THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

State Senate Democrats Considering State Layoffs to Plug Budget Gap

Senate Democratic Leadership is considering state layoffs and contract givebacks in place of revenue proposals put forth by Governor Paterson in order to balance the budget.

Instead of imposing a small tax on soft drinks, an increased tax on cigarettes and allowing the sale of wine in grocery stores, the Senate Democratic Majority wants to annihilate the state workforce.

In response to this proposal CSEA is targeting Senators in each region. You should visit our website for flyers and call your State Senator to tell them, "No State Layoffs."

You can also send your state Senator an e-mail to fight back against these layoffs!

CSEA Delivers Testimony at Hearing on the Use of Temporary Employees

CSEA testified at a hearing before the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees regarding the use of temporary employees.  (See original post below dated March 3.)

CSEA testified that the state has created a shadow work force made up largely of temporary employees who have been hired to replace positions left vacant as a result of downsizing and contracting out. CSEA said it’s time for state agencies to come clean about their real work force needs.  Please visit the CSEA INC website for the testimony.

Final State Budget Revenue Number

The Governor and leaders of the Senate and Assembly came to a final revenue number for the state budget. They agreed that revenue will be $850 million less than the Governor projected in his budget, which places the total deficit at over $9 billion.

Action Needed for Additional FMAP Funding

A vote is likely to place in the U.S. Senate early next week that would give fiscal relief to state and local governments. The bill would give New York $3.5 billion in additional FMAP funding.

Your action to get this bill passed is necessary! Please call Senators Schumer and Gillibrand at 1-888-460-0813 to make sure that they vote YES on H.R. 4213, "American Workers, State and Business Relief Act."

Shakeup in Congress

Congressman Eric Massa (D-NY 29) has said that he will not seek reelection in the fall and will resign on Monday, March 8 amid allegations of sexual harassment.  Massa has been a fighter for the labor community for the past several years.

Congressman Charles Rangel has temporarily stepped down from his chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee while alleged ethics violations are investigated by the House Ethics Committee.

The Week To Come

March 8-12: Legislative call-in week for OCFS and DOCS employees.

March 12: In-district SUNY Lobby Day. Contact your region coordinator for more information. Please send the Senate and Assembly an e-mail to ask them to say NO to SUNY flexibility.

For more information on any of these issues, please contact the Legislative and Political Action Department at (518) 436-8622.