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In Philadelphia, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey is worried that he might have to lay off 700 police officers unless the state legislature takes action to help the city with its finances. Last month Commissioner Ramsey met with some of the 739 police officers and 43 support staff workers who would be laid off if the state doesn't come to the rescue.
Ramsey sayshe has 200 fewer officers than he did a year ago and losing hundreds more "just cannot happen."
Ramsey and other officials are pushing the legislature to allow the city to raise its sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent and defer pension payments for two years to reduce the budget shortfall.
The news from Miami was similarly grim with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz pressuring the union to renegotiate their contract.
He's threatening to lay off more than 100 officers if that does not happen.
As the city's final budget hearing nears, Diaz and others in the administration have complained that employee-friendly police and fire union contracts guaranteeing large salary increases are wreaking havoc with the budget.
The city is in the midst of one of its most intense budget battles in a decade, trying to fill a $118 million hole caused by the imploding real estate market, less interest earned and exploding salaries and pensions.
The administration is looking to cut $10 million from the fire budget; $10 million from police; and $8 million from its general employees with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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