This Week in Albany – February 21, 2025

1. Governor Hochul’s 30-Day Amendments

On Thursday evening, Governor Hochul released amendments to the Executive Budget. CSEA is still reviewing these amendments to determine impact on members. However, the amendments include a provision that would allow the governor to close up to five state correctional facilities within 90 days.

While the governor can already choose to close a state correctional facility at any time, existing law requires a 12-month notice before closure. Closing correctional facilities will have a devastating economic impact, particularly if done on such short notice. Employees will be forced to uproot their lives to continue providing for their families, putting a strain on communities and local businesses that rely on these working people and their economic activity. CSEA is strongly opposed to this proposal.

2. Federal Budget

Early Friday morning, the U.S. Senate passed a budget resolution along party lines, allocating $340 billion in funding for defense and border security. This budget serves as a backup plan in case House Republicans cannot agree on a more comprehensive budget that includes President Trump’s proposed tax cuts and $1.5 trillion in cuts to federal programs. To finalize a budget, both chambers must reach an agreement.

3. Executive Budget Highlight: Waiving Civil Service Fees

Each week, we’ll be highlighting proposals in Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget that are relevant to CSEA members. This week, we’re highlighting the civil service exam fee waiver.

The state has already waived civil service exam fees from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025, with an option for localities to opt in. Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget extends this waiver through June 30, 2026. While CSEA is supportive of this extension, we believe it’s necessary to waive the fees for an additional two years, through 2027.

The public sector workforce is in constant competition with the private sector, where a person does not have to pay a fee to apply for a job. Civil service exam fees serve only as a barrier to employment, especially for those who are economically disadvantaged.

4. Take Action

We’re urging all CSEA members to send letters to their State Senators and Assemblymembers in support of our budget priorities. Hundreds of letters have already been sent, but we need to keep pushing! If you haven’t yet, make sure to send a letter at the links below and share with family and friends.

• Equity for DMNA Firefighters: 25-year half-pay retirement for firefighters employed by the Division of Military and Naval Affairs in order to recruit and retain these critical first responders at our state’s Air National Guard bases.

• Protect Highway Workers: Strengthen and expand the Work Zone Camera Program and increase penalties for reckless driving.

• Protect Workers from Assaults: Stiffer penalties against those whose assault transportation workers at DOT, DMV, and Thruway.

• Support SUNY Upstate: $450 million in capital funding to build a new emergency department that will better serve the community.

• Support SUNY Downstate: $450 million in capital funding and $100 million in operating funding to keep SUNY Downstate open and operational.

• Support Safety-Net Hospitals: Additional money for hospitals that provide critical care to vulnerable populations, ensuring they remain open and accessible.

• Stand Up for Retirees: Reject the governor’s proposed elimination of the IRMAA reimbursement, which would increase costs on retirees.

5. 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:
	Employee Notice of Records Disclosure:		Virtual Training for CPS Workers:		Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: