South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) led the charge to make changes to the State’s civil service system in the recent budget. As Chair of the Committee of Governmental Employees, Pheffer Amato had a unique place in the State budget negotiations and was able to secure the implementation of new programs.

For years the cost of the State’s civil service exams had been a concern for those applying for jobs. One would pay a fee, but in the event you didn’t pass, or the results were released too late to be used for that role, you didn’t receive a refund. That changed with the enactment of a pilot program to waive civil service fees. With the State having a hiring and retention problem, Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato’s goal was to help stem the tide and bring more people to be employed by the State.

Pheffer Amato also secured a needed solution to the ongoing teacher shortage across New York State. School districts and BOCES outside NYC would have the ability to employ retirees without a reduction in their pension. School districts across the State have voiced their inability to retain teachers and the negative impact this has had on students. Through this legislation being added to the budget, it gives school districts the ability to bring back experienced retired teachers without hurting their retirement pension, while also allowing the search and training for new teachers to continue.

“These are changes that will help all of us as a whole. With these pieces of my legislation included in the budget we are taking drastic steps to remove barriers to getting a job and people being able to obtain the New York Dream. We’re ensuring anyone who wants to take a civil service exam can and that school districts will have the ability to have teachers in classrooms. This, along with other components of the State’s budget will make an improvement and bring a benefit to our State,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato.