Legislative Alert: January 23, 2026
President's Message
AFFORDABILITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address and many of her budget proposals focus on the affordability issues that working families are facing and policy that would lower the cost of living in New York State.
Recent federal tax breaks have overwhelmingly benefited wealthy groups including millionaires, billionaires, and large corporations, while leaving working families behind. At the same time inflation, rising energy prices, and new tariffs are driving up the cost of living, placing an additional strain on household budgets and state safety net programs. Working families across the nation are grappling with this, particularly low income families who are struggling more than ever.
As the federal government continues to cut funding, New York must step in to fill the gaps, particularly when it comes to child care, education, health care and SNAP benefits.
Without reliable and stable revenue, the federal cuts will endanger the financial health of our state and the essential public services that millions of New Yorkers rely on. Without reliable and stable revenue, the federal cuts will endanger State funds and increase pressure on essential public services that millions of New Yorkers rely on.
Governor Hochul’s budget proposal includes the expansion of universal child care, investments in SUNY and CUNY, affordable housing, and nuclear energy generation. These initiatives must be sustained with stable, long-term revenue sources which will require restoring fairness to our tax system and ensuring that the ultra-wealthy, the ones who benefit the most from recent federal tax breaks, contribute their fair share.
We strongly encourage the adoption of additional revenue measures to offset the negative impacts of federal cuts, and to maintain and expand vital public services. This includes a tax increase for wealthy corporations making over $5 million in profits; creating a new bracket for filers making over $5 million and $25 million; and imposing a 2-4% surtax on investment and corporate dividend income for New York’s highest earners.
These measures will establish stable revenue, relieve pressure on public services, and help maintain and expand critical programs. We look forward to working with our affiliates to ensure that the State budget has a positive impact on working families.
Mario Cilento, President
Upcoming Meeting
NYSUT Informational Breakfast on Private Voucher Programs
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:30am
Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 4
Link to Register
NYSUT LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6pm
NYS Museum, 222 Madison Ave. Albany, NY
Link to Register
UFT LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION,
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6-8pm
Corning Tower, Albany, NY
LABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING
The Jan 26th mtg. was postponed to Monday, February 9, 2026, 1 p.m.
This event will be located at the Albany office of the NYS AFL-CIO,
100 South Swan St. Albany, NY.
This meeting is for labor representatives only.
Please RSVP to Nagma Singh at [email protected]