CSEA is applauding Gov. Kathy Hochul and her administration’s continued commitment to supporting the union workers who deliver services New Yorkers rely on every day.
Her State of the State address shows a strong commitment to improving the lives of working people. Shortly after the address, the Governor delivered her proposed budget, which includes several positives for CSEA members.
Affordability a top focus
During her recent State of the State address, the Governor focused on affordability. The Governor’s approach is multifaceted, with proposals to provide universal child care, reduce utility rates, cut the cost of auto and home insurance, and build affordable housing.
Beyond affordability, the governor emphasized proposals to keep New Yorkers safe, protect workers, invest in critical infrastructure, foster economic development, and protect the environment.
“Governor Hochul has made clear that working people matter, and we appreciate her efforts to address affordability and protect vital public services,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan.
With affordability remaining a top concern for members, CSEA supports the governor’s overarching goal to make New York a more affordable place to live and work. The growing strain caused by federal funding reductions continue to put pressure on essential public services and the public employees who provide them. Governor Hochul struck the right balance in responding to federal funding shortfalls while protecting the public services New Yorkers rely on.
“As always, the details will matter,” said Sullivan. “We look forward to working with the governor and the State Legislature to ensure these proposals truly deliver for New Yorkers.”
While pension reform was not specifically mentioned, CSEA has been clear fixing Tier 6 remains the union’s highest priority. The current tier continues to place an unfair burden on public employees, and CSEA will continue working to achieve parity with earlier tiers.
Budget includes positive items
Governor Hochul also recently unveiled her $260 billion Executive Budget proposal. Due to higher-than-expected tax revenues, the plan projects a $3.5 billion surplus in fiscal year 2027 and includes several positive items for CSEA members. Highlights include:
- $1.7 billion in new investments to work towards achieving universal child care in New York State.
- $39.3 billion in school aid, a $1.6 billion increase over last year
- $100 million in operating funding for SUNY Downstate Hospital to help ensure its continued operation.
- $174 million in new support for SUNY state-operated campuses.
- Maintain full funding for SUNY community colleges. Without this action, these community colleges would face a $61 million loss in formula aid due to enrollment declines.
- $330 million in new operating funds for safety-net hospitals.
- $50 million in additional assistance for cities, towns, and villages.
The budget also includes legislative proposals CSEA is prioritizing this year, including:
- Authorizing the use of body scanning technology to screen for contraband in juvenile detention facilities operated by the Office of Children and Family Services.
- Expanding the work zone camera program to include roadways beyond “controlled access” highways.
- Increasing penalties for assaulting DMV representatives and license examiners, highway workers, as well as other transportation titles.
- Creating a new offense for intruding into an active work zone.
In addition to these proposals, CSEA will be focused on securing meaningful reforms to Tier 6 in this budget. Visit cseany.org to learn more.