Statement of PEF President Wayne Spence on the 2016-2017 State Budget

ALBANY, NY (04/01/2016)(readMedia)-- Wayne Spence, president of the New York State Public Employees Federation, said he was pleased with most of the decisions made by the Legislature and governor in the 2016-2017 state budget.

"I applaud our elected officials for another on-time budget, and for the wisdom they have shown in certain areas, such as removing the retiree health care increases, stopping the proposed Workers' Compensation reforms and restoring the proposed cuts to the SUNY hospitals, as the services provided by these hospitals are valuable to their communities.

"PEF is also pleased to see the extension of the professional licensure program for two more years, and the loan forgiveness and scholarship programs for licensed social workers. The union was especially pleased the Legislature agreed to keep mentally-ill patients out of county jails during the restoration of the competency program.

"The inclusion of the design-build program was extremely disappointing. PEF did take a step forward on this issue as, for the first time, the union was able to secure a sunset date to submit its own anti-privatization language.

"PEF also supported the governor in his effort to create an affordable lifestyle for all New Yorkers with the minimum wage increase."

PEF represents 53,000 professional, scientific and technical state employees who provide a myriad of high-quality public services throughout New York state.

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