1. CSEA Testimony
On Wednesday, CSEA gave testimony before the State Legislature on the 2026 Executive Budget. We spoke about an array of issues important to CSEA members, including:
- Reducing Tier 6 contributions to 3%
- Expanding the work zone camera program to better protect highway workers
- Providing panic buttons to social services caseworkers
Several other issues were discussed or included in our written testimony. You can watch our testimony, here or read our written submission.
2. Take Action on CSEA Priorities
As budget negotiations continue, lawmakers are making decisions that will directly impact CSEA members’ jobs, safety, and the services they provide every day. Now is the time to make sure your voice is part of that conversation. Click the links below to send a message to your legislators on CSEA’s budget priorities:
- Fix Tier 6: Reduce employee contribution rates for Tier 6 members.
- Keep Highway Workers Safe: Expand the work zone camera program to all state-owned highways.
- Protect DMV Employees from Assault: Increase the penalties for assaulting DMV employees.
- Support Child Care Providers: Lower the age of supervision for infants in home-based settings.
- Protect Caseworkers: Provide social services caseworkers with panic buttons.
- Fair Retirement for Emergency Dispatchers: Provide 911 and emergency dispatchers with the ability to retire after 25-years of service.
- Improve Pensions for Court Officers: Allow Court Officers and Peace Officers employed by the Unified Court System to retire after 30 years of service at age 55.
- Stand up for Retirees: Reject the governor’s proposal to eliminate the state’s IRMAA reimbursement.
3. State Revenue Projections
As part of the State Budget process, the Assembly, Senate, and Governor must agree on how much tax revenue New York is expected to collect in the coming year. That forecast sets the framework for every budget decision that follows. This week, the Senate and Assembly released projections estimating that revenues will come in between $1.5 and $1.9 billion higher than the Governor’s forecast. If realized, that additional revenue could provide meaningful resources to support programs CSEA members rely on and advance priority initiatives such as Tier 6 reform.
The next step is for the Assembly, Senate, and Governor to reconcile their differing projections and reach a consensus on expected revenues. That agreement will establish a shared baseline prior to the release of one-house budget proposals and the final budget negotiations that follow.
4. Legislators Not Running
David McDonough and Daniel Norber, who represent parts of Nassau County in Assembly Districts 14 and 16, respectively, have announced that they will not seek re-election.
Numerous incumbents have announced that they are not running, or are running for a different office. We will provide a full list in the coming weeks.
5. Volunteer for Tom DiNapoli
New York’s public employees and retirees deserve a Comptroller who will fight every day to protect their hard-earned pensions. CSEA has proudly endorsed Tom DiNapoli because he has done that for decades, safeguarding the retirement fund and making sure your retirement security is never left to chance.
Now it’s our turn to step up. Whether you can knock on doors, make phone calls, talk to coworkers, or help spread the word online, every action matters.
Sign up to help re-elect Tom DiNapoli as New York State Comptroller!
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. Next Week
The State Legislature will meet on Wednesday and Thursday.
8. 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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