News >> Browse Articles >> State Government
Governor Planning Massive NY State Worker Layoffs
New York Gov. David Paterson, right, and New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, speak with reporters at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y. , on Monday, May 17, 2010. [AP]
Associated Press
June 01, 2010
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. David Paterson says he’s putting together a plan that would lay off thousands of state government workers at the beginning of next year to help balance the budget.
Paterson said Tuesday he’ll direct state agencies to begin picking positions that could be eliminated starting Jan. 1.
That date marks the expiration of the no-layoffs pledge Paterson gave public employee unions last year in exchange for an agreement to reduce pension costs. It would also be the day he leaves office. A final decision on layoffs would fall to his successor.
State leaders are facing a $9.2 billion deficit and still haven’t completed a budget for the fiscal year that began April 1.
Paterson has been calling for concessions from the unions. He lost a court battle last week over cost cutting that included furloughs.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
