2026 SCHOLARSHIPS
CSEA Judiciary Local 334 recently awarded Academic Scholarships and Financial Assistance Scholarships to graduating high school seniors, children of court employees represented by the union.
The following students were awarded scholarships:
Mia Knight – is a graduate of Homer Central High School and is the child of Joi Knight, Senior Court Reporter, Onondaga Supreme and Criminal Court. Mia will be attending SUNY University at Albany, majoring in Business Administration.
Payton Lamott – is a graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School and is the child of Stephanie Lamott, Court Clerk, Onondaga County Combined Courts. Payton will be attending Nazareth University, majoring in Occupational Therapy.
Lucianna Walsh – is a graduate of Whitesboro High School and is the child of Melinda Jo Walsh, Secretary to Judge, Oneida Family Court. Lucianna will be attending SUNY Fredonia, majoring in Music Education.
Congratulations to all on a job well done!
LOCAL DINNER MEETINGS
Local 334 will be holding the following meetings in June. Local meetings are open to members from all counties within Local 334. Vendors will be available at the times listed below.
Broome County Dinner Meeting, Binghamton, Tuesday June 9th, 2026 – Celebrations on Park – 136 Park Ave. Binghamton, NY 13903
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- Visit with vendors at 5:00
- Retirement Presentation begins at 6:00.
Jefferson County Dinner Meeting, Watertown, Wednesday June 17th, 2026 – Hilton Garden Inn – 1290 Arsenal Street Watertown, NY 13601
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- Visit with vendors at 5:00
- Dinner meeting begins at 6:00.
- RSVP by June 7th , 2026 to marie@csealocal334.com.
UPCOMING REGION EVENTS
Community Outreach Committee’s 4th Annual Cornhole Tournament to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital. Pre-registered Teams – $50; Teams registered the day of- $65; Spectators – $10
Registration begins at 12:00 and the bags fly at 1:00. The committee will be raffling off a CF MOTO Touring two-seater Side by Side UTF. Raffle Tickets are $50 each and you need not be present to win. Full details can be found in the attached flyer.Cornhole Flyer 2026
SAVE THE DATES – RSVP information coming soon
July 10, 2026 – Syracuse area combined clambake – Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, NY2026Syracuseclambake
July 11, 2026 – CSEA Southern tier combined clambake – Mountain Top Grove in Vestal, NY
July 26, 2026 – 2025 Rome Honor America Days Parade – starts @ 0930 – line up location TBD
August 29, 2026 – Local 334 Day @ Enchanted Forest Water Safari
September 4, 2026 – Local 334 night at the Mets – Syracuse Mets vs Rochester Mudhens
STATE POLITICS
Tier 6 Reform Victory
CSEA has secured the most significant reforms since Tier 6 became law. This is major progress that will put real money back in members’ pockets and strengthen retirement security for the future. Under the new law, effective Oct. 1, 2026, every Tier 6 member earning $75,000 or less will now pay just 3% toward their pension — 90% of all CSEA Tier 6 members. Under the old law, only about 30% of members paid 3%. This means more money stays in Tier 6 members’ paycheck.
Tier 6 members have long paid significantly higher contribution rates than members in Tiers 4 and 5, and these reforms deliver immediate financial relief while improving long-term retirement security. For members currently paying above 3%, this is effectively equivalent to a raise. Even if you already pay 3%, these reforms protect future raises from being eaten by higher pension deductions.
While many members may have read that teachers agreed to a different 30/58 retirement benefit, that change will not take effect until 2042 — 17 years from now. That means there is no immediate benefit, only a promise for the future. That proposal was not good enough for CSEA members. We fought for immediate relief and delivered real savings members will see in their paychecks now.
In addition, the budget also increases pensionable overtime earnings from $21,589 to $30,000, with a 3% annual increase for Tiers 5 and 6 members. This means more overtime earnings can count toward your pension calculation, helping boost final average salary and future retirement benefits.
CSEA will continue fighting for additional Tier 6 improvements. These victories did not happen by accident. From phone calls and letters to lobbying efforts and rallies, it took members, activists and retirees across the state standing together and taking action to make these reforms happen. Thank you to everyone who stepped up and made their voices heard. That solidarity is how we win!
CSEA will host a webinar on Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. to walk through these changes. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Support Tom DiNapoli
CSEA’s toolkit in support of our friend, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is now live. The toolkit includes flyers, social media materials and other information for you to share with your co-workers, family and friends. Visit the DiNapoli page by using this link.
CSEA is proud to support DiNapoli’s re-election, especially as he faces a primary this year. He has been a strong partner to working people and has consistently protected our retirement fund and financial future.
Now is the time to come together and support a leader who understands what is at stake for CSEA members and retirees. Visit the site to learn more, access resources and find ways to get involved.
State Budget Passed
Last week, the State Legislature passed the FY2027 budget. Eight weeks past the April 1 deadline, this is the latest budget since 2010. Beyond the historic Tier 6 reforms, this budget includes several positive provisions for CSEA members, including:
- An expansion of the Work Zone Speed Camera Program to all highways owned and operated by the State.
- Increased funding for state agencies state-operated programs.
- Additional funding temporary municipal assistance to cities, towns, and villages.
- Additional funding for local highway and road programs.
- Increased funding for SUNY, including additional capital funding for SUNY Hospitals and for critical maintenance at State-operated campuses.
- Significant investments to put the State on a path towards universal, affordable childcare.
Full details are available in our FY2027 Enacted Budget Summary.
End of Session Priorities
Now that the budget is done, the State Legislature has only four scheduled session days left to pass other legislative priorities. CSEA is working to ensure that several of our priorities are passed before the end of session, including:
S.8837 (Hinchey) / A.2535 (Paulin): Full pay and medical coverage for injured probation officers.
S.7635-B (Ryan) / A.9162-A (Pheffer-Amato): 25-year retirement for 911 and emergency dispatchers.
S.6987 (Harckam) / A.7833 (Levenberg): Panic buttons for social services caseworkers.
S.10590 (Jackson) / A.11387 (Pheffer Amato): Allows Court Officers to retire at age 55 after 30 years of service.
Click the links above to send a letter to your legislators urging them to pass these bills before the end of the 2026 Legislative Session!
BE INFORMED – GET INVOLVED
Please share this information with coworkers and post it on Union boards where available. Staying informed is essential—visit our website and download the CSEA app to keep important updates at your fingertips. To ensure you receive all Union communications, please update your mailing address, email, and phone number with CSEA Member Solutions at 1‑800‑342‑4146 or online at: https://cseany.org/contact-us