The state comptroller's recent finding that state spending on overtime has ballooned to $529 million in one year makes it clear that a reduced state workforce does not save money.
In a warped attempt to promote fiscal prudence, our governor repeats the mantra of smaller government and consolidation. But the numbers and the facts don't add up.
Mandating overtime for overworked employees in a downsized workplaces means increased risk of accidents, mistakes or injuries. This is especially critical in agencies serving our most vulnerable populations.
With so many of our neighbors unemployed or underemployed, why not reverse this dangerous trend and bring some sanity back to staffing levels at state agencies.
Adequate staffing is safer, less expensive and just plain common sense from a managerial standpoint. Maybe then the governor's stated interests of a fiscally sound New York with an improved upstate economy might actually be realized.
Kathy Garrison
CSEA's Capital Region president
Latham
