Statement of PEF President Kenneth Brynien on State Budget

ALBANY, NY (03/30/2009)(readMedia)-- "We are pleased the governor and Legislature have included some of PEF's revenue raising suggestions such as, the millionaires' tax, the Bottle Bill and empire zone reform in reaching agreement on a budget," said state Public Employees Federation President Ken Brynien.

"However, we are disappointed the financial plan still includes $481 million in cuts to the state workforce.

"The governor has claimed to have only two choices to achieve the savings: union concessions or layoffs. There is a third choice: cut the enormous wasteful spending on private contractors.

"Unfortunately, the governor continues to move forward with the most damaging choice, layoffs.

"PEF will continue to press the governor to make the right decision: Cut the waste, not the workers."

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