Election Day in CD-3 is February 13!
1. CD-3 Special Election
Election Day for the 3rd Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Nassau County and Queens, is on Tuesday, February 13. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. However, there is still time to take advantage of early voting this Saturday and Sunday. You can find early voting locations and times for Nassau County and Queens County on our website.
The race between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip has garnered national attention, as Republicans in the House of Representatives look to retain their majority in the chamber, which they hold by a slim seven-seat margin. The results of this election are also expected to foreshadow the successes of Republicans and Democrats in elections later this year.
This seat was vacated late last year, after the House voted to remove U.S. Rep. George Santos from office. CSEA has endorsed Tom Suozzi, who has had a long relationship with CSEA, particularly with members in Nassau County. He has always stood with CSEA members and his work in Congress demonstrated his support for public employees.
2. U.S. Rep. Higgins Resigns
U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, who represents parts of western New York, including Buffalo and Niagara Falls, formally resigned on Friday, February 2. U.S. Rep. Higgins announced his intentions to retire in late November 2023. Gov. Kathy Hochul has until Monday, February 12, to announce the date of a special election for the open seat. CSEA has proudly endorsed State Sen. Tim Kennedy to replace Higgins.
3. Next Week
The State Legislature will be wrapping up budget hearings next week, with hearings on mental hygiene, taxes, and housing. The legislature will also be in session for three days, meeting on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
The Governor has until Thursday, February 15, to issue her 30-day amendments to her budget proposal. These amendments can be technical in nature or include wholesale additions. We will have a report in next week’s report on what was included.
4. 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.
5. 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: