State budget passed for 2013-14, PEF responds

For the third year in a row, the state budget has been passed on time by Albany’s lawmakers. PEF played an integral role in the state budget process by meeting with legislators and sharing its concerns and solutions to keep vital state services alive in New York.

PEF leaders will be monitoring the cuts in the $135 billion budget to see how they will affect statewide community services, such as the $120 million cut in programs that cares for developmentally-disabled children and adults in group homes.

PEF’s full response to the state budget will be posted on its website and also in a story in the upcoming April issue of The Communicator.

Longevity awards, performance advances will be issued in April

The Office of the State Comptroller has released the information for the payment of the April 2013 Performance (Longevity) Awards, and Performance Advances.

The Longevity Awards will be issued in separate checks. Members on the Institution payroll will receive a check dated April 18, 2013. Those on the Administration payroll will receive their check dated April 24, 2013.

The base salary change or performance advances for eligible employees will take place in the April 24, 2013 paycheck for those on the Administrative payroll. For those on the Institution payroll, the change will be seen in the paycheck dated May 2, 2013.

For more information or questions about eligibility, contact your PEF Field Representative.

PEF leaders watch as lawmakers try to get a state budget passed

PEF leaders are keeping a close eye on the state budget proceedings, as elected officials met over the weekend voting on legislation. PEF leaders and members have been meeting with lawmakers throughout the process, urging for support and specific language that would stop the privatization of SUNY hospitals, the Office of Children and Family Services, as well as stopping cuts into services at the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities and Office of Mental Health. PEF also pushed for legislation that would make the governor’s design-build program more cost-effective by using the public services provided by the state Department of Transportation.

PEF’s budget priorities get final push, time for action is now

The governor’s Executive Budget proposal for 2013-14 is expected to be voted on before the end of the month. In addition to a strong PEF presence at Lobby Day last week, PEF leaders will continue to express their concerns and solutions to elected officials. Members are also being urged to contact their local representatives.

PEF President Susan Kent said, “We must continue to vigorously advocate for our budget priorities. The timetable for action is now, as we anticipate the budget will be passed within the next ten day. I’m calling on all PEF members to get active to ensure the state Assembly and Senate members continue to support PEF’s priority issues as reflected in their one house bills. It is equally important for PEF members to participate in our campaign to have the Assembly and Senate make changes to their one house bills that do not currently support our priority issues.

For information on the bills, and to contact your representative, visit the PEF website.

Somos El Futuro Conference runs March 22-24

The 26^th Annual Somos El Futuro Conference is being held March 22-24 at the Empire State Plaza and Convention Center in Albany.

PEF will participate in this event by sponsoring a booth at the exhibit area. PEF has also purchased a block of tickets for the gala dinner Saturday, March 23. The tickets are available for purchase by PEF Divisions or individual members at the cost of $250 each. Additional tickets are available by calling (518) 380-6003. An agenda of the event is available at www.somoselfuturo.org.