As promised, Gov. David Paterson has included furlough language in his latest round of budget extender bills, which state lawmakers will have to act on when they return to Albany Monday.

Legislative leaders have already signaled they will reluctantly brave the wrath of the state worker unions and opt for the furloughs over a government shutdown. The unions are scheduled to demonstrate outside the Capitol Monday to voice their disapproval.

The memo that accompanies the extender-furlough bill says it will not apply to those “subject to a negotiated agreement providing comparable personal savings,” employees who are designated management/confidential or have their salaries fully funded by the federal government. Otherwise, employees in the executive branch – including SUNY and CUNY – will be subjected to a work week reduction of 20 percent (estimated savings: $30 million a week), starting May 17.

That gives lawmakers some time to maybe, possibly work out a budget deal. There’s no sign of said elusive deal so far. But hope springs eternal.

Paterson has has suggested that the unions could avoid the furloughs by agreeing to a five-day pay lag instead – something that was last done on former Gov. Mario Cuomo’s watch. So far, no dice.

The governor will be appearing on WMHT’s “New York Now” tonight to defend the furloughs and will also discuss whether Democratic governor-candidate-in-waiting, AG Andrew Cuomo, might be able to jump-start the budget talks.

Gpb 250 – Emergency Budget 6 Appropriation -Bill

Share|