This Week in Albany
May 29, 2026

This Week in Albany – May 29, 2026

1. Tier 6 Reform Victory

CSEA has secured the most significant reforms since Tier 6 became law. This is major progress that will put real money back in members’ pockets and strengthen retirement security for the future. Under the new law, effective Oct. 1, 2026, every Tier 6 member earning $75,000 or less will now pay just 3% toward their pension — 90% of all CSEA Tier 6 members. Under the old law, only about 30% of members paid 3%. This means more money stays in Tier 6 members’ paycheck.

Tier 6 members have long paid significantly higher contribution rates than members in Tiers 4 and 5, and these reforms deliver immediate financial relief while improving long-term retirement security. For members currently paying above 3%, this is effectively equivalent to a raise. Even if you already pay 3%, these reforms protect future raises from being eaten by higher pension deductions.

While many members may have read that teachers agreed to a different 30/58 retirement benefit, that change will not take effect until 2042 — 17 years from now. That means there is no immediate benefit, only a promise for the future. That proposal was not good enough for CSEA members. We fought for immediate relief and delivered real savings members will see in their paychecks now.

In addition, the budget also increases pensionable overtime earnings from $21,589 to $30,000, with a 3% annual increase for Tiers 5 and 6 members. This means more overtime earnings can count toward your pension calculation, helping boost final average salary and future retirement benefits.

CSEA will continue fighting for additional Tier 6 improvements. These victories did not happen by accident. From phone calls and letters to lobbying efforts and rallies, it took members, activists and retirees across the state standing together and taking action to make these reforms happen. Thank you to everyone who stepped up and made their voices heard. That solidarity is how we win!

CSEA will host a webinar on Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. to walk through these changes. Registration is required. Click here to register.

2. State Budget Passed

This week, the State Legislature passed the FY2027 budget. Eight weeks passed the April 1 deadline, this is the latest budget since 2010. Beyond the historic Tier 6 reforms, this budget includes several positive provisions for CSEA members, including:

  • An expansion of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program to all highways owned and operated by the State.
  • Increased funding for state agencies state-operated programs.
  • Additional funding temporary municipal assistance to cities, towns, and villages.
  • Additional funding for local highway and road programs.
  • Increased funding for SUNY, including additional capital funding for SUNY Hospitals and for critical maintenance at State-operated campuses.
  • Significant investments to put the State on a path towards universal, affordable childcare.

Full details are available in our FY2027 Enacted Budget Summary.

3. End of Session Priorities

Now that the budget is done, the State Legislature has only four scheduled session days left to pass other legislative priorities. CSEA is working to ensure that several of our priorities are passed before the end of session, including:

Click the links above to send a letter to your legislators urging them to pass these bills before the end of the 2026 Legislative Session!

4. Primary Elections — June 23

We need to vote for Tom DiNapoli on June 23!

Tom has been our friend for many years. He has guarded our pension funds from those who would use our money for their own purposes. If you are a registered Democrat, get to the polls and vote to protect your pension. Vote for Tom DiNapoli and ask your coworkers to do the same. Get involved using this link and for a comprehensive look at the victories we’ve shared with Tom, use this link.

For a list of all endorsed candidates, visit our website. Please make sure to check your registration status or register before the deadline.

Important Dates to Know:

  • June 8 — Deadline to change your address for the primary
  • June 13 — Last day to register to vote
  • June 13–21 — Early voting period
  • June 22 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot
  • June 23 — Primary Election Day and final day to submit mail-in ballots

5. Next Week

The State Legislature is scheduled to meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Thursday, June 4 is the last scheduled day of the 2026 Legislative Session.

 

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.

 


Civil Service Victories:
K-12 Victories:
Healthcare Victories:

 

 
SUNY Victories: Local Government Victories: OPWDD & OMH Victories:

 
Childcare Victories: Work Zone Speed Cameras: DMNA 25-Year Retirement:

Scheduled Maintenance: Our website and Mobile App will be unavailable on Saturday, June 13th from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM EST. Thank you for your patience.