1. State of the State
On Tuesday, Governor Hochul gave her 2025 State of the State address. The speech unveiled her priorities for FY26 Executive Budget, including:
- An “inflation refund” 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.
- Increasing 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.
- Reducing income taxes for joint filers making up to $323,200 per year.
- Extending the NY HELP Program for one additional year.
- Universal free school meals for all K-12 students in schools that participate in the federal school lunch program.
- Providing free community college for New Yorkers aged 25-55 studying in certain-high demand fields.
- $10 million for family childcare programs to cover small renovations and repairs.
More details will be available when the Executive Budget is released on January 21.
2. Tax Cap for School Districts
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that the property tax levy growth for New York’s school districts and 10 cities will remain capped at 2% for the fourth year in a row. The tax cap limits annual tax levy increases to the lesser of the rate of inflation or 2%.
3. Trump Cabinet Picks
Confirmation hearings have begun for President-elect Trump’s cabinet picks. The U.S. Senate held hearings for the following appointees this week:
- Pete Hegseth, nominated for Secretary of Defense.
- Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State.
- Pam Bondi, nominated for Attorney General.
- Scott Bessent, nominated for Secretary of the Treasury.
- Lee Zeldin, nominated to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Doug Burgum, nominated for Secretary of the Interior.
- Scott Turner, nominated to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Kristi Noem, nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security.
The U.S. Senate will vote on these appointments in the coming weeks.
4. Next Week
The State Legislature will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Executive Budget will be released on Tuesday, January 21.
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: |
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Virtual Training for CPS Workers: | Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: |
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