THE LIBERATING EFFECT OF LAME DUCK STATUS:

NY governor planning for mass state worker layoffs (MICHAEL VIRTANEN, 06/01/10, AP)

Gov. David Paterson said Tuesday he’s putting together a plan that would lay off thousands of state government workers at the beginning of next year to help balance the state budget.

Paterson said he’ll direct state agencies to begin picking positions that could be eliminated starting Jan. 1.