It’s the legislature’s week off!
1. Commissioner Seggos to Step Down
Basil Seggos, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced Wednesday that he will be stepping down from the role after the end of budget negotiations. Seggos has led the DEC since October 2015, the longest tenure a commissioner has served in that department.
2. Gunther & Goodell Not Seeking Re-election
This week, Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, who represents the 100th Assembly District comprising parts of Sullivan and Orange Counties, and Assemblymember Andy Goodell, who represents the 150th Assembly District comprising all of Chautauqua County, announced that they will not be seeking re-election in November.
Gunther and Goodell have served in the State Assembly for 21 and 14 years, respectively.
3. Proposed Congressional Maps
Since last week, when the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) approved a new set of congressional maps, many Democrats have been vocal in their criticisms, urging the State Legislature to reject the IRC’s proposal. The legislature is expected to vote on this proposal next week. If they decide to reject, the legislature will then have the opportunity to draft their own maps.
4. Government Shutdown Looms
Congress must act to fund the federal government by March 1, when the first stopgap measure expires, and then on March 8, when funding for the rest of the federal government expires. In January, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a $1.6 trillion deal with the U.S. Senate to fund the government, though disagreements about where the money should be spent have persisted for several weeks. Now, the House Freedom Caucus is pressuring Speaker Johnson to put forward a year-long stopgap funding bill, which would trigger automatic 1% cuts to government spending. CSEA will be monitoring this situation closely to determine how any developments will impact CSEA members.
5. Next Week
The State Legislature is back next week, with session days scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The legislature is expected to vote on the proposed congressional maps.
6. REMINDER: PEOPLE Rewards
All PEOPLE contributors should have received an email from AFSCME regarding PEOPLE Rewards. AFSCME is transitioning away from rewards points and they are set to expire March 1, 2024. To redeem your points prior to the expiration, AFSCME has included detailed instructions on how to login to access the PEOPLE Rewards online store. Click here for instructions.
7. CSEA Legislative Toolkit
We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our union’s 2023 legislative successes. Click the icons below for informational documents that you can print, share, and post on social media to spread the news!
Ambulance Direct Payments:
Bumping, Retreating and Rehiring Rights:
Civil Service Exam Announcements:
School Workplace Violence Prevention Programs:
Counting Provisional Time Toward Probation: