Week ending November 22, 2024
This e-mail is 433 words, about a 2-minute read.
1. Congestion Pricing
New York City’s congestion pricing plan is set to commence on January 5, 2025, with a revised toll of $9 for most vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street, down from the previously proposed $15. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this change, emphasizing the need for funding improvements to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) while also aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the city. The MTA board approved the updated plan after Hochul had paused it earlier in June due to concerns over affordability amid rising inflation. However, several lawsuits have arisen from opponents attempting to stop this implementation. On December 20, a federal just is expected to rule on whether the plan can proceed.
2. Trump Appointments
Since last week, President-elect Trump has selected additional nominees for his cabinet. These include:
- Robert F. Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary
- Doug Collins as Secretary of Veterans Affairs
- Doug Burgam as Secretary of the Interior
- Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy
- Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation
- Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce
- Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education
Additionally, Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his bid for the role amid allegations of sexual misconduct. In his place, Trump has nominated Pam Bondi.
3. Pension Fund Post Returns
This week, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that the estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund was $274.6 billion at the end of the second quarter of state fiscal year 2024-25. DiNapoli said, “our diverse portfolio is built on long-term sustainable investments that can weather the market’s ups and downs, and is one of the reasons we remain one of the nation’s strongest public pension funds.”
4. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude and connect with family and friends. It’s a well-deserved break to enjoy good food and good company while reflecting on the past year. From everyone here at CSEA’s Legislative and Political Action Department, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving filled with comfort and connection. Due to the holiday, the next edition of “This Week in Albany” will be in your inbox on Friday, December 6.
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: |
|||
|
|
 |
|
|||
| Employee Notice of Records Disclosure: |
Minimum Age & Education Requirements for Exams: |
||||
|
|
