CSEA LOCAL 449

Hey Sisters and Brothers.. I just wanted to remind you all , if you take part in the flex spending program for dependent care or medical items the deadline to apply is 11/30 by 10pm. For those of you with children or an adult dependent who need looking after you can qualify for up to $800 in free dependent care reimbursement. Don’t let this benefit pass you by. If you need over the free money you can have the amount you will need set up to come out of your check before it’s... taxed.. then you just send in the receipt and you are reimbursed- for more information click the link. If you anticipate any medical expense that you will be paying out of pocket for after insurance ( like braces or glasses or other qualifying items ) you can have this money set up to come out of your pay check before it is taxed. Then you send in the receipts and you are reimbursed. Click the link for more information. ~Kelly O https://goer.ny.gov/2021-open-enrollment

**FEDERAL AID UPDATE** Last week, CSEA President Mary Sullivan joined New York's most prominent elected officials and labor leaders in sending a joint letter to the New York Congressional delegation reminding them of the need for additional federal resources to help New York deal with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. **You can read the letter here: https://bit.ly/3aaijyn**... Congressional leaders have been deliberating a $908 billion stimulus package that could be a down payment on the state's immediate and pressing needs. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has indicated that he will not support this package, as he continues to oppose efforts to provide states and local governments with direct assistance. Without additional federal aid in the next few weeks, the economic pain felt by New Yorkers will sharply increase. While the State has largely held off on making any permanent budget cuts to date, that can't be kept up forever without additional support. Governor Cuomo's 2021-22 Executive Budget proposal is required to be released in mid-January and will have to reflect the reality of the State's economic condition. Please help keep the pressure on Congress to do its job: **TAKE ACTION HERE: https://bit.ly/3gILB8s**

Happy Birthday to CSEA 449 Treasurer, Kelly Otis!

Just a reminder - All veterans receive free admission to the Otsiningo Park Festival of Lights. - DJ

Are you about to retire??? Well if you are be sure you make a stop to the CSEA office and grab your retirement application, a check for the first year of dues and an amazing parting gift.. For information call 349-8271 and talk to Kelly Otis.Are you about to retire??? Well if you are be sure you make a stop to the CSEA office and grab your retirement application, a check for the first year of dues and an amazing parting gift.. For information call 349-8271 and talk to Kelly Otis.

A statement from CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan: This is a historic moment in America, with record levels of voter turnout and efforts taken to make sure every voter’s voice was heard and every vote counted, despite the pandemic. CSEA is proud to have helped bring about change by electing President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. We look forward to working with the Biden/Harris Administration to bring our country together and strengthen the Labor Movement, building a better, stronger, more united America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE_XgQOmFcs

Hello members if you need help finding or getting info on your Eye and Dental benefits you can go to this web site CSEAEBF.com this is your Employee Benefit Fund web page and it will help you get what you need. Also if you need to know what your CSEA member number is you can go to CSEANY.org and one other way on your phone you can down load the the App. (My CSEA) from your play store or Apple store it is a very helpful App. and remember you can call an officer anytime we are always here to help. Have a great week and always Stay Union Stay Strong

Below is the card from the investigators at the Justice Center to the staff at Valley Ridge. This accompanied a breakfast delivery from the JC as well. Y'know, it's odd...the agency that was created to go after us has become one of our greatest advocates. "Valley Ridge Tough!"

Valley Ridge CIT, located in Norwich, N.Y., is in dire need of staffing assistance. The Direct Care staff desperately need a break from the extreme schedules they have been working. We are seeking volunteers, from all titles, to assist with staffing coverage at the Valley Ridge CIT, on a Temporary 30-day assignment.... Specialized training will be provided. Mileage reimbursement, or State vehicle and Travel time will be provided. Additional Hazzard Pay will be provided. All COVID-19 Guidelines are being followed and PPE will be provided to all. Valley Ridge has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and all staff are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe. So many staff have already volunteered to help in so many ways throughout this pandemic, it is important that we come together once more. - the Staffing Dept.

To our local 449 family By now many, if not all of you, have heard the terrible news regarding the loss of one of our Valley Ridge family. May we all keep our Valley Ridge brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragedy in the midst of their ongoing challenges. ... These folks have had so much thrown in their direction as of late, that they still show up every day is nothing short of a testament to their strength of character. But even steel can weaken. They will be counting on our support as they try to come to terms and heal. May we be there for them any way we can. In solidarity Local 449