PEF responds to Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State Address

PEF leaders listened carefully as Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered his State of the State Address last week. PEF agrees with many of the goals the governor outlined, but there are other points the union has opposed.

PEF President Ken Brynien said the union takes exception to the governor targeting public-sector pensions and his proposal for a new retirement tier. “This is like eating your seed corn,” Brynien said. “It will help you get by now, but you will starve later.”

Brynien said a plan to stop squandering resources is a priority for both the governor and PEF. “The best ways to achieve an efficient government structure is to reduce the number of unaccountable public authorities by merging them into state agencies; eliminating the multiple layers of political patronage appointments; and, reducing the number of high-cost consultants that do work geared for public employees.”

“People’s State of the State” provides opportunity to oppose short-staffing

The 22nd annual People’s State of the State rally will take place Tuesday, January 3 at 11:45 a.m. at the State Capitol in Albany. PEF members are being urged to attend to tell the governor to end short-staffing and to stop short-changing New Yorkers on vital state services.

PEF members are being asked to meet on the corner of State and Swan Streets to receive PEF gear. If you need more information, call the PEF Mobilization Department at (518) 785-1900 ext. 227.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers State of the State Address January 4

PEF leaders will be listening carefully as Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State Address Wednesday, January 4 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany at 1:30 p.m.  Cuomo is starting to create a tradition by delivering his address at the convention center for a second time.

Cuomo is expected to outline his plan for a stronger New York including the need to confront the current fiscal crisis and economic challenges that are facing state agencies and facilities.

PEF will post a response on its website (pef.org) and on its official Facebook page after reviewing the State of the State Address, and how the union will proceed to protect state jobs and services, and address the issues members face at their worksites.

“People’s State of the State” provides opportunity to oppose short-staffing

The 22nd annual People’s State of the State rally will take place Tuesday, January 3 at 11:45 a.m. at the State Capitol in Albany. PEF members are being urged to attend to tell the governor to end short-staffing and to stop short-changing New Yorkers on vital state services.

PEF members are being asked to meet on the corner of State and Swan Streets to receive PEF gear. If you need more information, call the PEF Mobilization Department at (518) 785-1900 ext. 227.

Governor delivers State of The State Address January 6

PEF leaders will be listening carefully as Gov. David Paterson delivers his State of the State Address Wednesday, January 6 at 1 p.m.

Paterson is expected to outline his plan for a stronger New York including the need to confront the current fiscal crisis and the historic economic challenges and difficult choices all New Yorkers must face in the coming months.

PEF will post a response on its Web site after reviewing the State of the State Address and how the union will proceed to protect state jobs and services.