This Week in Albany - May 23, 2025

1. House Passes Reconciliation Bill

Early Thursday morning, the House of Representatives passed its budget reconciliation legislation, which includes the largest cuts in history to the Medicaid and SNAP programs. These cuts would create significant budget challenges for New York and its local governments in the years ahead. The state is projected to lose at least $15 billion in federal aid annually. All members of New York’s Republican delegation voted in favor of the cuts, while all Democratic members opposed them. This legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

In response, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, “This budget is nothing short of an attack on working people. It takes a chainsaw to public services, including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and food assistance programs that benefit the neediest New Yorkers. This is all happening because billionaires want to fill their wallets even more on the backs of working people.”

Read the full statement here.

2. School District Election Results

School budgets and board seats were on the ballot Tuesday, and the results were overwhelmingly positive for CSEA-represented districts. The vast majority passed their school budgets, and nearly all CSEA-endorsed board candidates won their races. CSEA members play a critical role in these local elections, where voter turnout is often low. When we show up, we make a real difference—helping secure budgets that support the vital work of CSEA-represented employees in our schools.

3. CSEA-Supported Bills Make Progress

Several CSEA-supported bills advanced out of committee this week, including:

S.4649/A.4016 (Cooney/Magnarelli): Increases penalties for failing to obey the state’s Move Over Law. This will deter the reckless driving that endangers highway workers and first responders.

S.6987/A.7833 (Harckham/Levenberg): Requires local social services districts to provide employees who work in the field with panic buttons that can alert law enforcement to their location in an emergency.

S.3913/A.3553 (Sean Ryan/Burke): Sets caseload caps of no more than 12 families for preventative services caseworkers.

4. 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.

5. Next Week

The State Legislature will meet on 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 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: