1. Joint Budget Conference Committees
This week the Assembly and Senate convened the Joint Budget Conference Committee, also known as the “mothership,” made of up leadership in both houses. The purpose of this committee is to reconcile differences between the Senate and Assembly budget proposals. Ten topic-specific subcommittees also convened, such as education, mental hygiene, and transportation, to work through differences in these areas. The establishment of these committees is the next step in the process as the houses begin negotiations with Governor Hochul to craft a final budget.
2. Take Action on CSEA’s Budget Priorities
Write a letter to your legislators and Governor Hochul on some of CSEA’s budget priorities! We need to keep the pressure on to ensure that these proposals are included in the final budget:
- Support for reforms to Tier 6. 📝
- Authorizing the use of body scanning technology to screen for contraband in OCFS juvenile detention facilities. 📝
- Expanding the work zone camera program to include additional state highways, increasing penalties for failing to abide by the State’s Move Over Law, and increasing penalties for speeding in a work zone. 📝
- Increasing penalties for assaulting DMV Representatives, License Examiners, and highway workers. 📝
- Providing 911 and emergency dispatchers with the ability to retire after 25 years of service. 📝
3. AI Commission
This week, Governor Hochul announced the launch of the “Futureworks Commission,” to guide response to impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on workers across the state. The stated goal of the commission is to advise on policy and private sector interventions which protect the economic security of workers while harnessing the economic benefits of AI. In the announcement, Governor Hochul also committed to extending training to State employees about how to responsibly use AI safely in the workplace. The State recently completed a Pilot program with over 1,000 employees and is evaluating steps for expansion.
This builds upon one of CSEA’s key legislative successes, the LOADing Act, which protects all public sector employees from layoffs, terminations, or reductions in hours/salary due to AI.
4. 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!
5. Next Week
The State Legislature will meet on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
6. 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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