Page 6 - Work Force September 2025

Federal advocates serve as voice for our union
‘I always want to support our union any way I can’
WHITE PLAINS — Martin Santangelo has sought out ways to step up as a CSEA activist in recent years, getting involved initially as a shop steward and committee volunteer while a Westchester County Unit member.
Later ramping up
that involvement
to include an
appointment to the
Westchester County
Local Political Action
Committee and serving
as a delegate to the Westchester-Putnam
Central Labor Body,
it made sense for
Santangelo to accept
the invitation when he
was asked to serve as a CSEA federal advocate.
“I always want to support our union any way I can, so I jumped at the opportunity when I heard there was a need for federal advocates,” said Santangelo, now a recreation
supervisor and City of White Plains Unit member.
Santangelo noted the harmful impact the recent sweeping federal cuts will have on our communities’ most vulnerable residents.
“Cutting Medicaid is going to hurt the elderly, our hospitals, and people who are at or living close to the poverty line,” said Santangelo.
That’s a message Santangelo has
shared with U.S. Rep. George Latimer while representing our union as a federal advocate.
While some federal advocates have the challenge of connecting with members of Congress who supported cuts, Latimer is on the same page with CSEA.
Latimer has a longstanding strong relationship with our union,
From left, City of White Plains Unit activist Martin Santangelo, U.S. Rep. George Latimer and Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body Executive Director Jenn Puja.
Guzman speaks up for what’s right
ROCHESTER — When Western Region President Steve Healy asked Catalina Guzman
if she would like to serve as a CSEA federal advocate, she was unfamiliar with the role.
Guzman
are heard.”
Guzman is focused on fighting
Medicaid cuts in the new federal budget. She knows the consequences will be felt deeply, not only by CSEA members, but also by the individuals they serve through state Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) programs and by rural communities where a single hospital may be the only source of care.
“Cuts like these could mean
job losses, longer wait times, and less access to essential services,”
said Guzman. “An already understaffed and overworked workforce would
be asked to do even more with less. At some point, it becomes irreparable.”
Guzman is
also a strong supporter of the Transparency and Accountability of ICE Operations Act, which addresses the lack of oversight in immigration
enforcement, and the Protect America’s Workforce Act, which
But after hearing
what it involved, she didn’t hesitate to say yes.
“I was truly honored he asked me to take part in this new role,” Guzman said. “Being an advocate carries a big responsibility, but it’s an opportunity to have important conversations with members and colleagues, to explain the impact of legislation, and to bring their concerns forward so their voices
6 The Work Force
September 2025
“I always want to support our union any way I can, so
I jumped at the opportunity when I heard there was a need for federal advocates.”
most recently when he served as Westchester County Executive.
“We feel like we have someone in the 16th District who has our back,” said Santangelo. “He hears our voice and echoes it when he has a chance to speak on the House floor. We couldn’t have a better congressman.”
While confident in Latimer’s
support, Santangelo said it’s important to keep the lines of communication open and relationships strong.
“George has always been a friend to our union, he’s always been with us, and has an open-door policy,” said Santangelo.
— Jessica Ladlee
would reinstate collective bargaining rights for federal employees.
As she puts it, the passage of the federal budget means she will be busy with sharing facts, educating communities and motivating members to act.
“What I look forward to most are the conversations,” Guzman said. “When people understand how legislation affects them personally, they start asking questions about how to make change. My motivation is preserving what we’ve fought for and fighting today to make tomorrow better, standing in solidarity with other unions and organizations to keep doing what’s right.”
— Sara McNicholas
See more on pages 7 and 8.
“Cuts like these could mean job losses, longer wait times,
and less access to essential services. An already understaffed and overworked workforce would be asked to do even more with less. At some point, it becomes irreparable.”