While the State Budget was due on April 1, the State Legislature and Governor Hochul have not yet reached an agreement. Negotiations have stalled, as the parties disagree over proposed changes to the discovery law in criminal court cases, expanding involuntary commitment for mental health treatment, and criminalizing certain actions while wearing a mask. Governor Hochul is also pushing a last-minute addition to allow candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run together in the primary rather than separately.
The legislature passed two budget extenders this week to cover government expenses, including pay for state employees, through April 15. If lawmakers don’t reach a final budget by Tuesday, they will need to pass another extender.
2. U.S. House Passes Budget Resolution
On Thursday, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a budget resolution that sets the stage for at least $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts—including $880 billion from Medicaid—to help offset a $5 trillion tax cut for billionaires. The U.S. Senate passed a similar measure last week. Now that both chambers have adopted a budget resolution, lawmakers will begin drafting legislation to turn these drastic cuts and tax breaks into law. Every Republican member of New York’s congressional delegation voted in favor, while all Democrats opposed.
Join the fight against federal cuts here!
3. Trump Targets Independent Labor Boards
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily allowed President Trump to remove National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox and Merit Systems Protection Board member Cathy Harris while lawsuits challenging their terminations move through the courts. Federal law protects members of these boards from being fired without cause. These boards play a key role in protecting workers’ rights and insulating civil servants from political interference. Allowing their members to be removed at-will threatens the independence of the boards and weakens enforcement of labor protections.
4. Special Election in Senate District 22
Governor Hochul announced that a special election to fill the vacancy in the 22nd Senate District created by the resignation of Simcha Felder will be held on Tuesday, May 20. The 22nd Senate District covers the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Madison, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay.
5. Rep. Stefanik Appointed to House Leadership
This week, Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents New York’s 21st Congressional District, was appointed as Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership. Rep. Stefanik is returning to the U.S. House of Representatives following the withdrawal of her nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
6. Next Week
The State Legislature is not scheduled to meet next week but will need to convene on Tuesday to pass another budget extender. It is unclear whether they will be in session for the rest of the week.
7. CSEA Legislative Toolkit
We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our legislative successes. Click the icons below for informational documents that you can print, share, and post on social media to spread the news. You can also check out the summary of CSEA’s work during the 2023-2024 legislative session.
Tier 6 Reform: |
Updating Civil Service Exams: |
Counting Provisional Time Towards Promotions: |
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Virtual Training for CPS Workers: | Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: |
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