DiNapoli Releases Report On Proposed NYS Dream Act

May 24, 2013
By Stephanie West

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has released a report estimating the cost and economic benefits of the proposed New York State Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors (NYS DREAM) Act, which would increase access to financial aid for undocumented college students. The report concluded that extending eligibility for the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to undocumented undergraduate students would provide economic benefits to the state at a very small cost.

Increasing Sale Price of A Home

April 29, 2013
By Chris Caggiano

Marketing your home is no different from marketing yourself. We all know the adage: “You only have once chance to make a first impression.” Whether it’s a job interview or selling your home, optimizing that “one chance” will bring you closer to success.

Regardless of the season, creating a great first impression for potential buyers is the first step to the successful marketing of your home. First impressions begin on the outside. Take a look at the exterior of your home with fresh eyes and maximize your home’s curb appeal.

'Hostess Caused the Demise of Hostess' not BCTGM Workers

April 24, 2013
By Donald Woods, BCTGM Local 1 President

Chicago, Illinois. - When Hostess received permission from the bankruptcy court to impose its last offer, both management and union leaders knew it would be met with resistance - in fact a tidal wave of opposition rarely seen in today's labor movement. BCTGM workers at bakeries across the U.S., voted to strike. Production ceased at 24 of 36 U.S. plants.

March 2013 NYC Jobs Report

April 24, 2013
By Labor Market Information Services

OVERVIEW
New York City's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from February to March 2013 from 9.1% to 8.9%. This is also lower than the City's unemployment rate of 9.4% one year ago.

Middle Class Child Care Tax Credit Introduced in NYS Legislature

April 22, 2013
By Stephanie West

A Middle Class Child Care Tax bill is being proposed by State Senator Simcha Felder and Assembly Member Herman D. Farrell, Jr.. The legislation they are sponsoring will make child care more affordable for parents by providing expanded assistance to New Yorkers with children under the age of 4. 

The Budget is Settled but Our Work Continues

April 16, 2013
By Mario Cilento, President New York State AFL-CIO

Now that the state budget dust has settled, there remains a tremendous amount of work for the next several months.  There will be countless issues that the NYS AFL-CIO and its affiliates work on, but the following have galvanized the labor movement as a whole.

Tips on Evaluating and Choosing the Right Banking Provider

April 15, 2013
By Michael Fina Vice President / Institutional Banking, First Trade Union Bank

When was the last time you took a serious look at the fees you are currently being charged for banking services?  If it has been a while, you might be in for a surprise.

Selecting the right banking partner for your union organization is an important yet complex process.  It is important to identify the needs of the organization and match the banking products and services accordingly.  To do this all at a cost that is not burdensome to your organization can be a difficult task.

The Young, the Restless and the Hopeful

April 11, 2013
By Thomas  J. Mackell, Jr. , Ed. D. President Association of Benefit Administrators

The surge of generational change that is moving at a dizzying tempo in this country is altering the cultural, and political landscape with a speed and intensity rarely seen in America before.

Topic: "I'm Broke-why Budget?"

April 5, 2013
By Anthony Rivieccio, MBA, PFA

Suffering from a lack of cash? It's likely that you don't follow a budget that reflects your earnings. Smart budgeting prevents eviction, increased credit card debt, and ruined credit scores. It's never too late my friends —get started now with some steps to make your financial life less stressful.

Immigration Deal Poised to Have Huge Impact on Low-Wage Workers

April 4, 2013
By Marc Bussanich

Queens, NY—This month the Senate will be taking up comprehensive immigration reform and the outcome depends upon the bi-partisan Gang of Eight senators. While a substantive agreement was reached last week between business and labor leaders on a guest worker program, details remain outstanding. (Watch Video)

Tips to Protect Your Union’s Funds from Fraud

April 1, 2013
By Michael Fina, Vice President Union Affinity Manager, First Trade Union Bank

Did you know that, nationwide, organizations lose about 7% of their annual revenue to fraud?  In 2012 alone, the typical loss among organizations suffering a financial loss due to a payments fraud incident was $20,300.  All in all, check-related losses have been estimated to be greater than $1 billion in a given year.

Budget Agreement Good for New Yorkers

March 27, 2013
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

This year’s budget agreement is good news for New York’s students. By funding key education reforms in the Governor’s agenda, the 2013-14 budget ensures that New York State continues to lead the nation by creating a world-class education system that prepares our students for the future.

Stand Up for Livable Wages

March 22, 2013
By Camille Rivera, United NY Executive Director

Camille Rivera today released the following statement regarding the reported State budget deal, which includes an incremental increase in the minimum wage to $9 per hour. Coupled with a rumored tax giveaway to large corporations that hire teenage workers, we may see hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers worse off than before. 

IT’S TAX TIME: Common UNION-RELATED Deductions Missed in Filing Taxes

March 21, 2013
By Salvatore J. Armao, CPA/PFS, CFP, CFE

Labor union and public employee union members in the United States may be able to deduct their union dues as a miscellaneous deduction on their federal income tax form if they itemize their deductions. While union benefits may be taxed as income, union dues and other contributions or assessments to a union related to the taxpayer's employment are a deductible miscellaneous expense.

"The Economic Consequences of A Failed Retirement Policy"

March 15, 2013
By Thomas J. Mackell, Jr., Ed. D. President Association of Benefit Administrators

(Delivered before the Annual Educational Conference of TEXPERS, Austin, TX, March 5, 2013)
Before I take you through the landscape of our future retirement scenario, let's look for a moment at the rear view mirror at the past decade. This is the period that I would characterize as "The Lost Decade." A decade where predatory capitalism wreaked its havoc on the American people.

New York State Budget Proposal Passed

March 15, 2013

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda



My colleagues and I in the New York State Assembly have passed a 2013-14 state budget proposal that would:

    •    Increased education funding
    •    Spur job growth
    •    Provide economic relief for local governments
    •    Protect vital programs that assist New York's most vulnerable residents