CSEA: Gov. David Paterson Layoff Statement Irresponsible

ALBANY, NY (10/28/2010)(readMedia)-- "Governor David Paterson's announcement of plans for 898 state employee layoffs to begin before the end of his term on Dec. 31, 2010 is simply an irresponsible statement by the governor that is not supported by the facts and reality of the situation," said CSEA President Danny Donohue.

• Layoffs do not save taxpayers money when the costs are tallied up;
• Eliminating jobs – whether in the public or private sector – will hurt the economy – eliminating any job is especially bad in difficult economic times.

CSEA also points out that state operations have been so decimated by the Paterson administration that there are no way further cuts can be accomplished without harming the public.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Alexander "Pete" Grannis was fired last week for having the courage to speak the truth about the impact threatened layoffs would have on the integrity of his department's responsibility to protect the environment and New Yorkers. CSEA believes Grannis was simply one individual commissioner giving voice to what all the others know but have not been willing to state publicly. He paid the price for honesty.

-30-