Lobby Day Update: Key Bills Pass Both Houses

JUNE 27 -- Thousands of Local 100 members gathered in Albany to demonstrate support for important pro-worker legislation on Lobby Day earlier this year – and the elected officials noticed.
 
The New York State Legislature has now passed five bills that are on Local 100’s list of legislative priorities. 

These bills would:

  •     Limit NYC Transit’s ability to implement One Person Train Operation (OPTO) on subway trains with more than two cars
  •     Remove the cap on pensionable overtime earnings for Tier 6 members
  •     Make the "death gamble" effective for transit worker spouses
  •     Increase enforcement of bus lanes
  •     Provide tuition credits for the spouses and children of veterans who pass away without using them.

Gov. Hochul now must sign or veto the legislation.

Local 100 members filled a small fleet of buses and traveled to the state capitol on Lobby Day in the spring. After the large gathering, they divided into groups to meet with legislators and staff members.
 
“The fact that these bills have advanced this fIB Imagear shows the power of mobilizing two thousand members to Albany," Local 100 President John Chiarello said. “We made some noise, engaged with the elected officials, and showed that Local 100 is a force to be reckoned with.” Hochul has 30 days from the end of the legislation, June 12, to sign or veto each bill. If she fails to act within the 30 days, the bill is automatically rejected, a process known as a pocket veto.

 A vetoed bill can still become law if two-thirds of the members in the state Legislature vote to override the governor. Local 100’s progress in Albany highlights the importance of member engagement, and a robust Committee On Political Education (COPE), Political Action Director Sharase DeBouse said. “Member contributions and actions are key to the victories we have won and will be key to our future victories."