NASSAU RETIREES IN THE NEWS
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
In the last eight county executive races, Nassau voters elected the candidate from the opposing political party of the president — a phenomenon that looms over Republican Bruce Blakeman as he campaigns in a November reelection bid.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated May 19, 2025 7:39 pm
Can Bruce Blakeman weather losing $9B in private development this election year?
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
In April of 2023, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stood next to Las Vegas Sands CEO Robert Goldstein before members of Long Island's business and construction community announcing an agreement to bring a casino resort to the Coliseum site
By Candice Ferrette
Updated May 5, 2025
CSEA vote to amend health care coverage narrowly passes, results shows
A White House victory has predicted which party wins the Nassau County executive seat since 1992.
Las Vegas Sands will no longer pursue casino bid at Nassau Coliseum, company executives say
Members of Nassau's Civil Service Employees Association Local 830 narrowly ratified a new agreement that would change some of the terms in their 2023 contract, a central issue in a protracted battle with County Executive Bruce Blakeman over health care coverage.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated May 2, 2025
Las Vegas Sands will no longer pursue casino bid at Nassau Coliseum, company executives say
Las Vegas Sands will no longer pursue casino bid at Nassau Coliseum, company executives say
Las Vegas Sands will no longer pursue a $6 billion plan to build a casino-resort at the Nassau Coliseum, company executives told investors Wednesday.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated April 29, 2025
Nassau CSEA health care contract comes back to take its political toll
During the 2021 campaign against County Executive Laura Curran, Bruce Blakeman said in a video message on Facebook: "I stand with the workers of Nassau County. They’ve been oppressed. They don’t have a contract, and help is on the way. Don’t forget to vote."
By Candice Ferrette
Updated April 22, 2025
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
Scott Cohen, a spokesman for the Nassau Retirees Legal Fund, a group of about 1,250 former county CSEA employees, said in a statement to Newsday that members "have not yet decided to endorse any candidate for the county executive position, although due to the ongoing issue regarding the retirees' health care and the current county executive's position, we cannot endorse Bruce Blakeman for reelection."
By Candice Ferrette & Maura McDermott
candice.ferrette@newsday.com, maura.mcdermott@newsday.com
Updated April 7, 2025
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
Scott Cohen, a spokesman for the Nassau Retirees Legal Fund, a group of about 1,250 former county CSEA employees, said in a statement to Newsday that members "have not yet decided to endorse any candidate for the county executive position, although due to the ongoing issue regarding the retirees' health care and the current county executive's position, we cannot endorse Bruce Blakeman for reelection."
By Candice Ferrette
Updated April 17, 2025
Retired Public Employees Association Interim Executive Directors Column
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
Newsday is filing a lawsuit against Nassau County government for allegedly violating the media company’s First Amendment rights by removing its designation as the county’s official newspaper.
The news organization alleges that stripping Newsday of its county newspaper status was in retaliation for Newsday publishing news and editorials that county officials considered unfavorable, according to a notice of claim and complaint made public on Tuesday.
By James T. Madore
Updated January 28, 2025
Retired Public Employees Association Interim Executive Directors Column
How a feud over health benefits between CSEA and Bruce Blakeman could roil county executive race
Retired Public Employees Association Interim Executive Directors Column
"Public service retiree benefits continue to be threatened across the state"
"The promises made to you about retirement health insurance should be kept" The stronger our membership and the more voices we can add, the more successful we will be in thwarting such drastic changes.
By Alan Dorn
Updated December 20, 2024
Nassau judge blocks CSEA's health plan switch for now
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
Retired Public Employees Association Interim Executive Directors Column
The temporary restraining order impacts about 4,000 members of the Civil Service Employees Association who work across county departments in a variety of titles from clerical to public works and prefer to stay in the state-run Empire health plan.
"The County will bear the initial cost of the Empire plan until the arbitrator determines the current employees contribution rate for 2025," Carlton wrote.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated November 25, 2024
Nassau Retiree Legal Fund letter to the Legislature11/20/2024
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
The flawed decisions made by Bruce Blakeman and Joe Cairo have already cost Nassau County valuable political capital, including the loss of Congressional seats
Enough is enough. This issue isn’t going away, and neither are we. The only difference now is that in 11 months, you’ll be up for re-election, and the 50,000 of us will decide whether to keep you in office—or vote you out.
The choice is yours to make. As I’ve said before, "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." We hope you will choose a clear and responsible path forward. Rest assured; we will choose our free will at the polls.
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
Nassau Interim Financial Authority to audit county's spending on private law firms
Nassau’s financial oversight board plans to audit the county’s spending on outside law firms over the past year, which has more than doubled since 2022.
On Thursday, the Nassau Interim Financial Authority, or NIFA, posted a request for proposals seeking bids on its website. It marks the first time NIFA has voluntarily opted to audit the county’s administration.
Nassau County has far surpassed its budget for private law firms since County Executive Bruce Blakeman took office. The administration has a track record of approving contracts — some as much as $1,200 per hour — without legally mandated approval by Nassau’s Interim Finance Authority, as previously reported by Newsday.
By Bahar Ostadan
Updated November 22, 2024
New York State Senator & former Nassau County Legislator Steven Rhoads supports Nassau's Retirees
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
I am fully aware of your fight to protect the health benefits that you diligently worked for, paid into, and were assured upon your retirement. As public service workers, you made significant sacrifices by choosing careers that, while rewarding, often came with lower financial compensation in exchange for promises of secure pensions and health benefits. It is imperative that those promises are honored.
Throughout my career, I have earned the trust and backing of organizations like the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), reflecting my steadfast commitment to supporting our dedicated public workforce. I recognize the challenges you currently face with the County, and I have been proactive in urging County leadership to seek solutions as well. I have been in touch with top CSEA and County representatives to encourage open and meaningful dialogue.
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
The fight between Blakeman and CSEA, the county’s largest union, over new health insurance escalated in recent months since the announcement that the members’ current state-sponsored health insurance plan, Excelsior, will be discontinued at the end of this year. The move from Empire, Local 830’s old plan, to Excelsior was projected to save the county some $280 million over the life of CSEA's 13-year contract.
By Nicholas Grasso
Updated November 19, 2024
New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine supports Nassau's Retirees
CSEA members protest over health plan, escalating fight with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
Nassau awarded $8 million in lawyer contracts — with OKs after the fact
Public service workers often choose lower-paying jobs in exchange for the assurance of contractual pension and health benefits in retirement. It is essential that public employers uphold these commitments, especially when they are embedded in Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Nassau County and County Executive Blakeman are breaking the law and these commitments, which were guaranteed to you both in writing and orally. The County must keep you on the Empire Plan, as well as enact protections to prevent future changes.
By Scott Eidler
Updated June 3, 2024
Nassau awarded $8 million in lawyer contracts — with OKs after the fact
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
Nassau awarded $8 million in lawyer contracts — with OKs after the fact
Nassau County has awarded more than $8 million in contracts to outside attorneys over the past six months and allowed them to begin work on cases months before lawmakers even approved the work, county records show.
The county attorney’s office authorized more than two dozen contracts for legal work in a range of cases months before seeking final approval from the Nassau County Legislature’s Rules Committee, a Newsday review of legislative records found.
By Scott Eidler
Updated June 3, 2024
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
A Nov. 15 letter from union leaders to membership accused Blakeman of "disrespect and contempt for his own civilian workforce." It condemned an earlier letter from the county executive’s office to CSEA members about health-plan choices as an effort to bypass the union and "deal directly" with members "in bad faith."
The next race for Blakeman's job is in 2025, so it’s way too soon to tell whether this bitter rift will have an impact on whom the union would endorse, assuming Blakeman seeks a second term.
Dan Janison
Updated November 18, 2024
State CSEA sues Nassau County over health care plan change
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
Blakeman-CSEA battle turning unhealthy? Blakeman’s spat with CSEA grows
Health insurance for thousands of Nassau Civil Service employees hangs in the balance as the ongoing fight between their union leadership and County Executive Bruce Blakeman has gone to court.
The state's Civil Service Employees Association, which represents about 4,000 county employees, took the rare step of suing Nassau County government over health coverage changes they negotiated in the most recent collective bargaining agreement, rejecting new health plans the Blakeman administration offered last month.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated November 14, 2024
A union leadership reshuffle as NUMC's fate hangs in the balance
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
CSEA president Mary Sullivan to announce that she placed CSEA Local 830 into "administratorship" and had removed Local 830 president Ron Gurrieri and vice president Bob Arciello, questions remained — particularly regarding what the changing of the guard would mean for Nassau University Medical Center.
By Randi F. Marshall
Updated October 25, 2024
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
Nassau officials are scrambling to find new health insurance for thousands of civil service employees after a plan to provide them with less coverage backfired, leaving a $43 million hole in the 2024 county budget.
By Candice Ferrette
Updated August 19, 2024
Will health plan switch in Nassau bring budget pains or gains?
Nassau County scours for new health insurer to replace struggling Excelsior Plan
Comptroller Phillips Releases 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
About 4,200 civilian Nassau employees will lose Excelsior health plan coverage Jan. 1 but it is uncertain how this will affect the county budget, or workers' costs.
By Dan Janison
Updated August 6, 2024
Comptroller Phillips Releases 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
Comptroller Phillips Releases 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
The reports demonstrate that Nassau County is in a strong financial position. At year-end 2023, the five major funds that comprise the County’s 2023 Budget reported a surplus of $19.6 million,
By Nassau County Comptroller
Elaine Phillips
NCComptroller@NassauCountyNY.gov
Updated July 24, 2024
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
For a fifth straight year, Nassau County was able to report a budget surplus - this time close to $20 million. The county comptroller tells News 12 that money will be used to continue paying off previous debts, and that doing so has improved the county’s financial bond rating and outlook.
By Kurt Semder
News 12 Long Island
June 17, 2024
Nassau Announces Fifth Straight Year of Surpluses
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
Nassau County reports budget surplus again, wants end of NIFA control over finances
The Nassau County Comptroller’s Office announced on June 17 that, after paying down more than $400 million in major liabilities in 2023, the county ended the year with a surplus of almost $19.6 million in the five major funds that comprise the county’s 2023 budget.
By Hank Russell
Long Island Life & Politics
June 17, 2024
Newsday: Retirees’ benefits must stay protected
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
Newsday: Judge blocks effort to put retired NYC workers on Aetna-run health plan
The Retired Public Employees Association, which represents the interests of nearly 500,000 New York State and local government retirees and their beneficiaries, applauds the decision to put a temporary hold on the proposed health plan for Nassau County CSEA retirees.
Edward Farrell, RPEA Executive Director, Albany
As seen in Newsday on January 3, 2024
Newsday: Judge blocks effort to put retired NYC workers on Aetna-run health plan
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
Newsday: Judge blocks effort to put retired NYC workers on Aetna-run health plan
Mayor Eric Adams's administration said it would appeal a judge's order prohibiting New York City from switching retired employees from their current health care coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan administered by Aetna.
Credit: Marcus Santos
By John Asbury and John Valentijohn.asbury@newsday.com
Updated August 14, 2023
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
"I know that many of you took this job with the county many years ago with the understanding that you would be able to keep your health insurance plan long after your time working for the county was over. You have paid into this retirement program for decades, and I know that you have always expected that these programs and promises would be protected." "To reduce these benefits in retirement is to break that promise." He further states that his understanding is that: "CSEA did not have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the retirees."
By Candice Ferrette candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette Updated August 10, 2023
Newsday: Bruce Blakeman, Nassau CSEA reach tentative 13-year pact
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
United States Congressman & former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi supports Nassau's Retirees
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in Mineola on Jan. 12. Credit: Howard Schnapp
By Candice Ferrette candice.ferrette@newsday.com
updated August 10, 2023
Newsday: The battle for retiree benefits in Nassau
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
An attorney for the county argued there’s been no change in the county’s promise to the CSEA retirees. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports. Credit: Staff
By Candice Ferrette
Updated December 20, 2023
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
The Nassau Retirees Legal Fund becomes a Charter Member of the New York State Coalition of Public Se
The New York State Coalition of Public Service Retirees is a coalition of retiree groups from around New York State who have organized to stand up for each other with one unified voice.
NEWS FROM AROUND NEW YORK STATE
Water Board reverses course on retiree healthcare
Harckham and Over 200 State Municipal Retirees Call for Healthcare Benefit Protections
Under intense pressure from its union retirees, the Niagara Falls Water Board has reversed course and will not move forward with a planned change in healthcare coverage. Instead, the board will allow the retirees to retain their current health insurance plan, while also offering the opportunity to switch to an alternative Medicare supplemental plan if they choose.
By Rick Pfeiffer
rick.pfeiffer@niagara-gazette.com
July 8, 2024
Harckham and Over 200 State Municipal Retirees Call for Healthcare Benefit Protections
Harckham and Over 200 State Municipal Retirees Call for Healthcare Benefit Protections
“This is about a fundamental issue of fairness”
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham, along with Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski and over 200 state and municipal retired employees, plus union leaders, rallied at a special press conference held in support new legislation, the Health Equity for Retirees Act, guaranteeing healthcare benefit protections for retirees.
NYS Senator Pete Harckham
New York State Senate
April 16, 2024.
NYC Retirees Mobilize to Save Their Traditional Medicare Coverage
WSKG: Cortland County Legislature walks back change to retirees' health insurance
New York City is Ground Zero in the nationwide fight against privatizing traditional Medicare coverage for retired city workers. So far, court action by the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees has succeeded in blocking Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to force city retirees into a for-profit Medicare Advantage plan.
By Marianne Pizzitola and Gregory N. Heires
March 4, 2024
WSKG: Cortland County Legislature walks back change to retirees' health insurance
WSKG: Cortland County Legislature walks back change to retirees' health insurance
The Cortland County Legislature voted Wednesday to rescind its decision to change retired county workers’ health insurance.
By Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo
November 29, 2023
WXXI: Retired Cortland County employees sue over health insurance change
Lawyer Ed Goehler (left) represents the nearly 200 Cortland County retirees who signed on to the lawsuit. Dan Dineen, who worked for the county for thirty-three years, is one of them.
By Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo
November 28, 2023 .
Partner with Nassau Retirees Legal Fund
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.