It’s State of the State Week!
1. Governor’s State of the State
On Tuesday, Governor Hochul delivered her 2024 State of the State Address, outlining her priorities for the year and providing a glimpse at what will be included in the Executive Budget. In her announcement, the governor outlined nearly 200 policy proposals, with a focus on public safety, mental health, and affordable housing. The governor also included commitments to bolster the public sector workforce, remove barriers to employment in government, recruit and retain health care workers and more. CSEA has been working hard to evaluate all of the proposals and their impact on CSEA members. These proposals will be outlined in more detail upon release of the governor’s Executive Budget on January 16.
2. Comptroller Announces Property Tax Cap
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced this week that property tax levy growth for school districts and 10 of the state’s cities will be capped at 2%, the same as last year. The tax cap limits annual tax levy increases to the rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is lower. The 2% tax cap affects 676 school districts and 10 cities with fiscal years starting July 1, 2024, including the “Big Four” cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers.
3. CSEA Endorses Tim Kennedy
CSEA has proudly endorsed State Sen. Tim Kennedy in the race for the 26th Congressional District. Kennedy has continually proved his willingness to stand up for CSEA members. Kennedy has been steadfast in his support for Tier 6 reform and has demonstrated support for public employees and the services that they provide. Kennedy is looking to fill the seat currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, who has announced his plans to resign in February.
4. Government Shutdown in Limbo
This week, a spending deal was announced between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Congressional Democrats to avert a federal government shutdown. However, in protest, 12 members of the House Freedom Caucus blocked the spending bills. The deal, which would have kept federal spending essentially flat, was not enough for these lawmakers, who have indicated a willingness to shut down the federal government if their demands for steep spending cuts are not met.
There are two upcoming deadlines by which Congress must come to an agreement to avoid a government shutdown: January 19 for agriculture, transportation, and housing programs; February 2 for everything else.
5. Next Week
January 16 is the last day for submission of the Executive Budget proposal. This is the kickoff to the budget process, where Governor Hochul will flesh out her spending proposals for the 2024-25 state fiscal year. The legislature will also be in session for two days next week, meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.
6. CSEA Legislative Toolkit
We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our union’s 2023 legislative successes. Click on icons below for informational documents that you can print, share, and post on social media to spread the news!
Ambulance Direct Payments:
Bumping, Retreating and Rehiring Rights:
Civil Service Exam Announcements:
School Workplace Violence Prevention Programs:
Counting Provisional Time Toward Probation: