July 23, 2008

 

Honorable David Paterson

Governor

State Capitol

Albany, NY  12224

 

Dear Governor Paterson:

 

I am writing on behalf of the Citizens Budget Commission to ask that you veto S8077/A 10035A, a bill to expand paid leave for public employees for prostate and breast cancer screenings. This bill will add to the burden already faced by local government officials in financing unnecessarily generous public employee compensation and benefits, particularly in the case of school districts who must obtain classroom coverage for employees using this leave. Public employees have adequate sick and personal leave to address medical needs in the same way that most private employees are expected to do.

 

As you yourself have pointed out on numerous occasions local taxes in New York State are 79 percent above the national average. The State bears some of the responsibility as it passes exactly these kinds of unfunded mandates year after year. If the high local burden is ever to be successfully addressed, State leaders must begin to connect the dots between the local need to raise taxes and State efforts to sweeten public employee compensation. We urge you to lead the effort to connect the dots by vetoing this legislation.

 

Thank you for considering our recommendation.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Carol Kellermann

President