Page 3 - Work Force June 2025

June 2025 3
The Work Force
“The successes we
achieved in this budget
were made possible
by the hard work and
advocacy of CSEA
members across the
state. Thank you to all
those who sent emails,
called legislative
offices, and met with
elected officials to fight
for CSEA's priorities!”
Final state budget
includes investments
in public services
ALBANY — CSEA is applauding Gov.
Kathy Hochul and state legislators
for including in the FY 2026 New York
State Budget multiple investments
in public services and the public
workforce.
The budget was finalized in
early May, 38
days after the
April 1 deadline.
The spending
plan includes
improvements on
civil service and
pensions, health
care spending,
education,
transportation,
child care and
aid to local
governments.
These
enhancements are
particularly important in helping
New Yorkers sustain a living and get
access to services they rely on every
day.
“We applaud Governor Hochul,
Senate Majority Leader Andrea
Stewart-Cousins and Assembly
Speaker Carl Heastie for investing in
public services and workers,” said
CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
“This budget will not only help
New Yorkers continue to receive
the services they rely on every
day but supports the workers who
provide these services. While the
federal government
is gutting vital
services and
cutting the federal
workforce, New
York state is making
these important
investments.”
The enacted
state budget
includes legislation
that extends the
work zone speed
camera program
for five years,
doubles the
number of cameras available to the
New York State Thruway Authority
and Department of Transportation,
and allows the New York State Bridge
Authority to implement this program.
The budget also includes a
25-year retirement plan for
firefighters employed by the state
Division of Military and Naval Affairs
(DMNA), giving them the fairness
in their retirement plans that other
professional firefighters receive. New
York State firefighters provide an
essential role in supporting military
missions while also responding to
local and national emergencies.
Also included in the spending plan
is the waiving of state civil service
exam fees for two additional years,
and the extension of the NYHELPs
programs by one year. Also included
in the budget are reduced taxes for
New Yorkers making up to $323,200
per year, inflation rebate checks for
families making up to $300,000 and
individuals making up to $150,000.
CSEA members across the
state had urged the governor and
lawmakers to include in the budget
safety improvements, DMNA pension
improvements and more.
Unfortunately, the spending plan
authorizes the governor to close
three state correctional facilities.
CSEA will monitor this throughout
the year and fight for our union
members’ protections. While the
budget did not include provisions
to increase penalties for those who
assault highway and DMV workers,
CSEA will continue to lobby the state
on behalf of members.
“The successes we achieved in
this budget were made possible by
the hard work and advocacy of CSEA
members across the state,” said
Sullivan. “Thank you to all those who
sent emails, called legislative offices,
and met with elected officials to fight
for CSEA's priorities!”
To read a summary of the enacted
budget, visit cseany.org.
At an event at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, CSEA members and
elected officials urge the passage of the 25-year DMNA retirement option. From
left, State Sen. James Skoufis, Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, CSEA
member and New York State Firefighter Nate Fort and State Sen. Patricia Fahy.
Southern Region Political Action Chair Chris Vogel speaks on behalf
of our union in favor of legislation instituting a 25-year
retirement option for DMNA firefighters. At left is Assemblymember
Jonathan Jacobson. Next to Vogel at right is State Sen. James
Skoufis.