Dispite protests this week at the Capitol - some with more than 1,000 protesters - the Senate passed a six-bill package that gives an Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) the power to renegotiate union contracts.

The bills are aimed at making it easier to intervene sooner in failing municipalities and school districts.

The ammendment that recieved the most attention would have limited the salary of the EFM to no more than what the Governor makes under the State Officers Compensation Committee guidelines, $177,000. This ammendment passed in the House and failed in the Senate. One reason given for the failure - a cap on salary would "limit talent".