Research

Scope and Content Note

These papers consist of John Hanna's files he created while serving as Counsel to the New York State Office of Employee Relations (predecessor to the Governor's Office of Employee Relations, or GOER) and as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). As such, the materials do not completely document his tenure in these positions but rather highlight significant legal issues and cases he handled. One such issue that is well covered by the files is the Taylor Law and Hanna's role in mediating labor disputes between public employee unions and State and local governments. Noteworthy materials from Hanna's service with DEC include copies of outgoing correspondence sent from his office, dating 1973-1975, and meeting minutes of the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board. Types of records found in the papers include correspondence, minutes, comments and memoranda on legislation, legal documents, research notes, labor agreements, copies of publications, and material documenting the national conferences and associations in which Hanna was involved.