1. Federal Budget Cuts
This week, House leadership instructed legislative committees to find at least $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade. The Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees health care spending, and the Education and Workforce Committee, which manages federal funding for education and child care, are tasked with identifying a combined $1.1 trillion in reductions. These funding areas provide critical financial support to New York’s budget, and any cuts would significantly impact programs and services for the state, local governments, and school districts.
2. Take Action on CSEA’s Budget Priorities
CSEA is working hard to make sure our priorities are included in the final state budget—but we need your help! Use the links below to write a letter to your State Legislators and urge them to stand with CSEA on these critical issues. Your voice can make a real difference!
- Equity for DMNA Firefighters: We’re asking the legislature to include a 25-year half-pay retirement for firefighters employed by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs to get them closer to pension equity with other professional firefighters.
- Protect Highway Workers: We’re working to strengthen and expand the Work Zone Camera Program and increase penalties for reckless driving.
- Protect Workers from Assaults: We’re seeking stiffer penalties against those whose assault transportation workers at DOT, DMV, and Thruway.
- Support SUNY Upstate: We’re fighting for $450 million in capital funding to build a new emergency department that will better serve the community.
- Support SUNY Downstate: We’re advocating for $450 million in capital funding and $100 million in operating funding to keep SUNY Downstate open and operational.
- Support Safety-Net Hospitals: We’re pushing for more money for hospitals that provide critical care to vulnerable populations, ensuring they remain open and accessible.
- Stand Up for Retirees: We’re calling on the state to reject the governor’s proposed elimination of the IRMAA reimbursement, which would increase costs on retirees.
3. Executive Budget Highlight: SUNY Hospitals
Each week, we’ll be highlighting proposals in Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget that are relevant to CSEA members. This week, we’re highlighting SUNY Hospital funding.
Governor Hochul’s budget included $200 million in capital funding for SUNY Upstate. This funding will be used to fund a new emergency department, an expanded burn center, and additional operating rooms. CSEA is urging the State Legislature to include an additional $250 million, for a total of $450 million. The hospital needs this additional funding to complete these projects. These upgrades are necessary to ensure that SUNY Upstate can meet the growing demand for services, especially driven by the incoming arrival of Micron’s chip fabrication facility to the region.
Governor Hochul’s budget also included $450 million in capital funding and $100 million in operating assistance for SUNY Downstate. CSEA is supporting the governor’s proposal, as this funding is critical to stabilizing SUNY Downstate’s finances and improving hospital facilities, which will allow the hospital to remain open and able to deliver essential healthcare services.
4. CSEA Public Protection Testimony
CSEA submitted written testimony to the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Public Protection that was held this week. In it, we urge the State Legislature to establish a 25-year retirement plan for DMNA firefighters. You can read our full testimony here.
5. Next Week
The State Legislature is not in session next week.
6. 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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