Some potential good news for New York State’s public employees! Two bills, sponsored by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon in the New York State Assembly (A05884), and Senator Joseph Griffo in the State Senate (S5559), would enable public employers to offer a retirement incentive to employees who meet one of the following criteria: 1. at least fifty years old with at least twenty-five years of service, or 2.) at least fifty-five years old with at least ten years of service. If both bills are passed, they would be presented to Gov. Cuomo for his signature.

While the details are still developing, it’s important for us to contact our legislators as soon as possible, urging their support for these important measures. Please take a moment to do the following.

For the State Assembly bill, A05884:

1. Find your State Assembly representative by going to https://nyassembly.gov/ and click on “Who is My Assemblymember” at the top right of the page.
2. Enter your address on the following page, which will produce a pop-up box with your representative.
3. Click on “Visit Assemblymember’s page” then click the “Contact” link to send an email to your Assemblymember.

For the State Senate bill, S5559:

1. Find your State Senator by going to https://nysenate.gov/ and click on “Find Your Senator,” close to the top of the page.
2. Enter your address on the following page. If you complete a profile, your Senator will appear at the top of the page, but you can also complete a form without registering for a profile.
3. Contact your Senator using the link provided.

You can cut and paste the following message into your email, or use your own words:

“As a member of United Public Service Employees Union (UPSEU), I urge you to fully support A05884/S5559, the proposal to enable a retirement incentive to be offered to various public employees in New York State. A similar proposal has already been enacted in New York City, and this proposal would extend the benefits of that proposal to cities and municipalities and their employees across the state.

Thank you for your support of New York’s hardworking public employees!”

Please contact your legislators as soon as possible. Momentum is building for this bill, but time is short.