Calling our state lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to influence policy!

State lawmakers are still negotiating the budget, and our advocacy to lower the Tier 6 contribution rate to 3% is working. But we need your help to get it over the finish line. We’re calling Senate Finance Chair Liz Krueger, Assembly Ways & Means Chair Gary Pretlow and Gov. Hochul to say: Fix Tier 6!

How can I help?
CLICK HERE to fill out the form and receive an automated callback— this will come from a number beginning with 888. You’ll hear a short script and then be connected to the elected official’s office to deliver your message.

What do I say?
Here’s a short script you can use to guide your call. Feel free to add your personal story but remember to keep it short— whether you reach a live person or leave a voicemail, most calls take less than a minute.

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a proud member of DC 37’s Local [Local Number]. I’m calling to urge [Senator Krueger, Assemblyman Pretlow, or Gov. Hochul] to help workers by fixing Tier 6 in the final budget. We need to lower the pension contribution rate to 3 percent for all workers. Over 75,000 DC 37 members are in Tier 6.

Right now, Tier 6 workers’ pay is between 3 and 6 percent of our salaries for our entire careers. Lowering the rate to 3 percent would put money back into our pockets now, when we need it most.

I’m asking [Senator Krueger, Assemblyman Pretlow, or Gov. Hochul] to stand with workers and include lowering Tier 6 contribution rates to 3 percent in the final state budget. Thank you for your time.”

Why Call Now?
The New York State Legislature is still negotiating the budget (it’s over two weeks late), and this is the only time we can make changes to pension contributions until next year. The more pressure we put on our lawmakers now, the more likely it is that they’ll make these changes in the final budget!

Eliminating contribution bands so everyone pays 3% provides immediate financial relief for current Tier 6 workers and helps future workers, too.

NOTE: In a few days you may also receive a text message from us asking you to call our state lawmakers to Fix Tier 6. This is from DC 37 and is legit!