In an article on Marylandreporter.com, the governor was asked if the unions approved the decreased state contribution to pension. O'Malley turned to his chief of staff, John Griffin, and Budget Secretary, Eloise Foster, who said that they had.
AFSCME and MSEA responded by saying that they were not consulted, and were not aware that O'Malley wanted to make that cut permanent. It has become clear, as well, that this cut was made to balance the budget without raising taxes.
More at the Maryland Reporter.
1/17/14 Todd Reynolds, Political Coordinator