Jun 30, 2009 6:54 pm US/Eastern
Nassau Faces Layoffs, Cuts If Albany Doesn't Act
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBS) ―
The legislative chaos in Albany is affecting residents closer to home. Governor Paterson expects every senator to be at the special session Tuesday night to act on time-sensitive bills. A number of programs may be cut, and workers may be laid off, if the senate doesn't get it's act together soon.
If the state doesn't act by midnight on a number of measures, a rolling cascade of draconian cuts to social services in Nassau County could begin, with as many as 900 county worker layoffs, including 250 police officers.
"It's incomprehensible that these guys can't just sit down and say we'll fight about the leadership battle later, let's just get together and pass this important urgent legislation," said Thomas Suozzi, Nassau County Executive.
Nassau is handcuffed until the senate approves the $65 million bond authorization to pay for an early retirement program to reduce the county workforce.
"The game is over. The governor is asking you to get it done. The courts are asking you to get it done. The labor unions, the residents, everyone. What are we going to do to get these guys to do their jobs?" asked Jerry Laricchiuta, CSEA President.
Nonessential county offices would close for 26 days a year without the bonding. Affected workers would not be paid.
Nassau's $27 million budget gap can't be closed, said the county executive, until Albany agrees to the county's cigarette tax, red light cameras, and tickets on surcharges to fund highway patrol.
Property taxes could now be raised and funding to youth agencies could be slashed.
The chaos in Albany is affecting communities across the state. In Westchester residents gave the senate a failing grade.
Many voters across the state are threatening to remember the politicians' bizarre behavior in Albany when it's time to run for re-election.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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