Governor Dannel Malloy released his "Plan B", which suggests some hefty budget cuts if concessions with the state’s labor unions aren’t reached.  No one seems to like it.  

Most relevant to this blog is the possibility that the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) could be eliminated under "Plan B".

Is it a bluff? Who knows. This is politics after all.  But what if the unthinkable does happen and a labor deal isn’t reached? 

Eliminating the CHRO would not be an easy task. First, there is the issue of what to do with existing claims? Issue them "right to sue" letters?  Require all of them to start over with the EEOC? And how to deal with statutes of limitations?  

Second, is the state prepared for an influx of cases directly in our courts? About 2000 cases were filed last year. If all those cases went to Superior Court, it could result in an 8 percent hike in our court system. With diminished resources, many of these cases will simply clog up the system. Is the state ready for that?

Third, what happens with the interaction with the EEOC? Will individuals be encouraged to file with the EEOC? Has anyone even notified them that this is on the table for consideration and that the Boston office of that agency will likely see an influx?

It’s still much too early to know whether this proposal is for real or what the details of it will ultimately be. 

But rest assured, if Governor Malloy does intend to eliminate the CHRO if labor negotiations fail, it’s going to be a messy process.