CSEA Releases Endorsements
1. CSEA’s Endorsements
Through CSEA’s member-driven endorsement process, CSEA’s region Political Action Committees (PACs) and the State PAC have worked hard this summer interviewing candidates running for office to determine who will best fight for members. You can see the full list of endorsements by region here.
CSEA is always looking for volunteers to help with our campaign efforts. For information on how you can help, please contact your region’s political action coordinator.
2. Legislative Highlight: The Temp Act
In each issue, we’ll be highlighting one of CSEA’s legislative victories from this past session. This week, we’re highlighting S.3397/A.9011, which requires all school facilities to establish maximum temperature limits.
Excessive heat poses risks to everyone in a school building, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other preventable illnesses. This legislation addresses these concerns by requiring schools to take action to relieve heat discomfort whenever occupied spaces like classrooms reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The bill also prohibits occupancy if temperatures exceed 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining appropriate temperatures allows schools to foster productive learning environments and safe working conditions for students, teachers, and staff.
This bill passed both houses of the State Legislature and is awaiting delivery to Governor Hochul.
3. Project 2025: Impact on Public Employees
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is the policy playbook that would fundamentally alter the way our government functions. This week, we’re highlighting some of the document’s proposals that would harm public employees.
- Reduce the number of federal employees, saying, “reducing the number of federal employees seems an obvious way to reduce the overall expense of the civil service.” [p.78]
- Undermine the Civil Service’s pay structure by “expanding the role of performance related to pay throughout the entire workforce” [p.74]
- Outsource public work, saying, “contractors are less expensive because they are not entitled to high government pensions or benefits and are easier to fire and discipline”[p.78]
These are just a few examples of the negative impacts that Project 2025 would have on CSEA members. In each issue, we’ll be highlighting additional areas of concern. To read the full document, click here. You can also view and share our Project 2025 fliers here.
4. Court Upholds Early Mail-In Ballots
On Tuesday, the state Court of Appeals upheld a law that allows ballots to be mailed in during the early voting period ahead of an election. The law, passed in 2021, was challenged by Republicans, who argued law violated the state constitution. The ruling means the mail-in voting option will be allowed in this November’s election and future elections in New York unless the law faces another legal challenge.
5. Labor Day
As we approach Labor Day, let’s take a moment to honor the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions of workers everywhere. This day is a celebration of the power of the labor movement and the hard-fought rights and protections that workers have secured over more than a century. As we enjoy this well-deserved break, let’s reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that remains to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment for all.
6. Next Week
For the summer, This Week in Albany will be published every two weeks. The next edition will be in your inbox on September 6.
7. CSEA Legislative Toolkit
We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our union’s 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 CSEA’s summary of the 2024-2025 Enacted Budget here.
Tier 6 Reform:
Ambulance Direct Payments:
Bumping, Retreating and Rehiring Rights:
Civil Service Exam Announcements:
School Workplace Violence Prevention Programs:
Counting Provisional Time Toward Probation: