Governor Paterson Punts On Layoffs

Reuters:  New York Governor David Paterson still believes that the state needs to layoff some 10,000 employees in order to slim down the state’s nearly $10 billion dollar deficit.  However, he will not be the one to do it.  That job will be left to his predecessor.

Paterson is not running for re-election this fall and has opted to leave the decision to the next governor.  He stated today that such a difficult and complicated process will take time and he has laid the groundwork for the layoff if the need arises.

A recent federal court ruling preliminarily blocked the governor’s furlough plan – a move designed to save the state $30 million a week.  A further, more decisive ruling is still pending which could ultimately lead the state to a massive, unprecedented round of layoffs.

The administration signed a pledge with unions last July that promises no further state worker layoffs, which only adds to the confusion.  The state legislature questions the legality of the agreement.  Unions argue the agreement is iron clad, which promises a lengthy fight in court should the future governor decide to issue pink slips.