THIS WEEK IN ALBANY

State Furloughs

Albany, N.Y.--  Governor Paterson is poised to implement furloughs for unionized executive branch employees, excluding employees who provide security, direct patient care, or whose jobs are 100% federally funded. Management and confidential employees would also be excluded from the furlough.

His proposal, which as of this e-mail has yet to be put into print, would require employees to be furloughed one day per week until a state budget is adopted.

CSEA is prepared to take all steps possible to stop these furloughs, including legal action.

Once the Governor has officially released his proposal we will be alerting all affected members. Please check http://www.csealocal1000.org for further information.

Join our brothers and sisters by rallying against the furloughs on Monday, May 10. Find the closest rally to you at CSEA's website.

Early Retirement Incentive

Governor Paterson has proposed a bill that provides an early retirement incentive to public employees. Part A of this proposal is a traditional plan that would offer one month of service credit for each year worked for up to 3 years of credit for targeted employees. All employers have to opt in, including the state executive branch.

Part B is a 25/55 plan. The executive branch will automatically be in Part B; however, all other employers will have to opt into this part. Employers can choose whether they want to opt for both Part A and B or just one.

We are still reviewing this bill and are awaiting clarifying language from the Governor’s office regarding certain provisions. Once we have that information we will release further details.

Charter Schools

The State Senate passed legislation that would increase the number of charter schools allowed in the state from 200 to 460.

This bill contains no increased oversight or accountability and will further drain resources from public schools.

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