New York governor gives employees long lunch to watch World Cup
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave all state employees an extended lunch break Thursday to watch the United States play its pivotal game against Germany in the World Cup, avoiding a slew of phantom doctor’s appointments from state workers.
Cheering on Team #USA in the #WorldCup! #USAvGER pic.twitter.com/S2GP4FS3YD @ESPN #HowAreYouWatching
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 26, 2014
Cuomo wrote a letter to Jurgen Klinsman, coach of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team, telling him the state of New York was behind the team and he would be giving employees an extra hour for lunch to watch the game, which kicked off at noon.
Cuomo’s letter:
Dear Coach Klinsmann,
I was pleased to read your letter providing American soccer fans with a form excuse to their boss requesting time off to watch the USA-Germany match today.
The State of New York stands strongly behind Team USA. Therefore, I am approving an extra hour for an extended lunch today for every New York State employee, beginning at 12:00 PM, so they can root Team USA on to victory.
On behalf of all New Yorkers, I wish you and the entire team the best of luck. New York believes that we will win.
Best regards,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
While the United States lost to Germany 1-0, the result combined with Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Ghana was enough to qualify the team for the knockout stage of the World Cup. The United States will next play Belgium Tuesday.
