Gov. David A. Paterson announced agreement Sunday on a new contract with the State Police union, calling for wages to increase three percent in each of the first three years and 4 percent in the final year. The new pact covers a period beginning in March 2007, when the old one expired.
Asked if the Paterson administration attempted to get some savings in contract talks because of next year’s looming budget deficit, spokesman Morgan Hooks said the union recognized the fiscal situation and withdrew some of its requests. "There was an understanding of what the state could and could not do," Hook said. "But I think the state also had an obligation to treat the PBA fairly."
The raises mirrors those given to members of the Civil Service Employees Association and the Public Employees Federation.
Lawmakers who view the contract as a sign the state’s budget woes may not be as dire as Paterson as made out – should think again. "This contract agreement should not be interpreted by anybody as a sign that things are better than Governor Paterson has indicated they are," Hook said.
Lawmakers are due back in the Capitol Tuesday to consider $600 million in cuts to the current budget, which totals $122 billion.
James T. Madore