Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy revealed Monday plans to slash jobs and cut county programs if an agreement on his sales tax plan is not reached with the state.

Levy is looking to extend the county's 1 percent sales tax, but the move is being blocked by the Assembly's black and Hispanic caucus. Levy is calling the decision blackmail, mainly on the part of state Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood). The county executive claims the reason for not approving the sales tax is due to Suffolk's refusal to build a hiring hall for day laborers in Farmingville.

Levy says if the sales tax is not approved, the county will lose $320 million in sales tax revenue. In addition, 4,700 county workers will lose their jobs, the open space program will be scrapped, county health centers will close, parks will close and road construction projects will be canceled. According to Levy, classes for police and corrections officers will also become casualties.

Assemblyman Ramos says Levy is using scare tactics to draw attention away from the real issues, such as getting day laborers off the streets and into safe places. He is calling on Levy to meet with him and fellow lawmakers to resolve the matter. The parties have until November to come up with a solution.

To watch the complete interview with Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy on the sales tax battle, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

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