1. Final Budget Agreement Reached
The State Legislature and Governor Hochul have reached an agreement on the final budget. While the agreement has not been published in its entirety, two budget bills were released and passed this week. There are seven remaining budget bills that are expected to be released and passed next week. In the meantime, the State Legislature passed another budget extender, which keeps state government running through May 26. Given the time it will take to pass the remaining budget bills, the legislature will have limited time to pass other non-budget bills before the 2026 Legislative Session ends on June 4.
CSEA’s summary of the final enacted budget is expected to be released next week.
2. DiNapoli Posts Pension Returns
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that the New York State Common Retirement Fund delivered a strong estimated investment return of 11.94% for the state fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. The fund is now valued at $295.4 billion, the highest fiscal year-end value in the fund’s history.
This showcases Tom DiNapoli’s capability to manage the pension fund. An independent review of the fund’s investments found that “DiNapoli manages the Fund with the highest ethical, professional, and conflict of interest standards, and acts for the sole benefit of the retirement system’s members and beneficiaries.”
That’s why CSEA is proud to endorse Tom in his reelection for State Comptroller. He knows that this money belongs to the members of the fund and has been a responsible steward of every dollar. To learn more about why CSEA has endorsed Tom and to help support his reelection, visit our website. The primary election will be held on June 23, with early voting running from June 13 to June 21.
3. School District Election Results
Voters approved 96% of proposed school district budgets on Tuesday, including all budgets endorsed by CSEA. Statewide, more than three dozen districts sought approval to override their property tax caps this year, meaning their proposed budgets needed a 60% “supermajority” approval to pass. Of those seeking an override, 25 budgets passed and 13 failed, a 66% approval rate. To see how CSEA-endorsed school board candidates faired, visit our website.
4. Take Action: Fairness for Injured Probation Officers
CSEA probation officers are fighting for equity, and they need your support. If a probation officer is injured on the job, they receive only workers’ compensation benefits. This is despite the fact probation officers are law enforcement officials, while other law enforcement professionals, including police officers and correction officers, receive full pay when injured in the line of duty.
CSEA is fighting to give counties the option to provide these benefits to probation officers, but the state legislature must pass legislation to make that possible.
Send an email to your state senator and assembly member and urge them to pass this legislation before the end of the session using the link.
5. Memorial Day
On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. It is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy have come at a profound cost. As you gather with friends and family this weekend, please take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday: to remember the fallen and honor their sacrifice.
6. Next Week
The State Legislature is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The remaining budget bills are expected to be released and passed next week.
7. 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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