Launches “New York Wants You” Billboards In Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and New York’s Moynihan Station

State Department of Labor to Hold Info Sessions With Services For Impacted Workers

While DOGE Attacks and Undermines the Federal Workforce, Governor Hochul Continues To Support Workers and Highlight Opportunities In State Government

Governor Hochul on Mar 3rd, convened a roundtable discussion with a group of public sector workers impacted by federal layoffs driven by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Following the roundtable, the Governor announced an expansion of her “You’re Hired” initiative to recruit talented public sector workers into New York State service. The expanded initiative includes the launch of digital billboards in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and New York’s Moynihan Station, as well as a new brochure for impacted workers and a new series of upcoming info sessions hosted by the New York State Department of Labor.

“Elon Musk and his clueless cadre of career killers know nothing about how government works, who it serves, and the tireless federal employees who keep it running,” Governor Hochul said. “Here in New York we don’t vilify public servants, we value them and their efforts. So when DOGE says ‘You’re fired,’ New York is ready to say ‘You’re hired’ – and we’re making sure talented, experienced federal workers know about the many opportunities available in our state workforce.”

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As part of the “You’re Hired” initiative, on Mar 3rd, New York State launched a “New York Wants You” billboard in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and New York’s Moynihan Station to attract and recruit federal employees who have been laid off and highlight the competitive benefits, good salaries and labor protections that the state has to offer. Additionally, New York State created a brochure to emphasize job opportunities, support for impacted federal workers and resources for job seekers within the state government.

In the roundtable, Governor Hochul and the impacted workers discussed the human impact of federal layoffs. Not only do layoffs impact workers’ ability to provide for themselves or their families, but it is also a net loss when qualified, experienced public servants are unfairly fired, creating negative impacts on everyday individuals who rely on the services that are being defunded including longer wait times and less accessibility for crucial government programs.

One of the impacted workers at Mar 3rd’s roundtable was Luke Graziani, a veteran and New Yorker who was recently terminated from his job at a Bronx VA hospital. The Governor did not disclose the identity of several other impacted workers who attended the roundtable, as they wished to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal from the Trump Administration amid the uncertain future of various federal agencies.

While some remained anonymous, Governor Hochul and officials from the State’s Department of Labor and Department of Civil Service ensured that all attendees had access to resources and supportive services that are available to workers impacted by the recent federal layoffs.

"Here in New York we don’t vilify public servants, we value them and their efforts. So when DOGE says ‘You’re fired,’ New York is ready to say ‘You’re hired.’" --
Governor Kathy Hochul

Luke Graziani, Veteran and New Yorker who worked at a Bronx VA hospital, said, “After my two decades of military service, including four combat tours, I never imagined that one day I’d be terminated from my job at the VA and treated like nothing more than a number in a spreadsheet. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for providing this forum for us to share our experiences on behalf of so many federal workers who are being thoughtlessly tossed aside despite their tireless efforts to serve the American people.”

A Group of Impacted Federal Workers Who Chose to Remain Anonymous Due to Fear of Reprisal said, “This has been a deeply challenging time, not only for us and our families but for thousands of other hardworking federal employees and the many Americans who rely on the services delivered by our agencies. We thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity to share our experiences, and for her administration’s commitment to supporting impacted workers and highlighting opportunities in New York State service.”

Expanding the “You’re Hired” Initiative

To expand on the “You’re Hired” initiative, Governor Hochul announced an ongoing effort to recruit experienced individuals and attract them to New York State service. The state currently has more than 7,000 job openings that span every part of public service including transportation, healthcare, technology and a wide variety of other fields. Positions like attorneys, engineers, nurses, and IT specialists are among those in demand.

To support impacted federal workers, the State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is offering free webinars with information on support services for workers who have been terminated or expect they will be terminated by the federal government. NYSDOL also offers unemployment insurance for those who reside in New York State. Unemployment Insurance is temporary income for eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Those who qualify can receive a weekly benefit payment for a maximum of 26 full weeks during a one-year period. NYSDOL provides a comprehensive array of no-cost resources for all New Yorkers, including Job search and networking tips, resume assistance, and career resources through the Virtual Career Center.

Additionally, the New York State Department of Civil Service (DCS) offers various resources for job seekers including The NY Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement (NY HELPS), the Veterans Temporary Hiring Program, and the Governor’s Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Recruiting former federal workers into State service benefits all New Yorkers. Workers get good paying, stable employment and the State gets seasoned civil servants eager to lend their expertise to supporting government services. The New York State Department of Labor stands ready to support everyone who suddenly finds themselves without a job. I encourage all workers looking for employment to use our free resources immediately.”

New York State Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service Commission President Timothy R. Hogues said, “Come join New York State to continue your noble legacy of public service and find a rewarding career. We offer stable jobs with generous, fair benefits where you will perform meaningful work for your community and fellow New Yorkers — and where your service to the public will be valued and respected. Begin a new chapter in your admirable public service career today by visiting NY.gov/WeWantYou.”

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has implemented several initiatives to strengthen New York's public workforce. In 2023, Governor Hochul extended 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to the entire state workforce, for the first time in state history. In 2024, the state launched the NY HELPS program, temporarily waiving civil service exam requirements for many job vacancies, resulting in nearly 24,000 appointments in state government, on top of 6,000 appointments in local governments. Additionally, the state created 10 Centers for Careers in Government, offering job seekers guidance on civil service systems and career opportunities. The Governor has also lifted the hiring freeze, expanded opportunities for individuals and veterans with disabilities, and funded new testing centers to further support the workforce.

Build the Workforce of Tomorrow

As a part of her 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul proposed making community college free for students ages 25-55 pursuing select associate degrees in high-demand occupations, including nursing, teaching, technology, engineering and more. Additionally, the State will cover the costs of tuition, books and fees for participants in this program and will increase funding for career support infrastructure to connect students with job opportunities. Governor Hochul also proposed providing funding for providers of registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in the high-demand occupations, to cover partial apprentice wages, training costs, and for underrepresented groups, wraparound services. Additionally, the Governor proposed to reform the way executive agencies hire cybersecurity and technology talent by removing four-year degree requirements for many entry-level and early-career positions, and to create a cybersecurity fellows program with SUNY and CUNY community colleges that places graduates in two-year jobs in state government. Governor Hochul will also work with private companies to similarly reduce or remove certain educational requirements to create more entry points for New Yorkers graduating from community and technical colleges.