New laws cut consultants and reform public authorities
Monday, December 7, 2009 at 12:25PM State lawmakers have passed two reform measures that will save taxpayers millions of dollars and significantly increase accountability to the public.
The first piece of legislation will reduce the state’s reliance on costly information technology (IT) consultants in state agencies by replacing contractors with state employees. The state will also work with PEF to expand its training programs to upgrade IT skills of the current state workforce.
This will save the state millions of dollars, and also improve the capacity and efficiency of the state’s extensive IT systems.
The second piece of legislation increases oversight of public authorities or “shadow agencies” by making them more transparent and accountable. More than 700 public authorities that spent funds operated outside the normal system of public oversight resulting in years of waste, corruption and billions in debt.
PEF President Ken Brynien said enactment of both laws is a victory for taxpayers and a move in the right direction for the state.
PEF Regions help restore the true meaning of the holidays
PEF Regions are pulling together to make the lives of the less fortunate happier this holiday season. PEF Region 5 is accepting donations of lightly used eye glasses and coats. Drop off bins for these items are at the Region 5 office, 305 Vestal Parkway W., Vestal.
PEF Region 6 is accepting donations for Toys for Tots at the open house Thursday, December 17 from 4-8 p.m. at the regional office, 7 Ellinwood Court, New Hartford.
PEF Region 8 is holding a holiday party at the Colonie Elks Club on Rt. 155 Thursday, December 10. Admission is $10 or an unwrapped toy valued at $10. Toys and donations will be distributed to a number of charitable organizations. Region 8 is also accepting donations and packaged or canned goods for the Regional Food Bank.
PEF Region 11 members are collecting items for 10 children of families who aren’t able to make ends meet. The program is called New York Cares – Winter Wishes for Kids. Call the Region 11 for a list of items. They must be dropped off by Thursday, December 10 at the PEF Brooklyn Office, 205 Montague Street, Suite 400.