As of this writing (May 6, 2025), Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature have reportedly reached a deal on the “conceptual framework” of the State’s next budget, but the bills that allocate all the money are not yet printed and so we don’t have details to share in this issue. As soon as they are, the PEF Legislative Department will analyze them and report to the membership on status of the union’s various budget priorities.
What we do know is that the volatile federal government could slash New York’s budget even further by taking away federal funding for various programs, and if that happens, the Governor and Legislature will be right back in Albany to amend the budget. Rest assured that your union will continue advocating for you! We’re still soliciting testimonials from members about how federal funding cuts could impact the services you deliver and the patients who depend on them. Visit www.pef.org/stop-the-cuts to learn about ways you can get involved.
While we can’t yet report on the budget, this issue features a wealth of information shared during the most recent Telephone Town Hall, including details on all the contract money that paid out last month and negotiations for a successor contract. In addition, PEF’s Department of Civil Service Enforcement/Research shared details about the status of the State’s total compensation study that PEF and other unions pushed hard for; and MIS announced the launch of the PEF app, the newest way for you to stay connected to your union. Visit www.pef.org/app for details on how to download.
Our Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony on April 28 highlighted the importance of continuing to fight for safer workplaces, and how unions have always been at the forefront of protecting workers. In this issue, we report on how PEF is supporting a member at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Suffolk County on Long Island after she was sexually assaulted by a patient with prior offenses.
Finally, a tip of my PEF cap to our Organizing Department. Director of Organizing Scott Harms was asked to speak recently to other SEIU labor organizations about how PEF is increasing its membership despite the difficult conditions for labor nationwide. We continue to be one of SEIU’s top public-sector unions in terms of signing up new members, and preventing others from dropping their membership. I’d like to think that’s because the professional, scientific and technical members of PEF know a good value when they see one! Thank you for your membership and I wish you all a good start to your summer.