Page 3 - Work Force February 2025

Governor focusing on affordability for middle- class New Yorkers
Gov. Kathy Hochul, in her recent State of the State address, is prioritizing affordability for New
Yorkers.
In her January 14 State of the State
address, the governor focused on making New York more affordable, particularly as many people are still struggling coming out the pandemic, and facing high inflation.
Among Hochul’s proposals are lowering income taxes for middle- class families, providing inflation rebate checks and increasing the child tax credit.
The governor also proposed to extend the NY HELPS program for an additional year. Hochul will also propose to better protect highway workers by making permanent the
use of work zone speed cameras on the New York State Thruway and on highways maintained by the state Department of Transportation.
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan applauded Governor Hochul for her commitment to working people.
“Her focus
on affordability
for middle class
families is just what
our state needs
to bounce back
from record inflation.” Said Sullivan. “Her attention to our state’s safety and security is a major step toward making our communities safer.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at our union's 2024 Annual Delegates Meeting.
February 2025
The Work Force 3
Sullivan
As this edition went to press, the governor also had released
her proposed New York State Budget. Below are some of the main takeaways from the proposed budget; our union is reviewing the budget details. See cseany.org for more information as it becomes available. The final budget is due April 1.
CSEA will testify before the State Legislature’s Workforce Development and Labor budget committee hearing as part of the budget process.
“On behalf of all CSEA members, we look forward to working with the governor and the state legislature
to move New York forward,” said Sullivan.
Key details of the proposed New York State Budget
• Tax Relief: The Governor proposes tax cuts for individuals earning up to $323,200 annually.
• Inflation Rebate Checks: Provide New Yorkers with $3 billion in Inflation Rebate Checks.
• Joint filers making less than $300,000 - $500.
• Single filers making less than $150,000 - $300.
• Expanded Child Tax Credit: The budget increases the child tax credit to $1,000 for children
aged 0-4 and $500 for children aged 4-16.
• Civil Service Exam Fees: The Governor proposes waiving state civil service exam fees
through June 2026.
• NY HELP Program: The Governor also proposes extending the NY HELP program through
June 2026, providing continued support for the state and local governments still struggling
to recruit staff.
• State Operated Inpatient Forensic Treatment Beds: The budget includes funding for 100
new state operated inpatient forensic treatment beds in New York City to address critical
needs in mental health services.
• Work Zone Safety: On the safety front, the Governor proposes making the work zone speed
camera program permanent and increasing penalties for violators who receive multiple
tickets within 18 months.
• Assault Penalties: The budget also proposes elevating the penalty for assaulting DMV
examiners, motor vehicle representatives, and highway workers (employed by state, public
authorities, and local governments) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony.
• SUNY Funding: The Governor proposes new funding of $450 million for SUNY Downstate
Medical to transform and modernize it and $200 million for SUNY Upstate Medical to build a
new emergency department.
• Local and School Funding: The budget includes an additional $50 million in state aid for local governments and a $1.7 billion increase in funding for K-12 school districts.