New York Gov. Kathy Hochul held a roundtable Monday with federal workers affected by layoffs and announced an expansion of the state’s “You’re Hired” initiative, aimed at recruiting displaced public sector employees into New York State service.
The expansion includes digital billboards at Washington, D.C.’s Union Station and New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall, as well as a new brochure and upcoming information sessions hosted by the New York State Department of Labor.
The initiative follows layoffs attributed to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been accused of eliminating public sector jobs without regard for their impact. The governor framed New York’s recruitment efforts as a direct response to these dismissals.
One of the impacted workers at the roundtable was Luke Graziani, a military veteran and former employee of a Bronx VA hospital. He and other laid-off workers spoke about the personal and professional hardships caused by the cuts. Several attendees remained anonymous, citing concerns over retaliation from the federal government.
“This has been a deeply challenging time, not only for us and our families but for thousands of other hardworking federal employees,” an anonymous group of workers said in a statement. “We thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity to share our experiences and for her administration’s commitment to supporting impacted workers.”
The “You’re Hired” initiative aims to attract experienced professionals to more than 7,000 available state jobs in transportation, healthcare, technology, and other fields. The Department of Labor is offering free webinars and career resources, including resume assistance and networking tips, while the Department of Civil Service is providing hiring pathways for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Since taking office, Hochul has implemented several policies to strengthen New York’s public workforce, including extending fully paid parental leave, lifting a hiring freeze, and expanding access to civil service jobs. The latest expansion of the “You’re Hired” initiative continues these efforts, positioning New York as a destination for displaced federal workers seeking stability in public service.
