Collective action is the cornerstone of union activism.
When legislators receive thousands of personalized letters from voters who live and work in their districts, it sends a clear message that the issue matters and people are paying attention and demanding action. Letters put a human face on issues and are a vital tool in PEF’s legislative lobbying efforts.
Sending a letter to your elected leaders is a powerful way to get involved. Take a few minutes to click the links below and send a letter today!
When we work together, we can make a difference.
At the State Level
Inequities in the New York State pension system have been identified as one of the main reasons why employees leave state service. The Tier 6 plan for workers hired after 2012 provides lower benefits, and while there have been several legislative wins thanks to labor’s advocacy, more needs to be done to improve the pension and attract and retain talented individuals to state service. Send a message to your elected officials urging them to support changes to the retirement age and contribution levels so that members in Tiers 5 and 6 can achieve pension equity with members in Tier 4.
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Preserve the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for State Retirees
Year after year, the Governor tries to achieve savings on the backs of retired public servants by ceasing reimbursement of the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for “higher” income state retirees. If you agree with PEF that it’s shortsighted and a disservice to retirees who live on fixed incomes, please write your elected representatives today!
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Maintain Skilled Nursing Care for State Retirees
Show your support for legislation that would allow for the state’s insurance to continue as secondary insurance when New York State retirees are required to enroll in Medicare, ensuring they receive the same level of treatment for skilled nursing care.
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Improve Security and Safety for all at DOCCS
Over the last decade, assaults against staff working in New York’s correctional facilities have tripled and assaults against other incarcerated individuals have more than doubled. It is long past time for a suite of reforms at DOCCS to make conditions inside facilities safer for everyone. Urge your legislators to enact crucial changes!
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Addressing Workplace Violence and Assaults on Public Employees
Tell your elected officials to support legislation to address ongoing safety issues at state agencies, most urgently at DOCCS, OCFS, OPWDD, and OMH. Those four agencies reported more than 12,000 assaults and injuries in the 2023-24 “Annual Report of NYS Government Employees’ Workers’ Compensation Claims,” costing the state more than 259,000 lost days of labor and $30.5 million in workers’ compensation. Let your legislators know that all public employees deserve to be fully protected while at work!
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At the Federal Level
Support Students With Disabilities and Properly Fund the U.S. Department of Education
The Trump Administration’s gutting of the U.S. Department of Education is deeply concerning and will cause immense harm to all students, and especially those with disabilities who rely on federal funding for key special education services and support. It will also directly impact members of the New York State Education Department, many of whom are PEF members. Take a moment to send a message to your federal elected officials urging them to fight back on draconian funding cuts and ensure students have access to vital educational services.
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