NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators hold annual conference

The New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc. will hold its annual conference Friday, February 15 through Sunday, February 17 in Albany. PEF will participate in the conference by sponsoring a booth at the Career and Business Expo and through membership attendance at various events.

PEF has purchased a block of tickets for the February 16 labor luncheon, as well as the February 17 evening banquet. If you are interested in attending any of these events and would like more details on the cost, time and location, contact Kim Partridge at PEF headquarters at kpartridge@pef.org before February 8.

For a schedule of the caucus weekend events, go to www.nysabprl.org.

PEF reviews Gov. Cuomo’s 2013-14 state budget proposal

Gov. Andrew Cuomo released his 2013-14 state budget proposal last week, and PEF leaders have been taking a very close look at it.

“We agree with the governor that New York can move forward when we work together,” said PEF President Susan Kent. “But the union’s main concern is how some of the governor’s proposals will affect public services.”

PEF is opposing the expansion of the “Close to Home’ initiative where juvenile offenders will be moved from state-run facilities to secure settings with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services.

Another executive budget proposal involves the closing of two correctional facilities, Bay View in Manhattan and Beacon in Dutchess County. PEF is working to ensure the continued employment of members at these facilities, and analyzing how the closures will affect the communities.

PEF is also investigating the governor’s proposal for the state to have a greater reliance on the “Design Build” concept for infrastructure improvements which may shift work from state employees to private consultants.

“PEF will continue to advocate for government transparency through the passage of a cost-benefit analysis bill,” Kent said. “We will continue to review the budget proposals, with an eye on safeguarding public services in New York.”

PEF leaders await governor’s executive budget

PEF leaders will listen carefully and thoroughly review Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget when it is released January 22 to see how it affects state agencies and PEF members.

A statement will be released by PEF President Susan Kent after the proposed executive budget is analyzed.

PEF participates in Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration

The 15^th Annual Capital District Martin Luther King, Jr. labor celebration will be held Monday, January 21 at Hackett Middle School, on the corners of Delaware and Myrtle Avenue  in Albany from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Martin Luther King, Jr., Labor, and the Fight for Environmental Justice.”  The celebration includes presentations from area clergy members, a choir performance from members of the Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church, entertainment by the NAACP Capital District Student Outreach Program, and a presentation by Cecil Corbin-Mark, the co-chair for Healthy and Clean New York.

PEF will have a booth at the event and encourages members to attend.

PEF offices closed inobservance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

PEF offices will be closed Monday, January 21 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Offices will reopen for business Tuesday, January 22.