Tell Pataki: Cut State Waste, Not State Workers!

Short staffing of New York State agencies has already made it nearly impossible for many of us to perform our jobs, and now it looks like the Pataki Administration is considering further reductions of staff for many departments. Please take a moment to tell Governor Pataki to Cut Waste, Not State Workers!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Governor, Cut State Waste, not State Workers!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

With New York state's government facing a deficit of more than $5 billion next year and nearly $7 billion the following year, why is the state wasting hundreds of millions of dollars paying costly consultants and pricey private contractors to do work state employees can do more effectively and economically? And, why does New York state continue to cut the state workforce only to replace dedicated state employees with more expensive contractors and consultants?

Little is being done to stop this State waste which is in direct contradiction to your call in this year's State of the State address to "...make government the most efficient it can be." In fact, the Division of Budget has created an incentive for agencies to pursue the wasteful practice of contracting out. The implementation of a hiring freeze without imposing a similar freeze on state agencies' ability to contract for services has forced agencies to use more contract services even though it has been documented that the state workforce can often provide the same services more efficiently and economically. Making matters even worse you directed agencies to review their contracting practices but did not ask them to review whether it is more efficient to perform the function with civil service staff.

There is a better option. Use state employees. State employees represent a bargain for the taxpayers of New York, yet state agencies continue to spend as much as a quarter of a billion dollars more than necessary each year by using expensive contractors and consultants to provide services.

I'm sure you will agree, New Yorkers deserve cost effective, efficient and high quality services, services best provided by civil servants. I ask for your leadership on this issue.

Cut state waste, not state workers.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
August 28, 2003

Background Information

State agencies annually spend as much as 1/4 of a billion dollars more than is necessary by providing services using expensive contractors and consultants rather than using civil servants.

"What's At Stake!"

- Important programs to the citizens of NYS.

- The elimination of thousands of critically necessary civil service positions.

- The health and safety of the remaining workers at many facilities across NYS.

- If the State continues to waste hundreds of millions of dollars each year on expensive contractors and consultants there is less money for a fair contract for its employees.

"What Can You Do?"

Tell Governor Pataki: Cut State Waste, Not State Workers!