May 20, 2025 — PEF’s hard work and legislative advocacy are paying off, with some of the union’s top priorities addressed in the New York State budget, which passed on May 8 after more than a month of extra negotiations.  From funding for SUNY Downstate and the New York State Museum, to defeat of the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact and additional body cameras for staff at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, PEF is making progress on key issues. 

“Given the uncertainty of the federal budget and the prospect of funding cuts to State services, this is a solid budget that contains many of the priorities PEF members fought so hard for, “said PEF President Wayne Spence. “We thank every member who engaged and made their voice heard by calling or sending a letter to your lawmakers. It really does make a difference.” 

But there are still hurdles ahead for PEF and for New York State, especially in the face of potential federal budget cuts. The budget allows the Governor to make cuts to the state budget within 10 days of any quarterly financial plan update that shows a deficit of $2 billion or more. The Legislature then has 10 days to develop their own reduction plan with the same level of cuts if they do not agree with the Governor’s plan. If they do not act, the Governor’s reductions become effective. 

For now, PEF is cautiously optimistic about the budget as currently written. 

SUNY Hospitals 

PEF has fought hard since early 2024 (link to Deb Egel’s Downstate summary) to advocate against the closure of SUNY Downstate Medical Center. PEF, UUP, NYC area clergy and other advocacy partners in the Brooklyn community successfully convinced New York and the SUNY system to provide $750 million in capital improvements and $100 million for operating the hospital.  PEF and its coalition partners continue to lobby to ensure that SUNY Downstate expands services while maintaining sufficient inpatient capacity to support the health care needs of the Brooklyn community.    

Additionally, PEF’s advocacy for SUNY Upstate helped secure more than $450 million so the Central New York-based state hospital can renovate its emergency room and other facilities. 

Interstate Nurse Compact defeated 

New York State once again considered allowing the state to enter into the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact for RNs and LPNs, essentially permitting nurses from other states to practice in New York State.  PEF has always held that New York maintains a much higher professional standard for nurses and many states do not have nearly the same standards.  

Thankfully, the compact was removed from the final enacted budget, a win for PEF and nurses across the state.  

There is still work to be done to support nurses in New York and help train the next generation. A bill supported by PEF currently moving through the legislature would give tax credits to nurses who enter a Nurse Preceptorship Program to offer hands-on training to nurses at state-run facilities. 

Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) Cut Defeated 

PEF also successfully defeated the Governor’s proposal to cut the IRMAA reimbursement to some state retirees which would have unilaterally increased their out-of-pocket health care costs.  PEF opposes any legislation that seeks to make unilateral changes to existing benefits that increase the costs, copays or premiums of retired public employees on fixed incomes.   

DOCCS body cameras and prison closures 

The enacted budget also includes an expansion of the use of body cameras for all uniformed staff at DOCCS. It also adds that civilian staff can use body cameras as directed by management or where there is direct supervision of an incarcerated individual. Additionally, the budget expands the role of the Commission of Correction while also providing legal or union representative during a voluntary interview with staff or incarcerated individuals.   

Unfortunately, the budget also included approval for the governor to close “up to three” correctional facilities with just 90-days notice. PEF does not support closing correctional facilities to address staffing shortages and believes the statutory current one-year notification is more just and considerate for staff and the community. 

Design Build expansion minimized 

Design Build allows New York State to use private construction companies to design, build and inspect infrastructure around the state. PEF has always maintained that public-sector workers can do the work for a lower cost and with better quality. Despite that, the legislature has repeatedly sought to expand the design-build program. The enacted budget implemented some of the proposed expansion, such as allowing pre-qualification for some vendors, but continues to exclude SUNY and CUNY institutions from design-build. 

More money for agencies 

In addition to the additional capital and operating funds for SUNY Downstate and SUNY Upstate, the budget also allocates $106 million in capital money to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo and $150 million in capital to renovate the New York State Museum in Albany, which is included in a $335 million initiative called “Championing Albany’s Promise.” 

Funds for additional Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) training and staffing funds for Forensics Facilities and OASAS were also approved in this budget. 

With the budget now signed, lawmakers will consider legislation to address issues not addressed in it. PEF has identified nine end-of-session priorities – from workplace bullying to further fixing Tiers 5 and 6 to making cost-of living adjustments permanent for retirees –and encourages every member to take five minutes and send our pre-written letters to your local lawmakers urging them to take action. Click here to get started. 

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