Statement of CSEA President Danny Donohue on State Budget Agreement

ALBANY, NY (03/30/2009)(readMedia)-- "There's a lot to dislike in the budget agreement reached between Governor David Paterson and the leaders of the two houses of the legislature, but no one should have any illusion that it moves New York forward through 'shared sacrifice.' The agreement sticks it to state employees and undermines the future of the state's health care system beyond reason.

"The budget agreement assumes $481 million in 'savings' from the unnecessary layoff of state employees making the legislature complicit in a reckless and irresponsible plan that is both impractical and nasty while eroding state services at a time when they are needed most.

"Until now it has largely been the governor's responsibility to answer for his reckless plans. Should these plans move forward in the two houses, state Senators and Assembly members will have to answer for the consequences of their votes – New Yorkers deserve to know the who, what, when, where and why of these layoffs before this budget plan moves forward."

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