Creates the public employees' fair employment act study commission to review the existing Taylor law

Section 2 - Creates the Public Employees' Fair Employment Act Study Commission and describes the composition and duties of the Commission. This section provides that the Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study of the practical application of Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, and report to the Governor, Senate, Assembly, Comptroller and Attorney General not later than one year after the date on which the Commission first meets.

Section 3 - Provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Purpose & justification

The Taylor Law is now approaching its 40th anniversary. Sections of the law have been extended periodically, and through the years, additional employee groups have become subject to the provisions of the law. The residents of New York City recently suffered the disruption of service and economic loss of a transit strike. At the western end of the state, both the City of Buffalo and the County of Erie are under the supervision of control boards. Other communities across the state face economic pressures that may also lead to contemplation of control boards in the future. Across the state, interested parties ask whether the law, as presently constituted, can be improved. Unfortunately, discussions about the Taylor Law usually seem to arise in the midst of difficult negotiations or budget problems. This law is critical to the efficient operation of state and local government, and deserves a careful and thoughtful review outside of the context of any particular dispute. The residents of our state deserve to know that their tax dollars are being spent prudently, and that they will receive uninterrupted, high quality service. Public employees deserve to know that they will be treated fairly and with respect for their concerns, and that the service they deliver to the residents of New York is recognized. All parties need to know that when decisions are made they will accurately reflect the communities that must live with those decisions. It is appropriate at this time to appoint a blue ribbon commission to evaluate and consider whether the law, in its present form, is still the best answer as we enter the 21st Century. This bill creates such a commission, who can listen to the concerns and suggestions of the residents of New York State and consider the legislation that has been enacted by other states. The Commission is directed to report to

the Governor, the Senate and the Assembly within one (1) year after the date that the Commission first meets. There is a fundamental compact between the citizens and the government. The citizenry supports government with its tax dollars, and in return expects government to provide the services that allow society to properly function efficiently and responsibly. There is also a compact between government and the employees who actually perform the day-to-day tasks of government that these employees will work conscientiously to serve the residents, and that in return they will be treated respectfully and responsibly. It is critical that the Legislature ensure that we are doing our part to fulfill our responsibility to properly expend the tax dollars entrusted to us, and to supply services required efficiently, effectively and without interruption.

Prior legislative history

2005-2006: S.6874/A.10129 - Finance/Gov't Employees 2007-2008: S.2118/A.4110 - Finance/Gov't Employees 2009-2010: S.3034 - Finance

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.