State Legislators discussing furloughs

By By GARY LIBERATORE

Story Created: May 10, 2010 at 4:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 10, 2010 at 7:10 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - At this hour, New York State legislators are discussing whether to pass a another temporary spending bill, but this week's bill includes Governor David Paterson's furlough proposal.

The Governor wants state workers to take a furlough of one day each week. That 20 percent in salary savings would mean a savings of about $15 million each week until a budget is passed.

During Monday's noon hour, thousands of state workers gathered in front of state office buildings across the state, including right here in Utica. The rally on Genesee Street was just one of 14 rallies that took place around the state.

In attendance, Jeffrey Colburn, the First Vice President of the Civil Service Employees Association Region 5.

Colburn said C.S.E.A. union leaders are ready to take the issue to court if the furloughs are passed.

"CSEA is prepared to take legal action against the state for doing this," Colburn said. "Our contention is that it is illegal, so we'll go from there."

Some republican senators said on the floor of the senate late Monday afternoon that they too believe the furlough portion of this week's extender bill is unconstitutional and against state law.
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