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Collective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\nCollective action is the cornerstone of union activism.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sending a letter to your elected leaders is a powerful way to get involved. Take a few minutes to click the links below<\/strong> and send a letter today!<\/p>\n When we work together, we can make a difference.<\/p>\n At the State Level<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fix Tier 6 \u2013 Pension Reform<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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. Preserve the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) for State Retirees<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n 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 \u201chigher\u201d 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! Expand the Use of Body Scanners at OCFS, OMH, OPWDD<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n There has been a surge in assaults and violence against patients and staff in various State facilities. PEF is calling on lawmakers to allocate budgetary funds to deploy body scanners at OCFS, OMH, and OPWDD just like they do at DOCCS facilities so they can detect any smuggling attempts of weapons and other contraband. Maintain Skilled Nursing Care for State Retirees<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Show your support for legislation that would allow for the state\u2019s 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. Improve Security and Safety for all at DOCCS<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Over the last decade, assaults against staff working in New York\u2019s 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! Addressing Workplace Violence and Assaults on Public Employees<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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 \u201cAnnual Report of NYS Government Employees\u2019 Workers\u2019 Compensation Claims,\u201d 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! Funding for SUNY Hospitals<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Governor Kathy Hochul has committed to long-overdue investments at state-operated hospitals. These hospitals care for our most vulnerable communities, train new doctors and lead the charge in research and developing new ways to care for New Yorkers. Now, we need PEF to make the call for funding to make sure it gets to the hospitals that need it most! Opposition to the Transfer of Oversight for Medical Professionals<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n
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\n<\/span>Begin Writing Here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\nPEF is in opposition of the Governor\u2019s plan to transfer licensure and oversight of physicians, physician assistants and special assistants from the State Education Department to the Department of Health. \u00a0This plan would put politics ahead of professionalism. The State Education Department is independent and has done the job of keeping medical professionals accountable and protected for decades. Tell your legislators to say \u201cno\u201d to the transfer!<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBegin Writing Here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nMake the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act Permanent<\/a><\/b><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\nIn 2014, the Nurse Practitioner Modernization Act standardized and expanded the independent scope of Nurse Practitioners, making it clear that Nurse Practitioners are capable of diagnosing and treating patients without a supervision requirement. In 2022, the legislature and the Governor eliminated statutory requirements that would require Nurse Practitioners with more than 3,600 hours of practice to maintain collaborative relationships with physicians or hospitals. That requirement was extended before its expiration in 2024. Now, in June 2026, it is facing expiration again. But there is support for making this practice permanent. Tell your legislators that extension of this critical act is needed for PEF members, for Nurse Practitioners and for all New Yorkers!<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBegin Writing Here<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nIncrease funding for the Office of Cultural Education\/State Museum<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\nFor over 20 years, the Office of Cultural Education has been left out of meaningful increases in operating support. As inflation rises and critical funding for so many arts, cultural and educational programs fall to the wayside, it is crucial now more than ever to step up. The Governor has advanced $12 million in funding for the Office of Cultural Education and needs support from New York State legislators and PEF members to help make it happen!<\/span><\/div>\n