This Week in Albany – February 7, 2025

1. Executive Budget Highlight: Tax Relief and Revenue Measures

Each week, we’ll be highlighting proposals in Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget that are relevant to CSEA members.

The governor has included several proposals to provide financial relief to middle class families while raising revenues, including:

• A reduction in tax rates paid by married couples with incomes up to $323,200 who file jointly, for heads of households with incomes up to $269,300, and for single taxpayers and married taxpayers who file separately with incomes up to $215,400. The tax rates would be reduced in two phases: an initial rate cut applicable for tax year 2025 and a second rate cut beginning in tax year 2026.
• An inflation rebate that would send a $500 check to families making less than $300,000 per year and a $300 check to individuals making less than $150,000.
• An increase to the Child Tax Credit – up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child age four through 16. This is an increase from the current maximum of $330 per child.
• An extension of the personal income tax surcharge on high earners, which is set to expire next year. This affects individuals earning over $5 million annually and is meant to maintain state revenue levels to fund essential services and programs.

2. CSEA Transportation Testimony

CSEA submitted written testimony to the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Transportation that was held this week. In it, we focused on including provisions in the final budget to enhance work zone safety and protect our union members from violence. You can read our full testimony here.

 

3. Cabinet Confirmations – Russell Vought

Since last week, the U.S. Senate has confirmed five additional cabinet nominations, for a total of 13 confirmed appointments:

• Pam Bondi as Attorney General
• Scott Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy
• Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Russell Vought as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Russell Vought’s confirmation raises significant concerns for the public sector workforce. As a key figure behind Project 2025, Vought has supported policies like the reinstatement of “Schedule F,” which would weaken civil service protections and allow political appointees to replace experienced professionals. Vought has also advocated for significant budget cuts to non-defense discretionary programs, aiming to reduce government spending on social services, health programs, and public infrastructure.

Here are some examples of Vought’s perspective on civil servants, taken from his chapter in Project 2025:

• “The next Administration should try to limit the number of detailees [civil servants] to ensure more direct presidential control.” [p.38]
• Believes agencies should have a “minimum number of career detailees, who are selected and vetted politically and report directly to political staff.” [p.51]
• Wants to “replace all essential detailees [civil servants] with staff aligned to the new President’s priorities.” [p.52]

 

4. Next Week

 

5. 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: