News from Civil Service Employees Association

For more information contact: Stephen Madarasz, Dir. of Communications - Cell: 518-598-4705

Statement of CSEA President Donohue on Governor's Call for Another $2 Billion in State Spending Cuts

ALBANY, NY (10/03/2008; 1502)(readMedia)-- Gov. David Paterson’s call for another special session of the state legislature to seek another $2 billion in state budget cuts raises serious issues about the future of public services in this state at a time when they will be needed most.

State operations have already been slashed by $1.3 billion in recent months and localities have already taken a $400 million hit.

As the governor considers the destruction of the quality of life in New York that another $2 billion will cause, he should remember that it is largely the result of greed and unethical business practices by an unchecked corporate sector. Working New Yorkers will end up paying the price for this reckless irresponsibility and lack of government oversight.

For this reason alone, the governor must now consider Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s proposal for a millionaire’s tax to offset at least some of the pain.

In the current economic environment, services at all levels of government will be needed by all New Yorkers, who should not be left without help and deteriorating services.

CSEA is also grateful to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos for saying today that he does not believe state layoffs are necessary.

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