THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

Bad Legislation Withdrawn After CSEA Opposition

As we told you last week, State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) introduced a package of legislation that targets the rights, benefits, and salaries of public employees. After CSEA met with the Senator and explained our opposition he agreed to withdraw the legislation from consideration.

The bills had called for a 5 percent public employee tax to offset the cost of benefits, a wage freeze for all public sector workers, and additional reporting requirements for collective bargaining agreements.

Push For Property Tax Cap Continues

After the Assembly passed a bill that would extend and strengthen rent regulations, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Center) and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R-Geneva) held a joint press conference calling on Assembly Democrats to pass Governor Cuomo’s 2percent  property tax cap, which has already passed the Senate. Governor Cuomo has said that while he believes a 2% cap is needed, he is willing to work with legislative leaders to come to an agreement on a bill that can pass both legislative houses.

State Legislators in Districts for Next Two Weeks

The State Senate and Assembly will be in their districts for the next two weeks to attend to constituent and district issues. The legislature will meet next on May 2.

Fight over Federal Budget Begins

After coming to a last minute deal to keep the federal government running for the remainder of the year, the fight now turns to the budget for next year.

House Republicans proposed a budget that cuts spending by more than $5 trillion over the next ten years. They would privatize the Medicare program and would shift more Medicaid costs to the states. Further, it would set Social Security on the path to privatization. Lastly, the corporate income tax would be eliminated and taxes on the wealthiest Americans would be lowered. For more details on this proposal, please visit the CSEA website.

In contrast, President Obama has proposed budget cuts that would lower the deficit while protecting vital programs. Under the proposal, Medicaid and Medicare costs would be lowered by limiting the growth in the programs and by finding other efficiencies. His proposals would also protect Social Security from privatization and would ensure that our tax code stays progressive.

To see other differences between President Obama’s proposal and the House Republican’s proposal, please visit the CSEA website.