Senator Borrello Joins Republican Colleagues in Urging Governor to Exempt Essential Public Employees from Pay Freeze

ALBANY – Senator George Borrello joined other members of the Senate Republican Conference in urging Governor Cuomo to exempt state workers who have been deemed “essential” and unable to work from home, from the freeze of their scheduled two-percent salary increase.

The governor recently froze a scheduled two-percent salary increase for a large segment of the state workforce including many workers on the front lines that the state has designated “essential,” including state corrections officers and other law enforcement officers, nurses and other staff at public hospitals, and direct caregivers in nursing homes and mental health care facilities, among others.

“Thousands of New York State’s essential public employees have shown dedication and fortitude throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by reporting for duty for jobs where working from the safety of home isn’t an option. These heroic public servants are helping us navigate a crisis that has no precedent and that will surely go down as one of the most difficult chapters in our history,” said Senator Borrello. “In recognition of the unique difficulties of their jobs and the exceptional health and safety risks they’ve endured and continue to endure, I believe they not only deserve our appreciation, they deserve this state support.”

In addition to Senator Borrello, the following Republican Senators signed the letter: George Amedore, Phil Boyle, Rich Funke, Patrick Gallivan, Joseph Griffo, Pamela Helming, Chris Jacobs, Daphne Jordan, Andrew Lanza, Betty Little, Tom O’Mara, Robert Ortt, Patty Ritchie, Sue Serino, James Seward, and James Tedisco.

The letter that was sent to the Governor is attached.