This Week in Albany – March 21, 2025

1. Federal Shutdown Averted

Late last Friday, the U.S. Senate passed a six-month continuing resolution to avert a federal government shutdown just before funding was set to expire. The bill was then quickly signed by President Trump, extending funding through September 30, 2025. New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with eight other Democrats, voted in favor of the measure. The decision drew sharp criticism from some Democrats, frustrated that it passed without any concessions from Republicans.

2. U.S. Department of Education

On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. While the executive order initiates the process, fully abolishing the department requires congressional approval. Dismantling the department could put billions in federal education funding for New York at risk, threatening support for special education programs, low-income school districts, and grants that help thousands of New York students afford college.

 

3. Rep. Stefanik’s Confirmation

On April 2, 2025, Elise Stefanik, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, is scheduled for a Senate confirmation vote to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. If confirmed, she will vacate her congressional seat, reducing the Republican majority in the U.S. House to 217 members. With such a slim margin, Republicans could only afford to lose one vote on a simple majority measure without Democratic support. Under New York law, Governor Kathy Hochul has 10 days after the vacancy to schedule a special election, which must take place within 70 to 80 days.

4. State Budget Updates

This week, the State Legislature held their Budget Conference Committee meetings, which kick off final budget negotiations. The final budget is due April 1, which means we have less than two weeks left to ensure that CSEA’s priorities are included in the final budget. Now is the time to act! Write a letter at the links below and tell your legislators and Governor Hochul to support CSEA members in the final budget!

Tell Governor Hochul: DMNA Firefighters Deserve a Fair Pension!

Tell your Legislators: Stop Violence Against DMV Employees!

Tell your Legislators: Protect Highway Workers!

 

5. Next Week

6. CSEA Legislative Toolkit

We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our legislative successes. Click the icons below for informational documents that you can print, share, and post on social media to spread the news. You can also check out the summary of CSEA’s work during the 2023-2024 legislative session.

	Tier 6 Reform:		Updating Civil Service Exams:		Counting Provisional Time Towards Promotions:
	Employee Notice of Records Disclosure:		Virtual Training for CPS Workers:		Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: