PEF has repeatedly provided the Governor with alternatives to avoid public employee layoffs, but he continues to move forward with the destructive elimination of our jobs.  We’ve showed him that the state wastes money on private consultants who cost substantially more than public employees and that by simply reducing the number of contracts could save hundreds of millions of dollars each year.  He just refuses to listen.  But that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop telling him; it only means we have to say it a little louder.  Add your voice to those of thousands of your fellow state employees by sending a message to the Governor to Cut the Waste, Not the Workers.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am a state worker, but I am also taxpayer and citizen. I am just as concerned as you are about the wellbeing of our state, and that is precisely why I don't understand your decision to send 8700 middle class families like mine to the unemployment line.

The needs of New Yorkers are not going away. Bridges need to be inspected. Hospitals need to be staffed. Parolees need to be monitored. Reducing the workforce will only inhibit the state's ability to serve the people. In addition, public sector layoffs will hurt private sector businesses. Individuals who do not have a job and must rely on unemployment benefits, have less money to spend. Their income will be eaten up by their mortgage or rent and other necessities, assuming even those needs can be met. The whole point of the federal stimulus package was to keep the economic engine running by keeping people employed and spending. Layoffs accomplish the exact opposite.

Ultimately, the question then becomes who will benefit from the layoffs? Certainly not the taxpayers whose services are reduced, while taxes and fees are increasing. Clearly not New York businesses which will only lose more customers. It too has become clear that the issue is not about closing a budget gap. If it was, alternative cost-saving measures and revenue generators proposed by the unions, would be sufficient. Reducing waste in government, such as the state's addiction to private consultants would address the supposed shortfall while upholding our contract. It makes no sense for the state to pay private consultants at a premium when study after study shows that state employees can do as good a job for less.

Governor Paterson, please know that the 8700 layoffs you have ordered are not just a number on some spreadsheet. Your layoffs are actually thousands of hard working middle class men and women who will no longer be able to support their families; and, for what? Cut the waste, not the workers.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 21, 2009