1. SNAP Changes Take Effect
Last year, the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was enacted, which included significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As a result, beginning October 1, counties across New York State will be forced to absorb an estimated $168 million a year in additional SNAP administrative expenses. This is a permanent cost shift onto local governments. A breakdown of the cost increase by county is available, here.
Next year, costs will spike again. Beginning October 1, 2027, states will be responsible for a portion of SNAP benefit costs. For New York, this shift is expected to cost the state $1.1 billion per year. It is unclear if the state will pass on a portion of those costs to counties.
These added costs will strain budgets of the state and counties, making it harder to secure reforms to Tiers 5 & 6, investment in public services and infrastructure, and good contracts for CSEA members.
2. CSEA Endorsement Highlight
CSEA has endorsed Cait Conley for Congress in CD-17, which encompasses all of Rockland and Putnam counties, as well as parts of Westchester and Dutchess. Cait Conley is a West Point graduate and decorated 16-year Army combat veteran. She supports the PRO Act, which strengthens workers’ rights to organize and join unions.
Want to learn more? Join union members across the state for a “Meet the Candidate” Zoom with Cait Conley. The Zoom will take place on Monday, September 28 at 5:00PM. Sign up, meet Cait, and ask her what is on your mind.
To view all of CSEA’s endorsements, visit our website.
3. Support CSEA’s Endorsed Candidates
We will have many opportunities over the next several weeks for you to support CSEA’s endorsed candidates.
CSEA will be hosting a statewide virtual phonebank for Governor Hochul, Comptroller DiNapoli and Attorney General James on Thursday, October 1st from 6-8pm. All you need is your cell phone and a computer or tablet. We will provide a quick training at the beginning of the Zoom before we start calling. Sign up, here.
There are also several labor walks taking place this weekend:
Region 1
Labor Walk for Hochul/DiNapoli/James & Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26th at 10am
Location: 18 Woods Corner Rd
East Setauket, NY 11733
Region 3
Labor Walk for Hochul/DiNapoli/James & Congressional Candidate Cait Conley
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26th at 10am
Location: 2659 NY-52
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Labor Walk for Hochul/DiNapoli/James & Congressman Josh Riley, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26th at 10am
Location: 227 Warren St
Hudson, NY 12534
Region 4
Labor Walk for Hochul/DiNapoli/James & Congressional Candidate Blake Gendebien
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26 at 10am
Location: Canton, NY 13617
Region 5
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26 at 10am
Location: 812 State Fair Blvd
Syracuse, NY 13209
Region 6
Labor Walk for Hochul/DiNapoli/James & State Senator Samra Brouk
Date/Time: Sat, Sept 26 at 10am
Location: 30 N Union St
Rochester, NY 14607
4. Voting Deadlines
Make sure you’re registered to vote! You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at your county board or elections. Applications are due by October 24.
You can also apply for an absentee or early mail ballot online, by mail, or in person through October 24. Completed mail and absentee ballots must be postmarked or received by your county board of elections by November 3.
Early voting runs from October 24 through November 1. Election Day is November 3.
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.
30/55 for Unified Court System Court Officers
Panic Buttons for Social Services Caseworkers
25-Year Retirement for Emergency Dispatchers
Full Pay and Benefits for Injured Probation Officers
Expanded Work Zone Camera Program