Local officials react to Governor Paterson's call for financial cuts

By By SUSAN CAMPBELL

Story Created: Jul 30, 2008 at 3:06 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2008 at 4:43 PM EST

State legislators have weighed in on Governor David Paterson's calling for a 7% reduction across the board at state agencies, and a hiring freeze.

Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito went as far to say she was surprised at the spending rate cut being as high as 7%. And for the most part, state legislators say these cuts that are coming are necessary.

Just as families are having to reduce spending to make ends meet, the state has to do the same.

"I have seen throughout the years, that we can achieve efficiencies which means we can save money by using technology more, looking at the way technology is used, or underutilized in the state of New York," Destito said.

"One of the areas that I would look at is authority reform, where we could see consolidation and elimination of some of the authorities that exist," said Senator Joseph Griffo. "And it can be done in a way where you look at attrition through retirement incentives, so you don't necessarily put people on the street because that also adds to the economic woes."

Both Senator Griffo and Assemblywoman Destito say they're ready to head back to Albany for the special Summer session that Governor Paterson called.

And the two say they're confident cost cutting measures will be made without cutting down on services that New Yorkers need.
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