South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) Co-Chaired the State-wide workforce development hearing in Albany. During the nearly 5 hour long hearing the Assemblywoman questioned the New York State Labor Commissioner, the Commissioner for the Department of Civil Service, and the Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations which shined a light on the State’s civil service program and vacancy challenges.

Pheffer Amato’s questions focused on reforming the State’s civil service sector, a key project of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato whose goal is to get more individuals “aware of the options of working as a public employee, while safeguarding our retirees.” During her questioning, Pheffer Amato received support from union leaders and Commissioners on her proposal for providing civil service exams with more frequency, reforming aspects of the Tier 6 retirement plan, and ensuring the benefits and pensions for retirees. “By growing the number of public employees, we grow our middle class and give every individual the option to obtain the best future. We can also never forget the men and women who have worked for our communities which is why I am committed to protecting their pensions and benefits,” said Pheffer Amato.

The State is currently in the process of negotiating the budget and Pheffer Amato has been adamant about providing support for current and retired public employees. The Assemblywoman serves as the Chair of the New York State Committee on Governmental Employees which is the leading legislative authority on civil service, pensions and retirement benefits for active and retired public employees.