Page 3 - Retiree News Spring 2024

CSEA endorses State Sen. Tim Kennedy in Congressional special election
BUFFALO —
CSEA has endorsed
State Sen.
Tim Kennedy
in a special election to
fill the 26th Congressional District seat, which was recently
vacated by
former U.S.
Rep. Brian Higgins.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has set April 30 for the special election to
fill the seat, which covers parts of Erie and Niagara counties, including the City of Buffalo.
Kennedy, a Democrat, is running against Town of West Seneca Supervisor Gary Dickson.
CSEA has proudly endorsed Kennedy in the special election because he has consistently demonstrated his support for
our union members and the services they provide. Kennedy has championed Tier 6 reform and fought to keep Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center open.
As chair of the Senate
Transportation Committee, Kennedy has been a major advocate for work zone safety measures that protect CSEA members’ lives. Kennedy also spearheaded legislation to add cameras in work zones, increased penalties for violations and the “move over” law that requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for emergency and disabled vehicles.
“Kennedy's willingness to fight for what is right for working people is where he has earned my respect," said Western Region President Steve Healy. “That’s
exactly the kind of person we need more of in Washington, D.C.”
Kennedy is well known as a moderate Democrat and leading advocate for upstate New York. That experience and willingness to work across party lines is exactly what the House of Representatives needs, as it is plagued with turmoil, infighting and inaction.
CSEA will be involved in helping Kennedy in his campaign for Congress and the April 30 election. For ways you can help or to learn more, visit cseany.org/vote.
Kennedy (photo by Tim Kennedy for Congress)
Donald “Don” Brisky, Local 903, Unit 3 activist
Update your contact, beneficiary information
DUNKIRK — CSEA is mourning the loss of Buffalo- Niagara Frontier Local 903, Unit
3 Executive Vice President Donald “Don” Brisky, who passed away Dec. 28, 2023.
Brisky
Statewide Labor-Management Committee.
While employed at the DOT Sign Shop in Hamburg, Don helped lead successful efforts to pass legislation in 2001 that allows
the DOT shop to produce and
sell traffic signs for all New York state municipalities, which saved taxpayer money.
After retiring in 2014, Don continued his CSEA activism with Local 903, Unit 3, serving as the unit’s 2nd Vice President before being elected as the unit Executive Vice President in 2017. He also remained active with the Dunkirk United Steelworkers Retiree Chapter, as well as numerous community organizations.
Don had also served as a City of Dunkirk council member in the late 1980s.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; children; grandchildren and sisters. Services were held on Jan. 12, 2024.
As a CSEA Retiree member, it’s always important for you to stay connected to our union.
Please help us make sure
we have your most current information. Update us by logging into or creating your online member account at cseany.org/register. Once logged in, select “MY CSEA ACCOUNT” in the application dropdown box. You will need your CSEA Member ID Number, which can be looked up on the home page of our website at cseany.org.
If you don’t have a computer or don’t wish to update your information online, call CSEA Headquarters at 1-800-342- 4146. Our staff in the Member Solutions Center can update your information and/or point in the right direction for any questions you may have.
Even if you have updated your information, you are encouraged to call CSEA to confirm that
your most recent information is correct.
It’s also important to keep your beneficiary information updated:
• Pension: New York State & Local Retirement System. Website: www.osc.state. ny.us/retirement Toll-free: 1-866-805-0990.
• New York State Department of Civil Service Employee Benefits Division (for NYSHIP enrollees): 1-800-833-4344. All others: check your card for number.
• Employee Benefit Fund: Members with vision and dental contractual benefits.
Website: cseaebf.com; Phone: 1-800-323-2732
• Pearl Insurance:
1-877-847-2732
According to his obituary,
Don had been a union activist
for 48 years, first with the United Steelworkers and later with CSEA. He joined our union after being hired at the state Department of Transportation.
Don served in numerous CSEA leadership posts at the local, Western Region and statewide levels, including as president of the Erie County State Department of Transportation Local, treasurer and president of the Chautauqua County State Department of Transportation Local, Western Region Political Action and Audit committees and the CSEA/DOT
SPRING 2024
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