1. Executive Budget
Governor Hochul has released her Executive Budget. The budget proposes extending the tax surcharge on upper income earners for five years, reducing taxes on people making up to $269,300 a year ($323,200 jointly), and giving $3 billion in inflation rebates to families making up to $300,000 and individuals making up to $150,000. She also raises the child tax credit to $1000 for children age 0-4 and $500 for ages 4-16. The budget also includes:
- Waiving state civil service exam fees through June 2026.
- Extending the NY HELP program for 1 additional year.
- Creating 100 new state operated inpatient forensic psychiatric beds in New York City
- Making the work zone speed camera program permanent and increases penalties for violators who receive their 2nd and 3rd tickets in an 18-month period.
- Proposing $450 million for SUNY Downstate to transform the hospital (this is in addition to the $300 million from last year for the same project), plus an additional $100 million for operations to keep the hospital open.
- Proposing $200 million for SUNY Upstate to build a new emergency department.
- Providing a $1.7 billion increase in education funding
- Providing $50 million in additional state aid for local governments
- Increasing the penalty for assaulting a DMV motor vehicle license examiner, motor vehicle representative, and highway worker (state and local government) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony.
- Providing 2.1% COLA for not-for-profit human services workers
Check out CSEA’s full summary of the Executive Budget here.
2. President Trump Sworn In
President Donald Trump was sworn in this week. As we always do, CSEA will closely monitor executive orders and legislative actions. A recently signed executive order strips many federal civil servants of job protections by creating a new employment category called “Schedule F.” While this does not directly impact CSEA members, this does impact our AFSCME union family members, and it is a concerning attack on civil service. While we will continue to wait for the President and Congress to begin working on their respective agendas, CSEA stands ready for any challenges that will affect our union members’ rights, working conditions or benefits.
3. The State Budget Process
The New York State budget process can be confusing. Check out CSEA’s video on how the process works and learn what to expect as we approach the April 1 budget deadline:
4. Next Week
The State Legislature will meet on Monday and Tuesday. Budget hearings begin next week, with hearings on agriculture/parks and recreation, environmental conservation/energy, and elementary and secondary education.
5. 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: |
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Virtual Training for CPS Workers: | Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: |
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