Kathy Lane

"Right now, we're in contract negotiations, and all they're trying to do is take away from us," said Kathy Lane, union president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 448.She said Blagojevich "told us he would not balance the budget on the backs of state workers, and that's exactly what he's doing."

Lane wouldn't discuss contract negotiation specifics but said employee health insurance costs would increase significantly.

"They've been saying that for three years," said Kathy Lane, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 448.

"We'll believe it when we see it."

The office employs 10 investigators but should have 21, Lane said.
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Lane said part of the problem stems from reforms started under former Director Jess McDonald when the department sought national accreditation.
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"Law enforcement degrees are valuable here," Lane said.