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March 21, 2026 | Volume 44. No. 2

Hope is in the air this Spring

As communities all around New York State emerge from one of the harshest winters in a while, I have circled March 20 on my calendar – the first day of Spring. It is always a time of renewal and – dare I say it? – hope.

I am hopeful that after 15,000 union members from Long Island to Buffalo showed up for a massive Fix Tier 6 rally on March 8 in Albany that State lawmakers and the Governor will make meaningful changes to a pension system that does not treat all state workers fairly.

I am hopeful that the contract negotiations underway — led by PEF’s Chief Negotiator Mark Richard and VP & Contract Chair Darlene Williams – will result in across-the-board raises and other economic and non-economic benefits so that PEF members can provide for their families as costs for everything climb.

I am hopeful that the State Budget, which is entering its final weeks of negotiation, will show progress on PEF’s top priorities, thanks to the advocacy and letter-writing PEF members continue to do.

And I am hopeful that the victim of recent violence at Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility will receive a measure of justice for what they had to endure. The open letter this member wrote to the incarcerated individual responsible for the attack and DOCCS management who can help PEF advocate for changes to the HALT Act so it won’t happen again, is truly an act of courage.

Lastly, I hope you enjoy the other stories in this March issue of The Communicator and that you and families enjoy a happy and healthy start to the new season.

In Unity,

Wayne Spence
PEF President