THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

 CSEA Members Fight Against Senate Democrat’s Layoff Plan

After CSEA caught wind of the Senate Democrats scheme for state layoffs and contract givebacks, CSEA members have come out in force to say that further cuts to an already depleted workforce would destroy essential services that the public depends on.

Please do your part and visit our website for flyers and call your State Senator to tell them, "No State Layoffs" or send your state Senator an e-mail to fight back!

Lieutenant Governor Ravitch Presents Five-Year Budget Plan

Lieutenant Governor Ravitch unveiled a plan to borrow $2 billion to help the state deal with its current deficit. The plan creates a financial review board to review the state’s budget and if the board deems the budget out of balance, it could grant the governor exclusive power to close any gaps.

Senate Passes Fiscal Relief Bill

The U.S. Senate passed a bill Wednesday that extends increased unemployment payments and the 65% COBRA subsidy until the end of 2010. The bill also extends enhanced FMAP payments for states until June 30, 2011. New York is expected to get $3.5 billion in increased FMAP funding, however, Governor Paterson has already accounted for this money in his budget. The bill will now be sent to the House of Representatives for passage.

The Week to Come

Tuesday, March 16 – Special election for the 13th Senate District in Queens.

For more information on any of these issues, please contact the Legislative and Political Action team at 1-800-342-4146.