Gov ‘work shirk’ draws Dem fury

Democrats and Republicans slammed Gov. Cuomo for encouraging state employees to forego their daily, taxpayerfunded duties to attend a recent policy address he made on climate change.

The bipartisan attacks came on the heels of an exclusive Post report (left) revealing how supervisors from at least four state agencies gave employees the choice between watching Cuomo speak at Columbia University and working.

“I’m confident that there are many, many New Yorkers who feel passionately about climate change and the environment who would not have needed to be paid with our tax dollars to attend,” said Councilman Brad Lander, a Democrat.

“The governor should have picked a smaller room,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. Republicans offered harsher rebukes. “It’s smoke and mirrors — just another dog and pony show,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich, a Queens Republican.

State GOP Chairman Ed Cox said the move demonstrated desperation.

“It’s a pathetic state of affairs when as governor you have to pay people to come to your event,” Cox said. “This is a gross misuse of taxpayer dollars, and he should reimburse the state for the expense from his campaign account.”

A Cuomo spokesman said it’s “entirely appropriate to invite a small number of representatives and give them the opportunity to attend an event impacting their work.” Michael Gartland