[NYAPRS Enews] Paterson to Unions: No Sacred Cows

[Harvey Rosenthal]

Union Leaders Meet With Governor 

Session On Savings Draws Some Optimism Amid Budget Problems  

by RICK KARLIN, Albany Times Union   October 22, 2008 

 

ALBANY - Leaders of three major state employee unions met with Gov.
David Paterson on Tuesday for what was described as a freewheeling
discussion of how the state can save money to deal with its growing
budget deficit.

Union leaders say they are cautiously optimistic after the meeting, in
which the governor did not broach the issue of layoffs or of reopening
labor contracts.

 

"It was actually a very productive, beneficial meeting," said Kenneth
Brynien, president of the Public Employees Federation, which attended
the meeting along with reprsentatives from the Civil Service Employees
Association and the Organization of Management/Confidential Employees.

 

"The governor is really trying to find ways to fix the crisis we are
in,'' added Brynien.

 

"It was actually a very productive, beneficial meeting,'' added Stephen
Madarasz, spokesman for CSEA.

 

Among the cost-saving suggestions: increased telecommuting, which could
allow heat and light savings in some buildings and cutbacks on the use
of outside consultants. Union members have long complained the state
spends too much on consultants rather than having employees perform some
tasks, although others have said consultants can provide flexibility.

 

Regardless of the outcome, Brynien said he was heartened by what he
viewed as Paterson's apparent willingness to look at all and any cost
savings.

 

"He used the phrase, 'There are no sacred cows,' '' Brynien said.

 

Paterson's office also fielded visits from advocacy and other interest
groups who, as a special Nov. 18 legislative session is approaches, are
anxious to avoid cuts to their programs. 

 

Paterson has said the current year's deficit could hit $2 billion, and
next year's could hit $10 billion. 

 

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/storyprint.asp?StoryID=731804 

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