employees urge new security board, parking protections and policy changes after rise in threats
Summary
The Vermont State Employees Association told lawmakers frontline staff face rising threats and proposed H.349 to create a depoliticized State Board of Security, a director, dedicated funding and consideration of a state courthouse/building police force; the union also urged securing parking lots and allowing voluntary arming of probation officers.
Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees Association, told a joint House committee on Feb. 19 that state frontline workers face increasing threats on the job and that the state needs stronger, independent oversight and resources.
"It's an issue that is, frankly, not receiving as much attention as it should," Howard said as he described continuing concerns since the 2015 (transcript reference year not specified) murder of Lehi Sobeil, which union witnesses cited as a turning point for worker safety. He said members report more disturbances, threats and volatile encounters in offices, parking lots and when visiting clients in the field.
Howard urged passage of H.349, describing it as legislation to establish "a Vermont State Board of Security" with a director…
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