Statement of PEF President Susan Kent on the use of state contractors

ALBANY, NY (10/15/2013)(readMedia)-- The president of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), Susan M. Kent, said a recent article in the Albany Times Union about the criminal behavior of a state contractor who allegedly broke into computer accounts is another example of the perils associated with the state relying on outside contractors.

The news story reported state police arrested a man on a charge of computer trespass, for allegedly hacking 29 computer accounts of state employees at the state Office of Information Technology Services (OITS).

"Ever since the governor launched a transformation plan at OITS in 2012, PEF has monitored the merging and consolidation of IT services," Kent said. "This news highlights the contracting-out issue which we have tried to address legislatively and with the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, and we will continue to do so.

"PEF members have a proven record of expertise by helping the way we do business in New York. Our IT members developed a way for New Yorkers to register their vehicles online, and file electronic income tax returns. These accomplishments, and many others pioneered by PEF members, have enhanced the lives of taxpayers. And now, our IT members may be called on to repair the damage done by a contractor," Kent said.

"This incident only fuels our reminder to the governor of PEF's solutions to help close the budget deficit, including the millions in savings to be realized by replacing high-cost consultants with lower-cost state employees. Our members are dedicated and professional, and should be respected for the quality work they provide."

PEF represents approximately 54,000 professional, scientific and technical employees of New York state and other public and private employees. The union has 3,163 members who work at OITS. For more information, call Jane Briggs at 1-800-342-4306 ext. 211.