Page 19 - This Year in Albany 2025

Other Bills Passed
Memorials for Fallen Highway Workers
S.5997 (Gallivan) / A.6969 (DiPietro)
S.7706 (Harckham) / A.7843 (Slater)
CSEA Position: Support
These bills dedicate portions of the state highway system to
Jake Arcara and Stephen Ebling. In 2022, CSEA member and
Machine Equipment Operator for the Yorktown Highway
Department, Jake Arcara, was killed on the job by a
motorist who sped through a construction zone. In 2024, NYS
Thruway Maintenance Supervisor and CSEA member, Stephen Ebling,
was struck and killed by a car that crossed over hazard markings on the
highway. CSEA is proud to support these bills as a tribute to these fallen
workers. However, more needs to be done. We will continue to advocate for
proactive measures that protect highway workers before tragedy strikes again.
25-Year Retirement for ECMC Peace Officers
S.7143 (Sean Ryan) / A.7861 (Peoples-Stokes)
CSEA Position: Support
This legislation provides peace officers employed by Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) with a
pension equal to 50 percent of their final average salary after 25 years of service. ECMC peace
officers provide critical protection for patients, employees, and the public at the hospital. They
graduate from the police academy, carry firearms, and respond to emergencies and serious
criminal activity, like other officers. However, they don’t receive the same pension. This bill is a
step towards pension parity for these officers.
Cybersecurity Training
S.7672 (Martinez) / A.6769 (Jones)
CSEA Position: No objection
This legislation requires employees of state agencies, public benefit corporations, counties, cities,
towns, villages, and districts who use technology as a part of their official job duties to take annual
cybersecurity awareness training beginning January 1, 2026. These trainings will take place during
an employee’s regular working hours and will be paid time.
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