By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-967453.mp3
Albany, NY – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) released new research this week that New York State could save a 300-million dollars annually IF it takes what the union calls "reasonable steps to reduce the excessive use of consultants." Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The Union has renewed its push for 'insourcing' --- A PEF report contends the state is wasting money by hiring outside contractors when existing employees could handle the work. The union supports a bill that would require a cost-benefit analysis before outside contracts are finalized.
PEF's Director of Public Relations Darcy Wells points out that PEF's support of 'insourcing' as opposed to 'outsourcing' goes back several years, having a great impact in 2005.
Wells cites Bridge inspections as one example: according to the PEF report, outsources are paid 94 percent more than state employees for comparable work.
A spokesman for Governor Andrew Cuomo tells the Times Union that PEF's proposal was considered by the Paterson administration and the savings claimed in the PEF report are NOT accurate. Darcy Wells disagrees with the statement.
In March, Governor Cuomo signed an executive order forbidding all agencies from renewing service contracts unless the overall cost is reduced 10 percent.
Calls to the Governor's press office were not returned in time for broadcast.