1. Federal Government Sues New York
Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.8034-A (Ramos), a law giving the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) authority to certify unions and resolve disputes in the private sector when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) cannot or will not act. This week, the NLRB sued to block the law, arguing it “unlawfully usurps” federal authority. Since President Donald Trump removed Gwynne Wilcox in January, the NLRB has lacked a quorum and is unable to issue final decisions. This results in delays that leave workers in limbo and give employers more opportunity to intimidate, stall, and ultimately break union campaigns.
2. Government Shutdown Fight
Congress must act by October 1 to avert a federal government shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson has released a plan to pass a “clean” continuing resolution, which would extend existing funding levels through November 21.
However, with such a slim majority in the House of Representatives, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes without the support of Democrats. Two Republicans have already indicated that they will oppose the bill. Democrats are opposing any spending bill that does not include an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without these subsidies, ACA health care premiums are expected to rise by about 75 percent. More than 140,000 New Yorkers rely on these enhanced credits to access health coverage.
3. Highway Memorial Bills Signed
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation renaming sections of state roads in honor of two fallen CSEA members, Jake Arcara and Stephen Ebling. In 2022, Jake Arcara, a machine equipment operator for the Town of Yorktown Highway Department, was tragically killed on the job by a motorist who sped through a construction zone.
In 2024, Stephen Ebling, a maintenance supervisor at the New York State Thruway Authority who was based in the Western Region, lost his life when he was struck by a car that crossed over hazard markings on the highway.
CSEA was proud to support these bills as a fitting tribute to Jake and Stephen, but we know that more must be done. We will continue to advocate for stronger laws and protections to keep workers safe in dangerous roadside conditions. Work zone safety will remain a top priority for CSEA when the State Legislature returns in 2026. As drivers, we all share responsibility. Please remember to slow down in work zones and move over whenever vehicles or workers are on the side of the road. Together, we can save lives.
4. 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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