State Sen. James Skoufis and other Hudson Valley lawmakers teamed up with the Civil Service Employees Association to advocate for a 25-year retirement plan for military and naval firefighters, including those at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County.

The proposal, included in the Senate’s budget plan, aims to secure pensions for these workers. “These are individuals, who just like any other firefighter, respond to calls and put themselves in harm’s way,” Skoufis said.

Negotiations to finalize the state budget, involving the Senate, Assembly, and governor, are now underway in Albany.

A balanced budget is expected by early April.