Message from the NYSTPBA Board of Directors, March 10, 2023

NYSTPBA Newsletter Message from the NYSTPBA Board of Directors Contract Negotiations Update This week the NYSTPBA Board of Directors and our negotiating attorneys met with representatives from the state’s Office of Employee Relations for the first official contract negotiations session. While both sides agreed to keep the specifics of the proceedings confidential as part of the ground rules, we can say that we conveyed to the state that the duties of Troopers have grown considerably in the last few years and we will continue to highlight the many situations for which New York State Troopers are always prepared and ready to respond. We appreciate the feedback you have provided to the PBA and your delegates regarding the next collective bargaining agreement, and we will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf. Legislative Update One of the legislative bills that is being supported by the NYSTPBA this year is legislation that would deem the passing of retired Trooper Lawrence Lakeman - who died from cancer on Aug. 24, 2007 – as a 9/11 line-of-duty death. We are following this legislation closely, as it would provide the Lakeman family with associated financial benefits. In the Senate, the bill is sponsored by Sen. Patrick Gallivan, who is a former NYSP member and former NYSTPBA Officers Delegate. For the bill in the Assembly, we are asking our members to contact their local Assembly member to encourage them to support the bill. If you would like to send an email to your Assembly member, below is a sample letter you can use to explain the legislation and why it’s important to support it. If you are unsure of how to contact your local Assembly member, you can use the Assembly search feature on the NYS Assembly website here: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/ . Once you identify your Assembly member, you can use the “Contact” link on their individual web page. Assembly Bill A03052 Dear Assembly Member, Please support and co-sponsor Bill A03052. Trooper Lakeman died of pancreatic cancer that has been determined to be caused by the toxins from his time serving as a New York State Trooper following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. He died in August 2007, long before studies about cancers caused by 9/11 existed or health care programs were established for first responders that went to New York City to assist following the attacks. Mrs. Lakeman filed her claim within 2 years of learning that his cancer was directly caused while serving as a New York State Trooper. It is not right that the Retirement Board denied her claim. The federal government, through the Victims Compensation Fund (VCF), has recognized his sacrifice. It is time for New York state to do the same. This bill will give Trooper Lakeman the honor he deserves and his family the full benefits for his sacrifice. Please support this bill and consider signing on as a co-sponsor with Assemblymember Monica Wallace. Sincerely, Scholarship Opportunity The Central NY Chapter of the Association of Retired New York State Troopers Inc. is offering an education award of $500 to a high school senior who is the child or grandchild of an active Division member in Troop D, Troop T Zone 3 or Troop C Zone 3, or a high school senior who is the child or grandchild of a member of the CNY-AFNYST. For more details, please see the application below. This email is an automated notification, which is unable to receive replies. To send a comment to the NYSTPBA, please contact us at nystpba@nystpba.org.

The Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers 120 State St. Albany, New York 12207 (518) 462-7448 http://www.nystpba.org