News from the NYSTPBA Board of Directors, February 3, 2023

NYSTPBA Newsletter News from the NYSTPBA Board of Directors We are pleased that an Ulster County Court judge has dismissed the charge of second-degree murder against Trooper Christopher Baldner. We commend the judge for his decision, as this charge was wrongfully brought in the first place. The NYSTPBA will continue to stand behind Trooper Baldner and his family. In other court-related news, Deyanna Davis, the woman who recklessly drove through a police blockade on June 1, 2020 during the Buffalo riot – severely injuring one of our members, Trooper Ron Ensminger – pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault in Erie County this week. Sentencing will take place in May. While we do not believe the penalty associated with this guilty plea is severe enough, we respect the legal process and hope this will bring some closure for Trooper Ensminger. Executive Budget With the release of the 2023 Executive Budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul reiterated her commitment to increase the ranks of the State Police to help combat crime. The budget proposal includes funding for four Academy classes in the next year, with all of the positions being considered new line numbers. This is welcome news as we continue to be tasked with new responsibilities that, coupled with expected yearly retirements, are stretching our manpower to the limits. Governor Hochul’s proposals also addressed the issue of strengthening “bail reform.” The Governor called for giving judges more discretion when setting bail by eliminating a “least restrictive” standard on a defendant to ensure a return to court. We are supportive of reforms that would make the criminal justice system stricter on offenders, and we will continue to monitor the progress on this issue. The NYSTPBA legislative team continues its mission to promote and work toward retirement Tier 6 equity in conjunction with other public employee unions. It is clear from our conversations with other labor leaders that we have a common goal and are focused on advocating for legislation that deals with the most egregious aspects of Tier 6. While this will be a very lengthy process, we are confident we will be successful. If you have any ideas for, or questions about, the legislative session, please feel free to contact Second Vice President/Legislative Director Jason Sheridan via email at jsheridan@nystpba.org or by phone at 607-378-8574. NYSTPBA Survey As of this morning, less than 700 members had taken the survey sent out by the NYSTPBA Board of Directors last Friday. With the current survey response rate, 18% of members are helping to make decisions on behalf of the entire membership. If you are an active Trooper, NCO or Officer and have not yet taken the survey, please take the time to do so. The survey asks whether you would like to use electronic voting instead of paper ballots; whether you would still like to use electronic voting if it would cost significantly more than paper ballots; and whether you would like the NYSTPBA to work toward the enactment of Paid Family Leave benefits for NYSP members. Here are the basics of Paid Family Leave: · It is used for the purpose of bonding with a child (first 12 months of life); caring for a family member (hospice or injured spouse); assisting a military family at a rate of 67% of the average N.Y. worker = $1,131.08 for 12 weeks out of every 52 weeks. · The maximum benefit is $13,572.96 · The cost per member would be a maximum of $399.44 a year · The $399.44 payment is not divided equally across 26 checks - it could be $35.00 a check until the $399.44 is met, then there would be no more payments for the rest of the year. · The annual cost has been reduced by $24.28 from the previous year. · To receive the benefit, you must give 30 days’ notice when foreseeable, and you would typically receive benefits within 18 days · Taking this leave would be considered a break in service, but your position is held while on PFL by law and you can’t be punished for taking it. · Benefits are taxable but not withheld. · You are not required to use all leave balances prior to using PFL. More details on the New York State Paid Family Leave program can be found here: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/2023 FOR ACTIVE TROOPERS, NCOs AND OFFICERS, THE SURVEY CAN BE TAKEN HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNVTV76 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