Updated 4:30 PM
ALBANY (AP) -- A federal judge says he'll issue a decision in the next day or two on whether Gov. David Paterson's decision to furlough about 100,000 state workers one day a week is justified by the state's cash crisis.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence Kahn has temporarily blocked furloughs, finding the state has a legitimate interest in addressing its fiscal problems, but workers would be harmed. He will analyze whether the government's approach is "reasonable and necessary."
Budget Director Robert Megna says in court papers that numerous other costs have been cut to help deal with declining tax revenues. He says the door is open for unions to find alternative, comparable savings.
The Civil Service Employees Association says there is no emergency to justify setting aside negotiated contract terms.
A hearing was held Wednesday afternoon.
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