1. Get Out the Vote!
Every election is an opportunity to shape the future of our workplaces, our communities, and our state. CSEA members know that when working people vote, we win better wages, safer jobs, and stronger public services. Early voting is happening now and runs through November 2, and Election Day is November 4. Don’t sit this one out! Make a plan to vote and encourage your co-workers, friends, and family to do the same. Our power starts at the ballot box.
CSEA has endorsed candidates in all six regions across the state. You can find a list of our endorsed candidates here.
2. Federal Shutdown Updates
As a result of the ongoing shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is expected to run out tomorrow, November 1. This means that nearly 42 million low-income Americans, including 3 million New Yorkers, may not receive their November benefits. Nearly two-thirds of the funds needed for a full month of benefits are available in SNAP’s contingency fund, but the Trump Administration will not release these funds, arguing that that the funds are “not legally available” to extend regular benefits and are meant only for “natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.”
In response, New York and 24 other states have filed suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP. The lawsuit asserts that the USDA is legally required to utilize the contingency funds to continue providing benefits.
To help fight food insecurity during the shutdown, Governor Hochul has committed $106 million in emergency funding to food banks and emergency resource organizations across the state.
You can send a message to your member of Congress urging them to reopen the federal government here.
3. Federal Layoffs Blocked
A federal judge has blocked the Trump Administration from laying off additional federal workers due to the government shutdown. The order indefinitely prohibits shutdown-related layoffs for employees represented by several unions, including the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
4. Wall Street Profits May Boost State Tax Revenues
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a report showing that Wall Street profits are trending upward, a positive sign for New York’s tax revenues. If current trends continue, profits could exceed $60 billion in 2025. The state depends heavily on tax receipts from the securities industry, which brought in an estimated $22 billion in the 2024–25 fiscal year. This expected revenue growth could help offset the state’s budget deficits caused by recent federal funding cuts.
5. Take the Tier 6 Survey
CSEA has been fighting to reform Tier 6, securing big wins including reducing the vesting period from ten to five years; basing final average salary on highest three, rather than 5, earning years; and excluding overtime pay from employee contribution calculations. In the upcoming legislative session, we’ll once again be fighting to make improvements to Tier 6, and we want to hear from you! If you’re a Tier 6 member, take the survey here.
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 2025-2026 New York State Budget.
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