PEF Responds to Reports of SUNY's President Padding His State Pay

ALBANY, NY (11/06/2013)(readMedia)-- Susan M. Kent, President of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), today responded to the reports about David R. Smith, the SUNY Upstate Medical University president on leave for allegedly accepting unauthorized compensation.

Smith's outside money which totaled $349,295 was reported to have come from Medbest Medical Management Inc. and Pediatrics Service Group, LLP, both linked to SUNY Upstate Medical Center.

"What SUNY officials have unveiled concerning Mr. Smith comes as no surprise," Kent said. "If it is true, it is an outrage. PEF has been aware for some time how Medbest has been providing nurses at SUNY Upstate in positions which should be filled with our union nurses. This is clear cut evidence that private contractors are buying their way into the state's health care system, and that is unacceptable.

"But, this isn't only about health care. It's also about the contracting out of IT services, Department of Transportation projects, the Department of Taxation and Finance; just a few examples which highlight the contracting-out issue. PEF has tried to address this legislatively by calling for a cost-benefit analysis law to be enacted which would result in transparency for taxpayers. We call on the Legislature and the governor to enact this common-sense legislation this year, and we will fight to make this happen in this legislative cycle, just as we continue to fight to preserve the quality services provided by our members," Kent said.

PEF will continue to monitor the State University's review of Smith's compensation investigation, which includes other members of Smith's executive team. Smith has been directed to report his full income streams to SUNY officials by November 15.

PEF is the largest professional union in New York representing 54,000 professional, technical and scientific state employees. PEF represents 3,895 members in the Syracuse area, of which 1,430 are employed at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. For more information contact Jane Briggs.