Innus explained that the state budget is now late for the 12th straight year. An overdue and uncertain federal budget, as well as legislative elections slated for this fall, could make this "the worst year yet" for adopting a budget, he observed.

Innus indicated that TAP appeared to be a high priority among legislators, so restoration of some or all of the funds cut by the governor is possible. He also predicted that "some portions" of the management flexibility legislation proposed by SUNY are likely to be adopted, in some form, for 1996-97.

Meanwhile, he noted, SUNY employees are covered by a revised early retirement program that already has passed the legislature. The benefits appear to be virtually the same as those of last year's program, Innus explained, except that there will be not one but two different time periods during which early retirement will be available.

In other business, the PSS continued discussion of the "Rethinking SUNY" document, paying particular attention to ways it could impact the workplace and workloads in SUNY. A summary of the discussion will be forwarded to the PSS Executive Committee for wider distribution.

Lani Jendrowski of the Staff Development committee reported that PSS will sponsor a workshop entitled "Dynamic Balance," on Friday, May 31. The day-long conference, to be held at the Buffalo Marriott Hotel in Amherst, will feature a panel discussion and six workshops on "techniques to enhance everyday living."