1. State of the State Address
On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State Address, outlining her priorities for the 2026 State Budget and Legislative Session. The overarching theme of the address was affordability. The Governor’s approach is multifaceted, with proposals to provide universal child care, reduce utility rates, cut the cost of auto and home insurance, and build affordable housing. Beyond affordability, the governor emphasized proposals to keep New Yorkers safe, protect workers, invest in critical infrastructure, foster economic development, and protect the environment. Below are several proposals relevant to CSEA:
- Provide $1.7 million in additional child care investments to advance the state toward universal child care.
- Expand the work zone camera program.
- Invest in State Parks, including the creation of a new park in Rochester.
- Provide additional funding to support safety-net hospitals through the Safety Net Transformation Program.
- Invest in local governments.
You can read CSEA’s press release on our website. We will learn more about these proposals and others when Governor Hochul releases her Executive Budget on January 20.
2. CSEA’s 2026 Legislative Agenda
We have officially released our 2026 Legislative Agenda! The agenda reflects the diverse voices of more than 200,000 hardworking members united by a common goal: a better life and a secure future. You can read the agenda online here.
3. Assemblymembers Not Running
Assemblywoman Marianna Buttenschon, who represents Oneida County and the surrounding areas in District 119, has announced that she will not be seeking re-election. Additionally, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, who represents Erie and Niagara counties as well as the surrounding areas of District 145, will not run in 2026.
4. Federal Child care Freeze Blocked
Late last week, the Trump Administration issued a letter to five states, including New York, announcing a freeze on $10 billion in federal funding for child care programs. The states challenged the action, and a judge temporarily blocked the freeze, ruling that funding approved by Congress cannot be withheld. Freezing these funds would significantly harm child care providers, including those represented by CSEA, and parents who rely on this funding to have access to quality, affordable and licensed care.
5. Next Week
The State Legislature is scheduled to meet on Tuesday and Wednesday. Governor Hochul is expected to release her Executive Budget on Tuesday, January 20.
6. 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 legislative session.
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