ALBANY — CSEA is applauding Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators for including in the FY 2026 New York State Budget multiple investments in public services and the public workforce.
The budget was finalized in early May, 38 days after the April 1 deadline. The spending plan includes improvements on civil service and pensions, health care spending, education, transportation, child care and aid to local governments.
These enhancements are particularly important in helping New Yorkers sustain a living and get access to services they rely on every day.
“We applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for investing in public services and workers,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
“This budget will not only help New Yorkers continue to receive the services they rely on every day but supports the workers who provide these services. While the federal government is gutting vital services and cutting the federal workforce, New York state is making these important investments.”
The enacted state budget includes legislation that extends the work zone speed camera program for five years, doubles the number of cameras available to the New York State Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation, and allows the New York State Bridge Authority to implement this program.
The budget also includes a 25-year retirement plan for firefighters employed by the state Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA), giving them the fairness in their retirement plans that other professional firefighters receive. New York State firefighters provide an essential role in supporting military missions while also responding to local and national emergencies.
Also included in the spending plan is the waiving of state civil service exam fees for two additional years, and the extension of the NYHELPs programs by one year. Also included in the budget are reduced taxes for New Yorkers making up to $323,200 per year, inflation rebate checks for families making up to $300,000 and individuals making up to $150,000.
CSEA members across the state had urged the governor and lawmakers to include in the budget safety improvements, DMNA pension improvements and more.
Unfortunately, the spending plan authorizes the governor to close three state correctional facilities.
CSEA will monitor this throughout the year and fight for our union members’ protections. While the budget did not include provisions to increase penalties for those who assault highway and DMV workers, CSEA will continue to lobby the state on behalf of members.
“The successes we achieved in this budget were made possible by the hard work and advocacy of CSEA members across the state,” said Sullivan. “Thank you to all those who sent emails, called legislative offices, and met with elected officials to fight for CSEA’s priorities!”
To read a summary of the enacted budget, visit cseany.org.
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- At an event at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, CSEA members and elected officials urge the passage of the 25-year DMNA retirement option. From left, State Sen. James Skoufis, Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, CSEA member and New York State Firefighter Nate Fort and State Sen. Patricia Fahy.
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- Southern Region Political Action Chair Chris Vogel speaks on behalf of our union in favor of legislation instituting a 25-year retirement option for DMNA firefighters. At left is Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson. Next to Vogel at right is State Sen. James Skoufis.
