Paterson's Politics Put People at Risk

ALBANY, NY (04/08/2009)(readMedia)-- CSEA today called on Gov. David Paterson to stop playing politics that put people's lives at risk with his reckless and irresponsible drive for state layoffs. His actions are unnecessary and dangerous. CSEA has offered the governor numerous alternatives to save even more money but the governor is only interested in ideas that inflict pain on the work force to make a political point.

"The people of New York deserve better than the dangerous political game the governor is playing," said CSEA President Danny Donohue. "His approach is reckless and irresponsible and will put people's lives at risk."

The governor's letter to state employees raises serious concerns about the governor's intent to use layoffs as a pressure tactic for his own political purposes. CSEA also believes that it is outrageous that the governor is exempting management/confidential employees, including political appointees, from layoffs.

Based on the governor's numbers, one management position could save the jobs of four workers delivering essential services and taking care of our most vulnerable people.

Donohue also pointed out that the legislature was complicit in passing a $132 billion budget that calls for 8,900 state worker layoffs. At the same time legislators appropriated themselves $170 million in pork barrel spending that could go a long way to mitigating layoffs.

CSEA will be doing everything in its power in the weeks ahead to expose the dangers created by the governor's recklessness.

"Let's be clear," Donohue said "Layoffs represent a failed government that puts politics before people."

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