On Thursday late afternoon, about 30 county employees who are members of the CSEA gathered with signs in front of Senator David Carlucci's office in Nanuet.
They chanted "People Work, Layoffs Don't" to call on Carlucci to sign on as a Senate sponsor of Bill A10100. This bill has the support of Assemblymembers Ellen Jaffee and Annie Rabbitt.
“We want Senator Carlucci to reconsider his position on this bill,” said CSEA Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo. “Without his support in the Senate, Rockland County faces devastating cuts in vital services as well as job losses numbering in the hundreds. These cuts will hurt all Rocklanders. The job cuts will hurt small businesses and impact all homeowners, as foreclosures will be inevitable and that will lower property values across the county. We’re urging Senator Carlucci to step up and do the right thing for Rockland.”
The CSEA—Civil Service Employees Association—is the largest union representing County of Rockland employees. They were joined by fellow union activists and community members at that rally.
"I sympathize with the frustration of the CSEA members gathered here today: after all, they've been sold a false bill of goods. The truth is that an increase in the county sales tax will neither protect jobs, nor solve our county's budget problems," said Senator David Carlucci. "That's why I made clear from the very beginning that a sales tax increase is the the wrong way to proceed. I encourage CSEA leadership to refocus their efforts on supporting a different and viable solution to our county's budget woes."
"I remain committed to working with members of the CSEA and the county legislature, on attaining a serious plan to restore Rockland County's finances. In the coming days, I will release several proposals that will help close the county budget gap, while preserving jobs and services," Carlucci added.
Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef a comprehensive plan aimed at closing the $21.1 million gap in the county's 2012 budget.
