CSEA has endorsed some candidates in New York state legislative races this fall, including Rep. Bill Owens and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

The state workers union’s endorsements, not for every race, come following extensive review within CSEA.

In CSEA’s view, for two years, lawmakers rubber-stamped state budgets that undermined state operations, and shortchanged localities and schools and they forfeited oversight responsibility on important public policy issues. They also imposed a property tax cap that is causing fiscal chaos in local government and school district budgets, according to CSEA.

CSEA also charges that state lawmakers made a deal with Gov. Andrew Cuomo last spring trading support for onerous and unnecessary public employee pension tier changes in exchange for favorable legislative redistricting.

“Many lawmakers who have long enjoyed CSEA support will not have it this year because they abandoned the working people of this state,” said CSEA President Danny Donohue. “CSEA is holding lawmakers accountable for their actions. The CSEA endorsement has to be earned or else it has no meaning.”

CSEA’s limited endorsements are only going to “candidates who stand with working people,” the statement from CSEA said.

CSEA also released its endorsements for federal races, topped by support for U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, in her contest with Republican Wendy Long, and the incumbent Democrat, Bill Owens of Plattsburgh, in his race against Matt Doheny, Watertown Republican, in the 21st District race for Congress.

CSEA’s endorsement normally brings financial contribution, statewide get-out-the-vote expertise – mailings, phone calls, printing, grassroots volunteers, and other benefits - along with internal union resources and activities to reach CSEA membership in every part of the state.

“CSEA members will aggressively campaign for our endorsed candidates,” Donohue said. “Just as important, beyond this election we will work to mobilize members to be even more involved in the legislative process – regularly communicating with elected officials and challenging them when they don’t do what’s right for working people.”

“Sen. Gillibrand has been an outstanding advocate for New York and a voice of reason within the U.S. Senate,” Donohue said. “Our congressional endorsements also reflect support for candidates and challengers who will stand up for reasonable and responsible government that works for all Americans.”