THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

Attacks Against Public Employees

This week, CSEA’s Legislative and Political Action Department compiled a report detailing attacks by state elected officials against public employees. The report shows that attacks on public employees do not respect state boundaries, regions of the country, or political parties.

To review this document, please visit the CSEA website.

Special Elections Take Shape

As expected, Governor Andrew Cuomo set a date for special elections for six vacant Assembly seats and the 9th Congressional District, formerly held by Anthony Weiner, on September 13.

In addition to the 9th District, the current Assembly districts with vacancies to be filled are:

• 23rd Assembly District

• 27th Assembly District

• 54th Assembly District

• 73rd Assembly District

• 116th Assembly District

• 144th Assembly District

On Thursday, it was announced that Assemblyman David Weprin has been chosen as the Democratic candidate in the race to fill former Rep. Anthony Weiner’s seat in the 9th Congressional District. Weprin, a former New York City Councilman, also ran in 2009 in an unsuccessful bid for New York City Comptroller. The Republicans have yet to announce a candidate.

Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Added to Debt Ceiling Negotiations

As federal government leaders try to reach a deal on a deficit reduction plan, one thing has become increasingly clear: No federal program is safe.

The Obama administration has raised its goal for targeted savings from $2.4 trillion to $4 trillion over the next ten years in an attempt to stave off a freeze on national borrowing authority and the first ever default on the nation’s debt.

The Obama administration is reportedly open to cutting Medicare and Medicaid by up to $400 billion, and to reforming the Social Security system, although details are not yet available regarding these reforms. The President appears to be using cuts to these so-called “entitlement programs” to gain support for other measures, such as eliminating tax loop holes for the wealthy.

The U.S. Treasury would be unable to meet about half of its obligations if the debt ceiling is not raised by August 2. The results would be “catastrophic” according to the Treasury Department. At risk would be everything from Social Security payments, aid to states, Medicaid assistance, and federal government employee and military salaries.