Binding Arbitration Bill to be Heard Wednesday (Probably)

H5142, which

would expand the scope of the binding arbitration process to include monetary issues for teachers and non-teacher educational employees. It would also streamline the actual binding arbitration process itself.

is scheduled to be heard by the House Labor Committee at 2:00 pm this Wednesday in Room 313 at the State House.

Let's remember, however, that

in the closing days of the session this past June, we [the General Assembly] suspended the rules. We are still technically in session, just on extended recess. What that means is they could change the date / time [of the hearing] 30 seconds before the scheduled start

In other words, the hearing could be postponed without warning. (Thanks to Rep John Loughlin for clarifying.)

So if you're planning to attend, you may want to call ahead and make sure that the hearing is still on. The Committee Clerk is William Souza, 222-2587. In case he stepped away, the Speaker's office is 222-2466.

(Just out of curiosity, how does a legislative body purporting to carry out the people's business on behalf of the people justify exempting itself from all manner of open meeting laws?)