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Public sector workers in Connecticut gathered Monday outside the State Senate chamber in an effort to encourage lawmakers to ratify a new agreement for state employees. The new deal would freeze wages and raise pension and healthcare contributions for state workers, but also would guarantee all state jobs thru 2021 and extend benefits until 2027. The agreement, between representatives of AFSCME and Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, was reached in an effort to close the state's budget deficit while maintaining job security for state employees. Republican lawmakers however feel the agreement doesn't go far enough in saving money, and especially decry the provision extending state worker's benefits package, claiming future state administrations will be hamstrung in dealing with public sector unions. Observers say the vote could come down to three fiscally conservative Democratic State Senators who have often bucked the party line in previous budget-related votes.