1. Federal Shutdown Updates
What’s Happening
Today is day ten of the federal government shutdown. As of this publication, the U.S. Senate has held seven separate votes on the spending packages, all of which have failed. Republicans in Congress are still pushing for a “clean” spending bill to fund the government through November, while Democrats are committed to a plan that includes an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to keep health insurance affordable.
President Trump Threatens Federal Worker Pay
This week, President Trump warned that there was no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a government shutdown, saying, “there are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of.” This means that the hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers, and those that are working without pay, may not be paid for the length of the shutdown even after a spending bill is passed. This reverses long standing federal policy and punishes workers who have no say over the federal budget process.
ACA Tax Credits
This shutdown centers on ACA tax credits, which reduce the cost of health insurance on the marketplace. These credits are set to expire at the end of this year. If these credits are not extended, insurance premiums will skyrocket for millions of Americans, including many CSEA-represented child care providers. In some places, like Tompkins County, a family of four receiving insurance through the ACA may see premiums increase by nearly $1,300 per month in 2026.
Take Action
We are calling on Congress to take immediate action: reopen the federal government and extend the premium tax credits that keep health care affordable for working people. Send a letter to your representatives and tell them to reopen the federal government and extend ACA tax credits!
2. State Agency Budget Requests
State Agencies must submit their budget requests for the next fiscal year by October 24. According to the Division of Budget, due to federal spending cuts, agency budget requests should not exceed their funding levels from last year. Governor Hochul has also asked agencies to prepare strategies to limit long-term damage to vital programs that may result from the deep cuts to federal funding.
3. Election News
Assembly District 115
CSEA has endorsed Michael Cashman in the special election to fill the open Assembly seat in District 115. This seat became vacant after Assemblyman Billy Jones stepped down at the end of August. Cashman is currently the Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor.
Senate District 61
Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who currently represents parts of Buffalo and surrounding towns in the 149th Assembly District, has announced his intention to run for State Senate in District 61. The district is currently represented by Senator Sean Ryan, who won the Democratic Primary for Mayor of Buffalo in June. Ryan, who is expected to win the general election in November, will hold the senate seat until December 31, 2025. A special election is likely to be held in March 2026.
Other Endorsements
CSEA has endorsed candidates in all six regions across the state. You can find a list of our endorsed candidates, here.
4. Voting Deadlines
October 25 is the deadline to register to vote in this November’s elections. If you’re mailing in your application, make sure it is received by your board of elections on or before that date. You can also register in-person at your local board of elections or any state agency on or before October 25. You can find more information about the 2025 elections, here.
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 our summary of the 2025-2026 New York State Budget.
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