House Republican Press Release

July 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Giegler: State Needs To Consider Telecommuting Measures

Lawmakers Seek To Lead By Example With Pilot Program

On Tuesday, July 15, State Rep. Janice Giegler (R-Danbury, New Fairfield) joined House Republican leaders in backing more flexible work weeks for state employees by promoting their own office plan to allow for telecommuting, a policy aimed at saving taxpayer dollars, making workers more productive and getting commuters off clogged highways.

Republican lawmakers unveiled a test program to allow staff to work from home one day a week. In order to implement the policy, legislative leaders must agree to offer the telecommuting option, and Republicans are awaiting approval from Democrats on the trial program.

In unveiling the proposal, legislators noted that other states have turned thousands of lost commuting hours into productive work, saved workers millions in gas bills and reduced pollution and congestion. It would not cost taxpayers additional funds and save them in the long run through workplace efficiencies.

Other states and at least seven towns and cities in Connecticut have also gone to four-day work weeks to save money which could be another option for the state. While flexible schedules will not work for all state agencies, the state has to take a creative, proactive approach, said Rep. Giegler. Details of the pilot telecommuting program that would be established over the next few months and evaluated include:

· House Republican staff members could telecommute one day per week, ensuring that all their legislative responsibilities are covered;

· Staff would use laptop computers that are already available to communicate easily with the Legislative Office Building;

· Because the telecommuting would be staggered throughout the office, no disruption of service for constituents or anyone else who contacts the offices would take place;

· Similar programs have been tried in other states such as Arizona where state workers have converted 181,000 hours of commuting time into productive working hours and reduced air pollution by 175,000 pounds;

· A 2007 national study by the Consumer Electronics Association estimated that telecommuting saves enough energy in the traditional workplace to power one million households for a year. The same study determined that 3.9 million telecommuters saved 840 million gallons of gas.

· Telecommute Connecticut estimates that employees who telecommute save an estimated $1,200 annually on gasoline.

Connecticut is one of 13 states that already allows for telecommuting for state workers when it is proved to be “cost effective.’’ Only 140 state workers participated last year.

“Telecommuting is an option the state should explore, as it can ultimately provide cost-savings for taxpayers,” said Rep. Giegler. “This trial program would provide an opportunity for state employees to set an example, not only for businesses statewide but for individuals who would have the opportunity to see that it can lead to savings on their gas bills each month and the time spent on commuting.  In many cases, employees who work at home have shown they are far more productive as a result of spending a greater amount of time on their jobs due to fewer interruptions.”