Judge says decision on furloughs to come in next day or two

By WKTV News

Story Created: May 26, 2010 at 4:32 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 26, 2010 at 4:32 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A federal judge says he'll issue a decision
in the next day or two on whether Governor David Paterson's decision to furlough about 100,000 state workers one day a week is justified by
the state's cash crisis.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Kahn has temporarily blocked furloughs, finding the state has a legitimate interest in addressing its fiscal problems, but workers would be harmed. He will analyze whether the government's approach is "reasonable and necessary."

Budget Director Robert Megna says in court papers that numerous
other costs have been cut to help deal with declining tax revenues.
He says the door is open for unions to find alternative, comparable
savings.

The Civil Service Employees Association says there is no emergency to justify setting aside negotiated contract terms.

A hearing was held Wednesday afternoon.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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