This Week in Albany – August 28, 2026

1. Pension Fund Posts Returns 

The state pension fund remains strong and well-funded thanks to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Last week, DiNapoli announced that the fund was valued at $309.7 billion at the end of June. This represents a 6.12% return, above the fund’s 5.9% long-term expected rate of return. 

DiNapoli has a proven record of safeguarding the retirement fund and ensuring CSEA members’ financial security for the future. That’s why CSEA is proud to endorse him for re-election. Learn about CSEA-endorsed candidates, including Tom DiNapoli, at our website.

2. CSEA Endorsements

CSEA has endorsed several candidates in this year’s State Senate, State Assembly, and congressional races. Our endorsements reflect months of work by CSEA members across the state — interviewing candidates, reviewing voting records, and weighing where each one stands on the issues that matter most to our union. A full list of our endorsed candidates is available at our website.

3. Take Action on CSEA Priorities

CSEA was successful in getting several bills passed both houses of the State Legislature during the 2026 session. Now, we need the governor to sign these bills into law. Click the links below to send a letter to Governor Hochul! 

• A.2535 (Paulin): Gives counties the option to provide probation officers with full salary and medical coverage when they are injured in the line of duty.
• S.6987-A (Harckham): Requires panic button technology for social services caseworkers to improve worker safety.
• S.7635-B (Ryan): Authorizes the state and local governments to offer a 25-year retirement plan for emergency dispatchers.
• A.11387 (Pheffer Amato): Allows court officers to retire at age 55 after 30 years of service.

4. Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a time to recognize the contributions of working people and the strength that comes from standing together. Across New York, union members will be coming together this Labor Day to celebrate the labor movement, honor the progress workers have fought for, and stand united for a stronger future.

There are Labor Day picnics, parades, and other events happening across the state. Find an event near you here.

5. Next Week

For the remainder of the summer, “This Week in Albany” will be published every two weeks. The next edition will be in your inbox on September 11.

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. A summary of the FY 2027 New York State Budget is available here.