1. Redistricting Battle Heats Up
On Wednesday, the Texas State Legislature passed new congressional maps designed to add five new Republican-leaning seats. In response, the California State Legislature passed new congressional maps designed to add five new Democratic-leaning seats. New York is also looking to shift the state’s congressional maps in favor of Democrats. However, the New York State Constitution only allows for maps to be redrawn once every 10 years. To change the constitution, an amendment would need to be passed by the State Legislature in the 2026 legislative session, again in the 2027 legislative session, and then put on the ballot for voters to approve in November 2027.
2. Continued Assault on Federal Labor Protection
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that they would terminate union rights and current collective bargaining agreements for nearly 400,000 employees. While these may not directly impact CSEA members, it is clear that the federal government will continue to roll back workplace rules that keep workers safe on the job and it is only a matter of time until it has a direct and significant impact on New York State.
3. Comptroller DiNapoli Posts Pension Returns
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund grew to $283.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, an increase of more than $10 billion since April 1. The Fund posted a strong 5.46% return, showing stability and growth even in a turbulent economy. Thanks to smart, diversified investments and strong management, our pension system remains one of the best-funded and best-managed in the nation — ensuring long-term security for over a million active employees and retirees.
4. CSEA’s Analysis of the Federal Budget
CSEA is continuing to offer Zoom meetings to educate members about the impact of the recently enacted federal reconciliation law and the impact it will have on public services throughout the state. Register here for our next session on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00PM:
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 our summary of the 2025-2026 New York State Budget.
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