Illuzzi in Talks to Lobby for State Employees Union

On the heels of losing a race for state auditor, Sen. Vince Illuzzi (R-Essex/Orleans) says he’s in talks with the Vermont State Employees Association about a “lobbyist and legal role” at the 5200-member union.

“We’re talking,” Illuzzi says. “That’s all I can say on the record.”

The longtime state senator, who’s leaving the upper chamber in January after 32 years in office, says he would not become a full-time employee of the organization; instead he’d work on a contract basis. As such, he says he’d be able to continue in his part-time elected job as Essex County State’s Attorney.

“It’s a contracted position that reflects I have my own law practice and serve as state’s attorney,” he says.

VSEA spokesman Doug Gibson confirms that Illuzzi and the union are in discussions.

“It’s not formal. He’s talked with us and we’ve talked to him. Nothing’s been signed or sealed yet,” Gibson says. “I know the board and [executive director Mark Mitchell] have talked with him. I’m not sure there’s a formal offer on the table, but they’ve talked.”

VTDigger.org’s Anne Galloway first reported news of the negotiations earlier Wednesday.