Photo Courtesy of NY State Legislature
By Michael V. Cusenza
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) this week co-chaired the State Workforce Development Hearing, using the nearly five-hour confab to question New York labor officials, including the State Labor commissioner, the commissioner for the Department of Civil Service, and the director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations about the State’s civil service program and vacancy challenges.
Pheffer Amato’s questions focused on reforming the State’s civil service sector. The assemblywoman said her goal is to get more individuals “aware of the options of working as a public employee, while safeguarding our retirees.” During her questioning, Pheffer Amato received support from union leaders and commissioners on her proposal for administering civil service exams more frequently, reforming aspects of the Tier 6 retirement plan, and ensuring benefits and pensions for retirees.
Photo Courtesy of NY State Legislature
“By growing the number of public employees, we grow our middle class and give every individual the option to obtain the best future. We can also never forget the men and women who have worked for our communities, which is why I am committed to protecting their pensions and benefits,” said Pheffer Amato.
The State Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul are currently in the process of negotiating the budget. Pheffer Amato said she has been adamant about providing support for current and retired public employees. The assemblywoman serves as chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees, which is the leading legislative authority on civil service, pensions and retirement benefits for active and retired public employees.
