05/21/2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Dear CSEA Family,
Budget Negotiations Concluding
The Legislature passed yet another budget extender this week to ensure Executive Branch employees on the administration payroll are paid on time.
Fortunately, progress appears to be made on a final budget. This week, the Legislature passed two budget bills — Education, Labor and Family Assistance, and Public Protection and General Government — and we expect votes on the remainder of the bills next week.
We will have further details on the budget once all budget bills have been printed.
School District Elections
School district elections and budget votes were held this week. Across the state, most budgets were approved by voters. Proposed budgets that were voted down were generally those that exceeded the property tax cap and saw low voter turnout.
A more detailed summary of school budgets will be available in This Week in Albany on Friday.
Primary Elections — June 23
We are one month out from the New York state primary election, and I need you to do one thing: VOTE FOR TOM DiNAPOLI!
Tom has been our friend for many years and is a dedicated and transparent steward of our retirement funds. He is constantly working to stop those who want to use your retirement funds for their own political and ideological purposes.
If you are a registered Democrat, get to the polls and vote to protect your pension. Vote for Tom DiNapoli and ask your members to do the same. Get involved using this link and for a comprehensive look at the victories we've shared with Tom, use this link.
We need all eligible CSEA members to get out and vote for Tom DiNapoli on June 23!
For a list of all endorsed candidates, visit our website. Please make sure to check your registration status or register before the deadline.
Important Dates to Know:
June 8 — Deadline to change your address for the primary June 13 — Last day to register to vote June 13–21 — Early voting period June 22 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot June 23 — Primary Election Day and final day to submit mail-in ballots Blitz News!
Every union action helps build a stronger union and a better future for all workers. One of the most powerful ways to build that strength is through blitzing — having members actively engage coworkers, share information and organize face-to-face conversations that grow solidarity and participation. Blitzing helps turn support into action, strengthens our collective voice and builds power. Now is the time to get involved, stand united and take action in creating lasting change.
Next up: Dutchess, Nassau and Chautauqua counties — get your name on the list!
Dutchess County — Tuesday June 2 – Saturday June 6 (volunteer by 5/24) Nassau County — Wednesday June 17 – Thursday June 18 (volunteer by 6/8) Chautauqua County — Tuesday June 23 – Saturday June 27 (volunteer by 6/15)
Where do I sign up for a blitz? Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer organizer or looking to get involved for the first time, your energy and participation are needed. To volunteer for any portion of the blitzes, please contact Jessica LaFountaine in Membership: [email protected] or 518-257-1451.
🏡 MEMBER BENEFIT SPOTLIGHT — Introducing a NEW Member Benefit: Sirva! 🏡
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? CSEA is proud to announce a NEW Member Benefit with Sirva. If you utilize an in-network referred realtor, you will receive $500 cash back for every $100,000 the house is worth. For example, if you purchase or sell a home for $300,000, you will receive $1500 cash back!
👉 Learn more about this exciting benefit by using this link. TRAINING — TRAINING — TRAINING
CSEA Constitution requires completion of new officers training within the first year of taking office. The deadline for most officers is September 11, 2026. Failure to do so will place you in violation of the CSEA Constitution. For all virtual trainings noted below, you can register on the links provided OR call your region office using this link.
President — Vice President Training
Virtual sessions for members in ALL REGIONS. Seth Leibson, Labor Education Specialist of CSEA’s Education and Training will lead these sessions. Use this link to register.
Tuesday, May 26 Thursday, May 28 Treasurer Training
In-person session for Region 4 members: Wednesday, June 10. Use this link to register.
Virtual session for members in ALL REGIONS: Tuesday, June 23. Use this link to register.
In-person session for Region 5 members: Tuesday, July 7. Use this link to register.
CSEA Work Institute
ERSE3 Test Prep Webinar
CSEA is offering a members-only test preparation webinar for the upcoming Employees’ Retirement System Examiner 3 (ERSE3) promotional exam, scheduled for Saturday, June 13. The webinar will cover test-taking strategies, arithmetic reasoning, written communication, customer service and supervision, along with study tips focused on the New York State and Local Retirement System.
The webinar will be held Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is available at no cost to members in good standing. Advance registration is required. Even members not taking the ERSE3 exam are encouraged to participate to strengthen skills commonly tested on many civil service exams.
Childcare Possible! Webinar
CSEA is offering another valuable virtual workshop for local government and private sector members focused on one of the biggest challenges facing working families — access to affordable, reliable child care.
The “Childcare Possible” workshop will provide members with information on New York’s child care assistance programs, along with resources and tools to help families find stable child care options and remain successful in the workplace.
The workshop will be held Wednesday, May 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. Members must first log in to our website before registering for the event.
DID YOU KNOW?
Each week during Member Appreciation Month, CSEA is proud to recognize members who show up every day and make a lasting impact where it matters most.
This week, we’re highlighting Angelo Sostre, a sanitation worker in the Town of Riverhead. Anegloe works alone, using heavy equipment to turn waste into useful mulch and compost for the community. Work like this helps promote a healthier environment in and aroud Riverhead.
"It feels good to know that what is being taken from the earth goes back to the earth and I get to help town residents," Sostre said.
Read more about Angelo on our page or Instagram.
Visit the New CSEA E-Store
CSEA has partnered with Velocity Print Solutions, a marketing storefront and warehouse distribution center, to offer new CSEA-branded apparel and promotional materials. The new e-store is now live and available for members to purchase CSEA swag.
The store features a variety of USA-made and union-made products. Visit the store at CSEA E-Store. The online store supports individual purchases, but for customized bulk orders for regions, locals and units, please contact Tony Johnston at [email protected].
Our goal with this new store is to provide products members want at competitive prices. Your feedback is important. Please contact the CSEA Communications Department with suggestions for products you would like to see offered at [email protected].
📬 What do you want to read about? 📬
I’m asking for your feedback on topics you’d like to see covered in future editions of this weekly leadership update. If you have ideas, please take the time to fill out our quick online survey. I appreciate your response.
In Solidarity,
Mary E. Sullivan
President
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