1. CSEA Budget Testimony
The State Legislature is continuing to host public hearings on the FY 2027 Executive Budget proposal. This week, CSEA submitted written testimony to the hearing on public protection. Also held this week were hearings on health and local/general government. CSEA will be delivering oral testimony at the workforce and labor budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 25.
2. Delgado Drops Out
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who was poised to challenge Kathy Hochul in a June gubernatorial primary, has announced he is withdrawing from the race. With no primary opponent, Governor Hochul will advance to the November general election, where she will faceoff against Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
CSEA has endorsed Governor Hochul in this race. Under her leadership, CSEA has secured meaningful progress on key priorities, including reforms to Tiers 5 and 6, stronger work zone safety protections, safeguards to prevent employee displacement due to artificial intelligence, and more. You can learn more about Governor Hochul’s record and CSEA’s endorsement on our website.
3. Party Affiliation Deadline
Saturday, February 14, is the last day to update your party affiliation ahead of the June primary elections. New York has closed primaries, meaning that you can only vote in a party’s primary election if you are registered as a member of that party. You can change your party affiliation online, here.
4. New Traffic Laws Take Effect
New York State will be implementing new traffic safety regulations this month. Beginning February 16, passing a stopped school bus speeding in a work zone will increase from five points to eight points. CSEA supported these changes as a way to protect highway workers and other transportation employees that keep our state moving.
5. Pension Update
This week, Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office announced the NYS Common Retirement Fund reached a valuation of $297.8 Billion on December 31, 2025, up over $24 billion from March 31, 2025. Fund investments returned an estimated 12.50% for the first nine months of the fiscal year, well above the funds long term expected rate of return, 5.9%.
Under the steady leadership of Tom DiNapoli, the Fund continues to deliver strong performance, safeguarding the retirement security of more than 1.2 million members, retirees, and beneficiaries.
6. Tier 6 Rally
On Sunday, March 8, unions will come together at in Albany for a statewide Fix Tier 6 Rally! Hosted by NYS AFL-CIO, CSEA is supporting the event alongside other labor affiliates.
Where: MVP Arena in Albany.
When: Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with the rally running from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Registration is required! – Attendees will not be admitted without a ticket
Click here to register.
When you register, the website will tell you that you are waitlisted – organizers will process registrations next week and send you your admission information at that time
7. Legislators Not Seeking Re-Election
State Senator Michael Gianaris, who represents parts of Queens in Senate District 12, announced that he will not seek re-election. Since 2019, Gianaris has served as the Deputy Majority Leader in the Senate, the second-most powerful Democrat in the chamber. Assemblyman Keith Brown, who represents parts of Suffolk County in Assembly District 12, will also not run for re-election this year.
8. Next Week
The State Legislature is not scheduled to meet next week. They will reconvene on Monday, February 23.
9. 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 our summary of the 2025 legislative session.
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