PEF launches statewide ad campaign to fight work force reductions

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) has launched a statewide television, print and Web advertising campaign to educate the public and legislative leaders on the devastating impact of further cuts to state services.

"PEF recognizes the seriousness of the current economic crisis, but Gov. David Paterson’s plan to lay off nearly 1,000 state employees has the potential to seriously hamper services on which New York taxpayers rely,” said PEF President Kenneth Brynien. "The ads point out the state work force has already been cut by 11,500 jobs since 2008. It’s time for the governor to ask himself which state services he is willing to tell taxpayers they must do without," Brynien said.

The ads, which feature an empty desk, began running Monday, November 15, on broadcast and cable television statewide. Print advertisements have been placed in targeted newspapers across the state and will be supported by ads on newspaper websites including The New York Times, New York Post and NY Daily News.

The television, Web and print ads can be viewed at http://www.pef.org/stopthecuts

This latest ad campaign directs the public and legislative leaders to the PEF website for more information on which services will be effected. The PEF website also offers solutions on how to achieve savings without adding to the unemployment rolls.