1. CSEA Budget Testimony
The State Legislature is continuing to host public hearings on the proposed FY 2027 Executive Budget proposal. CSEA submitted written testimony to all three of the hearings held this week, on transportation, mental hygiene, and human services. CSEA will be delivering oral testimony at the workforce and labor budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 25.
2. Hochul Selects Running Mate
Governor Hochul has selected Adrienne Adams as her running mate in the election later this year. Adams was first elected to the New York City Council in 2017 and served as Speaker of the Council from 2022 to 2025.
3. New York State Democratic Convention
Friday, the 2026 New York State Democratic Convention was held in Syracuse. There, delegates met to nominate candidates for statewide offices. Governor Hochul won the party’s nomination, receiving just over 85% of the weighted vote among the state Democratic Committee. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli also won the party’s nomination, receiving 90% of the weighted vote.
4. 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
5. Legislators Not Running
Several State Legislators announced that they will not be seeking re-election in 2026, including:
- Will Barclay, the Assembly Minority Leader, who represents parts of Oswego, Cayuga, and Jefferson Counties in Assembly District 120.
- Vivian Cook, who represents parts of Queens in Assembly District 37. Asm. Cook has served in the Assembly for more than 35 years.
- Brian Kavanagh, who represents parts of Manhattan in Senate District 27.
6. Special Elections
Special elections were held Tuesday to fill vacancies in four State Legislative districts. Diana Moreno won in Assembly District 36, succeeding Zohran Mamdani following his election as New York City Mayor. Keith Powers won in Assembly District 74, filling the seat vacated by Harvey Epstein after his election to NYC Council. Jeremy Zellner prevailed in Senate District 63, filling the seat vacated by Sean Ryan after his election as Buffalo Mayor. In Senate District 47, Erik Bottcher won the special election to replace Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who was elected Manhattan Borough President.
Each of these newly elected members will serve the remainder of their predecessor’s term and will need to run again later this year. CSEA has already endorsed Assemblyman John Rivera in the upcoming June primary against Jeremy Zellner.
7. Government Shutdown Ends
Congress approved a spending package on Tuesday to fund the federal government through September, ending the shutdown. This package only provided funding through February 13 for the the Department of Homeland Security as Democrats push for changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats have proposed reforms that include requiring ICE to wear body cameras, remove their masks, and set use of force standards comparable to state and local law enforcement.
8. Next Week
The State Legislature will meet on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
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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