Page 3 - Work Force June 2023

Final state budget includes measures to recruit, retain public workers
2024
FISCAL YEAR
NEW YORK STATE EXECUTIVE BUDGET
GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL
ACTING BUDGET DIRECTOR SANDRA L. BEATTIE
FY 2024 EXECUTIVE BUDGET BRIEFING BOOK
ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators recently reached agreement on the final 2023-24 New York State Budget.
The $229 billion spending plan does not include any layoffs, facility closures, inpatient bed reductions or service reductions. The budget fully funds state agencies as well as providing additional monies to local governments.
The budget contains funding that will allow the state to continue to hire staff in nearly all state agencies in the coming fiscal year.
The plan addresses one of our union’s top priorities – recruiting and retaining public employees.
The budget allows the state Department of Civil Service to offer continuous recruitment exams for
open competitive positions, waives civil service fees from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025 and allows municipalities to do the same.
In addition, Civil Service has been charged with examining the state’s pay structure to ensure positions are competitive with the private sector.
“I am proud to announce CSEA was able to secure numerous wins, including new policies
and programs to help increase hiring in state
and local governments,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “While this budget was good for CSEA members, there is still work to do. As we approach the end of this year’s legislative session, CSEA will continue to fight for our legislative priorities.”
To see a full budget summary, visit cseany.org.
Here are some ways the final budget will benefit the CSEA workforce:
Allowing the Department of Civil Service to offer continuous recruitment exams for open-competitive positions, which allows exams to be offered more frequently and keeps hiring lists up-to-date. The Governor also dedicated funding to a “Public Service Matters” marketing campaign to promote public sector job opportunities.
Increasing state-operated mental health beds by 150.
Increasing funding for subsidized child care programs, including those run by CSEA/VOICE members.
Increasing the minimum wage and tying it to inflation beginning in 2027.
A 4% cost-of-living-adjustment for not-for-profit human service workers.
Providing $34.5 billion in education aid, a 10% increase.
Waiving fees for all state civil service exams from $ July 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2025, and allowing
municipalities to opt into this program.
Increasing Medicaid rates for hospitals and nursing homes. Providing $500 million in funding for distressed and safety-net hospitals.
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June 2023
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