The Legislative Session is in full swing here in Albany, following Governor Hochul’s presentation of her Executive Budget proposal last month. Between now and April 1, lawmakers will hold hearings and gather input from stakeholders like PEF as they shape the governor’s proposal into something that can pass both the State Senate and Assembly.
PEF’s Statewide Political Action Committee finalized the union’s budget priorities this week and we are actively participating in the hearings. Vice President Randi DiAntonio testified on January 30 about the State Workforce, making the point we’ve made over and over again – that so many of the problems facing New York State agencies stem from short staffing. The State must do everything in its power to attract and retain skilled professionals to deliver the public services promised to its citizens. To that end, we are advocating for three things – increased compensation, pension reform, and workplace culture. Professionals like you need to be well-paid for the work you do, you need to know you’ll be taken care of when you retire, and you deserve to work in an environment where you’re respected. Please help our Legislative team make the case to your State Senators and Assemblymembers by sending a letter pushing for PEF’s priorities, here.
One of those priorities is finding out more about a “transformation plan” that SUNY has put forward to transition many of the services offered by SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn to Kings County Hospital across the street. We have met with SUNY leadership, and they are very aware of how unions like PEF were blindsided by the announcement. It is our position that the staff who work at Downstate, which employs about 400 PEF members and thousands represented by UUP, deserve to have input into any final plan. The heroes who worked at the State’s designated Covid-only hospital during the height of the pandemic deserve no less.
We are also keeping a watchful eye on Gov. Hochul’s request that the legislature loosen the one-year notice period currently required before the State closes any correctional facilities. She is asking for just 90-days notice. Vice President Randi DiAntonio attended a rally at the State Capitol this week to represent PEF’s view – which is that 90 days is not nearly enough time for staff and their families to plan and make decisions about their future. In addition, we believe there is a good argument for having more space, not less, in today’s volatile prison environments.
Finally, February is Black History Month, and so in this issue we look at the critical role Black leaders have played in the labor movement. I am honored to be recognized this month by City & State magazine in their Power of Diversity issue, as well as named to the Black Power Players list created by PoliticsNY.com and the amMetro NY newspaper. I am proud to lead this union and thank you all for the trust you’ve placed in me. Please stay safe and always stay union strong!
In Unity,
Wayne Spence