1. CLARITY Act Fails
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted to block consideration of the CLARITY Act, a bill that would expose public pensions to extreme volatility and unnecessary risk associated with cryptocurrency markets. This vote makes it unlikely that the legislation will pass anytime soon. This is a huge win for public employees and retirees whose hard-earned benefits will remain insulated from these unregulated, unpredictable cryptocurrency markets. The motion failed 49-50, with New York’s U.S. Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, voting against.
2. Mail-In Voting
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s plan to change how mail ballots are sent to voters nationwide. The proposal would have given the U.S. Postal Service power to withhold ballots from states unless certain requirements were met. Mail-in voting remains available to any registered voter in New York. If you want to vote by mail, submit an application online by October 24. Filled-in mail ballots must be received by your Board of Elections no later than November 2.
3. Governor Hochul Stands with CSEA
Under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership, public employees in New York have seen significant, positive reforms to our pensions, benefits, civil service, child care and more. That’s why CSEA is proud to endorse Governor Hochul in her re-election campaign.
Governor Hochul has helped to deliver the largest reforms to Tier 6 since it’s inception, investing $215 million annually to reduce employee contribution rates and put money back in CSEA members’ pockets. At the same time, she has worked with CSEA to ratify the most generous contract for state employees in more than 40 years. She also signed first-in-the-nation legislation to protect local and state government employees from displacement by artificial intelligence.
Learn more about Governor Hochul and why she’s earned CSEA’s endorsement here.
7. 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. A summary of the FY 2027 New York State Budget is available here.
30/55 for Unified Court System Court Officers
Panic Buttons for Social Services Caseworkers
25-Year Retirement for Emergency Dispatchers
Full Pay and Benefits for Injured Probation Officers
Expanded Work Zone Camera Program