NO New York Constitutional Convention | 14 - INSIDE: Puerto Rico aid - NYSUT
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INSIDE:
Puerto Rico aid Who is Janus? In residence
Unions rush to help And why you A new approach
storm victims | 4 should really care | 6 to recruit teachers | 12
www.nysut.org | November/December 2017
l C o n vention | 14
ons t it u t io n a
NO New York C
NYSUT Affiliated with AFT n NEA n AFL-CIO NYSUT UNITED [ November/December 2017, Vol. 8, No. 2 ]
NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS AT-LARGE DIRECTORS: Interim Director of Communications: PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LATHAM, NY
800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 Cheryl Hughes, Joseph Cantafio, Rick Gallant, Frank Maurizio ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICE
518-213-6000 n 800-342-9810 John Kozlowski, Kevin Ahern, Don Carlisto, Editor-in-Chief: Mary Fran Gleason WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
Maria Pacheco, Raymond Hodges, Pat Puleo, Copy Desk Chief: Clarisse Butler Banks NYSUT United (ISSN 21587914) and
OFFICERS:
Selina Durio, Ronald Verderber, Wayne White, Debra Assistant Editors/Writers: www.nysut.org are official publications of New York
President: Andy Pallotta
Penny, Howard Schoor, Carmen Alvarez-Scaglione, Leslie Duncan Fottrell, Liza Frenette, Ned Hoskin, State United Teachers. NYSUT United is published
Executive Vice President: Jolene T. DiBrango from September to June.
Thomas Brown, Janella Hinds, Sterling Roberson, Sylvia Saunders, Kara E. Smith, Matt Smith,
First Vice President: J. Philippe Abraham Andrew Watson
Barbara Bowen, Frederick Kowal, Florence McCue, Advertising: For questions about advertising,
Second Vice President/Acting Executive Director:
Shelvy Y. Abrams (SRPs), Sandra Carner-Shafran Photo Editor: J. El-Wise Noisette email Lori DiVeglia at ldivegli@nysutmail.org
Paul Pecorale
(SRPs), Karen Lee Arthmann (SRPs), Deborah Paulin Lead Designer: Dana Fournier or call 518-213-6000, ext. 6264 or
Secretary-Treasurer: Martin Messner
(SRPs), Angie Rivera (SRPs), Anne Goldman Art and Production: Nicole Clayton 800-448-4ADS.
ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTORS: (Health Care), Stephen Rechner (Private Sector Advertising: Lori DiVeglia, Denyce Duncan Lacy NYSUT United reserves the right to reject any
Peter Stuhlmiller, Michelle Licht, Joseph J. Najuch, Higher Ed), Andrew Sako (Community Colleges), Online Communications advertising. However, the acceptance of advertising
Eric Talbot, Adam Urbanski, Andrew Jordan, Michael Pamela Malone (Higher Education) and Michael Coordinator: Bryan Thomas by NYSUT United does not signify that the product
Emmi, David Derouchie, Jeanette Stapley, Anthony Fabricant (Higher Education) Editorial Support: Julie Bull, Julie Malec or service has, in any way, been endorsed by
McCann, Joseph Herringshaw, Stacey Caruso- HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS: NYSUT United is a member publication of the NYSUT or any of its related entities, including the
Sharpe, Kathleen Taylor, Sparrow Tobin, Sean Antonia Cortese (Emerita), AFT Communicators Network, International NYSUT Member Benefits Trust or the NYSUT Mem-
Kennedy, Jeffrey Yonkers, Tomia Smith, Barbara Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. (President Emeritus), Labor Communications Association, Metro ber Benefits Corporation. NYSUT Member Benefits
Hafner, Christine Vasilev, John Mansfield, Kevin Alan B. Lubin (Executive Vice President Emeritus) New York Labor Communications Council, Trust and the NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation
Coyne, Nancy Sanders, Laura Spencer, Karen State Education Association Communicators. enter into agreements with some vendors to pro-
AFT VICE PRESIDENTS:
Blackwell Alford, Dwayne Clark, Evelyn DeJesus, Editorial and Production Department: vide certain products or services for members.
Shelvy Y. Abrams, Barbara Bowen,
Arthur Pepper, Mary Atkinson, Anthony Harmon, 518-213-6000 and 800-342-9810 (toll-free) Information regarding NYSUT Member Benefits
Don Carlisto, Evelyn DeJesus, Catalina Fortino, products can be found at www.nysut.org/49.htm.
Michael Mulgrew, Elizabeth Perez, Paul Egan, Annual subscription: $15. NYSUT members
Frederick Kowal, Karen E. Magee, Martin Messner, Only advertisements from vendors who have been
Richard Mantell, LeRoy Barr, Iris DeLutro (City & receive a copy of NYSUT United as part of their dues
Michael Mulgrew, Andy Pallotta, Paul Pecorale, endorsed by NYSUT Member
Private Higher Ed), Steven London (City & Private benefit. Households with multiple members will re-
Adam Urbanski Benefits Trust will contain the
Higher Ed), Kevin Peterman (Community Colleges), ceive only one copy. If you do wish to receive more
Jamie Dangler (State Higher Ed, UUP), Rowena NEA DIRECTORS: than one copy, please call 518-213-6000, ext. 6234. following logo:
Blackman-Stroud (State Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas Andrew Sako Address Changes:
Tucker (State Higher Ed, UUP), Philip Rumore, Paul Alternate Directors: Sue Raichilson, Serena Kotch POSTMASTER:
Davis, Matt Hill, Loretta Donlon (Retiree), Rosemary Member Records Department
Executive Committee members are underlined.
Catanzariti (Retiree), Thomas Murphy (Retiree) 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
NYSUT Member Benefits... more than just insurance
Before you make any online purchases
this season, we encourage you to look
to NYSUT Member Benefits first. Our
endorsed programs offer savings on
many online purchases, including:
• Theme Park Tickets
• Car & Truck Rentals
• Concerts & Sporting Events
• Retail Stores & Electronics
• Movie Tickets
• Ski Tickets
• Car Buying Service
• And much more!
Visit the NYSUT Member Benefits website at memberbenefits.nysut.org to
start your online shopping today or call 800-626-8101 to learn more.
2| November/December 2017 Official Publication of NYSUT
NYSUT Affiliated with AFT n NEA n AFL-CIO NYSUT UNITED [ November/December 2017, Vol. 8, No. 2 ]
NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS AT-LARGE DIRECTORS: Interim Director of Communications: New York Teacher/City Edition (ISSN 1074-0503)
800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 Cheryl Hughes, Joseph Cantafio, Rick Gallant, Frank Maurizio is an official publication of the United Federation of
Editor-in-Chief: Mary Fran Gleason Teachers. United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broad-
518-213-6000 n 800-342-9810 John Kozlowski, Kevin Ahern, Don Carlisto,
way, New York, New York 10004. Published twice
Maria Pacheco, Raymond Hodges, Pat Puleo, Copy Desk Chief: Clarisse Butler Banks monthly in September and November. Monthly in
OFFICERS: Assistant Editors/Writers:
Selina Durio, Ronald Verderber, Wayne White, Debra October, March and April. Biweekly in December,
President: Andy Pallotta Leslie Duncan Fottrell, Liza Frenette, Ned Hoskin,
Penny, Howard Schoor, Carmen Alvarez-Scaglione, January, February, May and June. With a special
Executive Vice President: Jolene T. DiBrango Sylvia Saunders, Kara E. Smith, Matt Smith, supplement in August.
Thomas Brown, Janella Hinds, Sterling Roberson,
First Vice President: J. Philippe Abraham Andrew Watson
Barbara Bowen, Frederick Kowal, Florence McCue, NYSUT United is published from September to June.
Second Vice President/Acting Executive Director: Photo Editor: J. El-Wise Noisette
Shelvy Y. Abrams (SRPs), Sandra Carner-Shafran Advertising: For questions about advertising,
Paul Pecorale Lead Designer: Dana Fournier
(SRPs), Karen Lee Arthmann (SRPs), Deborah Paulin email Lori DiVeglia at ldivegli@nysutmail.org
Secretary-Treasurer: Martin Messner Art and Production: Nicole Clayton
(SRPs), Angie Rivera (SRPs), Anne Goldman or call 518-213-6000, ext. 6264 or
(Health Care), Stephen Rechner (Private Sector Advertising: Lori DiVeglia, Denyce Duncan Lacy
ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTORS: 800-448-4ADS.
Higher Ed), Andrew Sako (Community Colleges), Online Communications
Peter Stuhlmiller, Michelle Licht, Joseph J. Najuch,
Coordinator: Bryan Thomas NYSUT United reserves the right to reject any
Eric Talbot, Adam Urbanski, Andrew Jordan, Michael Pamela Malone (Higher Education) and Michael
Editorial Support: Julie Bull, Julie Malec advertising. However, the acceptance of advertising
Emmi, David Derouchie, Jeanette Stapley, Anthony Fabricant (Higher Education)
NYSUT United is a member publication of the by NYSUT United does not signify that the product
McCann, Joseph Herringshaw, Stacey Caruso- HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS: or service has, in any way, been endorsed by
AFT Communicators Network, International
Sharpe, Kathleen Taylor, Sparrow Tobin, Sean Antonia Cortese (Emerita), NYSUT or any of its related entities, including the
Labor Communications Association, Metro
Kennedy, Jeffrey Yonkers, Tomia Smith, Barbara Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. (President Emeritus), New York Labor Communications Council, NYSUT Member Benefits Trust or the NYSUT Mem-
Hafner, Christine Vasilev, John Mansfield, Kevin Alan B. Lubin (Executive Vice President Emeritus) State Education Association Communicators. ber Benefits Corporation. NYSUT Member Benefits
Coyne, Nancy Sanders, Laura Spencer, Karen Trust and the NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation
AFT VICE PRESIDENTS: Editorial and Production Department:
Blackwell Alford, Dwayne Clark, Evelyn DeJesus, 518-213-6000 and 800-342-9810 (toll-free) enter into agreements with some vendors to pro-
Shelvy Y. Abrams, Barbara Bowen,
Arthur Pepper, Mary Atkinson, Anthony Harmon, vide certain products or services for members.
Don Carlisto, Evelyn DeJesus, Catalina Fortino, Annual subscription: $15. NYSUT members
Michael Mulgrew, Elizabeth Perez, Paul Egan, receive a copy of NYSUT United as part of their dues Information regarding NYSUT Member Benefits
Frederick Kowal, Karen E. Magee, Martin Messner,
Richard Mantell, LeRoy Barr, Iris DeLutro (City & benefit. Households with multiple members will re- products can be found at www.nysut.org/49.htm.
Michael Mulgrew, Andy Pallotta, Paul Pecorale,
Private Higher Ed), Steven London (City & Private ceive only one copy. If you do wish to receive more Only advertisements from vendors who have been
Adam Urbanski than one copy, please call 518-213-6000, ext. 6234. endorsed by NYSUT Member Benefits Trust will
Higher Ed), Kevin Peterman (Community Colleges),
Jamie Dangler (State Higher Ed, UUP), Rowena NEA DIRECTORS: Address Changes: contain the following logo:
Blackman-Stroud (State Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas Andrew Sako POSTMASTER: New York Teacher, 52 Broadway,
Tucker (State Higher Ed, UUP), Philip Rumore, Paul Alternate Directors: Sue Raichilson, Serena Kotch 12th floor, New York, NY 10004
Davis, Matt Hill, Loretta Donlon (Retiree), Rosemary PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, NY
Executive Committee members are underlined. ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICE
Catanzariti (Retiree), Thomas Murphy (Retiree)
WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
NYSUT Member Benefits... more than just insurance
Before you make any online purchases
this season, we encourage you to look
to NYSUT Member Benefits first. Our
endorsed programs offer savings on
many online purchases, including:
• Theme Park Tickets
• Car & Truck Rentals
• Concerts & Sporting Events
• Retail Stores & Electronics
• Movie Tickets
• Ski Tickets
• Car Buying Service
• And much more!
Visit the NYSUT Member Benefits website at memberbenefits.nysut.org to
start your online shopping today or call 800-626-8101 to learn more.
2| November/December 2017 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ RESOURCES FOR U ]
COMING UP
New additions to our online NYS marks centennial
Nov. 6
publications catalog of women’s suffrage 100th anniversary of women’s
suffrage in New York State
Several brochures — free to members in limited quan- Women in New York State
tities and/or to download — have been updated and secured the right to vote Nov. 7
added to our new online publications catalog at www. in 1917, three years be- Election Day — Time to
nysut.org/publications: fore the 19th amend- Vote NO! on a state
n 10 things to remember when preparing for a Parent- ment granted that constitutional convention
Teacher conference offers practical do’s and don’ts right to women across
from veteran educators, and information about the the United States. The
NYSUT Education & Learning Trust’s two-hour session state marks its 100th
to help teachers plan for a productive parent-teacher anniversary of women’s
conference. suffrage on Nov. 6. The
NO
n What you need to know about protecting yourself milestone offers educa- NYS Constitutional Convention
addresses the many situations where employees can tors the opportunity to engage
become vulnerable. The guide offers suggestions about students in learning about the suffrage movement and Nov. 11
ways to ensure your professional and personal safety. exploring themes such as civic engagement, the demo- Veterans Day
n What every NYSUT member should know is especial- cratic process and equal rights.
Nov. 13
ly helpful for members who are new to the NYSUT family. Information about centennial events across the state American Education Week
Although much of the guide discusses issues pertaining and other resources from the New York State Women’s begins
to K-12 teachers, other members will find plenty of useful Suffrage Commission are available at www.ny.gov/
information. The guide is programs/new-york-state-womens-suffrage- Nov. 13–14
available only for download. commission. You can also access information about NYS Board of Regents meets,
Ensuring Success for Englis
h Language Learners: Albany
n Ensuring Success for What Parents Should Kno
w women involved in the state’s suffrage movement at the
English Language Learners: National Women’s Hall of Fame website, www.womenof Nov. 17
What Parents Should Know thehall.org. The hall of fame is located in Seneca Falls. Substitute Educators Day
is a useful guide for parents.
It explains the supports Nov. 17–18
schools are required to Free lessons on free speech NYSUT Board of Directors meet,
headquarters, Latham
provide to children who This guide explains the
supports schools As protests by NFL players highlight, the right to free
Nov. 21
are required to provide
are learning English as a that will help
your child while learnin
g English.
speech is a hotly debated topic, one many citizens might
New Language. A Spanish not fully understand. The Bill of Rights Institute, a non- NYS SRP Recognition Day
language version is also profit educational organization that develops education-
available. Nov. 25
al resources and programs about our country’s founding International Day for the
principles, offers a long list of free lessons for educators Elimination of Violence
Planning a field trip? There to use in the classroom. Visit www.billofrightsinstitute. Against Women
might be a grant for you org. The website also features a lot
of other useful materials, in- Dec. 1
World AIDS Day
The Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program cluding student essay con-
will refund up to $1,000 of field trip costs for student tests, debate webinars Dec. 7
visits to a New York State park, nature center or historic and information about Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
site, or a Department of Environmental Conservation its Constitutional
Environmental Education Center or fish hatchery. Academy and Dec. 10
Human Rights Day
Pre-K-12 Title 1 schools and any public school in a Leadership
district with a Title 1 school (including school-sponsored Symposium. Dec. 11–12
clubs), Advantage After School Programs, 21st Century NYS Board of Regents meets,
Community Learning Centers, and youth bureaus in Albany
communities with Title 1 schools can apply. Each class
or group is eligible for one transportation grant per
academic year. For info, visit https://parks.ny.gov/
On the cover
environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx.
Cover illustration by Dana Fournier
www.nysut.org November/December 2017 |3
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
PHOTOS PROVIDED
pT
he Empire State VI leaves its berth at SUNY Maritime College to help hurricane victims. The ship carried more than pA
ida Diaz, center, president of the Asociación de
$30,000 worth of supplies to Puerto Rico and now serves as a floating hotel for emergency workers in San Juan. Maestros de Puerto Rico, receives much-needed
supplies delivered by the Empire State VI.
En solidaridad
Unions rush to Puerto Rico’s aid after devastation
By Liza Frenette cared for an older woman with used to live off the land can’t
lfrenett@nysutmail.org a gangrenous foot who was anymore.”
bedridden and dehydrated. Without electricity and
S
hips pass in the night and airplanes criss- Her family could not get her an water, school must wait for
cross the skies in a determined quest to ambulance. most Puerto Rican children.
bring Puerto Rico back from the ravages The nurses also met with Many school buildings are in
of Hurricane Maria. Some bring fresh water, sup- a colon cancer patient who shambles. Though some re-
plies and personnel; some leave with families and had been unable to receive opened weeks after the storm,
chemotherapy for three weeks, Schwartz Mehrjou they serve only as connection
students coming to the mainland to relocate and
attend school. Mehrjou said. Another family points for communities.
Recovery will take years. Most of the island is lacked access to the medication needed to control The Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, led
still without electricity, and will be for months. With the violent behavior of a relative, so they were keep- by Aida Diaz, has been working tirelessly since the
their homes leveled, people scramble for shelter. ing him locked in a room. hurricane to help members and students recover
Many are sickened by disease, dehydration and “People are scared,” Schwartz said. “They’re not and to help schools reopen.
hunger. Union members nationwide, statewide and sure what to do.” “We have students who can’t sleep,” Díaz told
locally are responding to the catastrophe without Margarita Montes, the 95-year-old grand- Education Week. “We have students who see rain
hesitation. mother of NYSUT legislative staff member Alithia and start crying. We have to work with all of them.”
Emergency room nurse Bita Mehrjou and visiting Rodriguez-Rolon, lives in Luquillo on Puerto Rico’s Many of her members lost their homes, she said.
nurse Alicia Schwartz, both members of the United northeast coast. No one heard from her for three The AFT, which welcomed the union represent-
Federation of Teachers/Federation of Nurses, spent weeks after Hurricane Maria hit. When Montes ing the island’s 40,000 teachers into its ranks this
weeks in Puerto Rico as part of a national team finally gained access to a phone, she told her family summer, has an intense disaster relief campaign
of volunteer health care professionals from the she was okay and her concrete house was spared, underway for Puerto Rico, sending supplies and
American Federation of Teachers. but one of her two generators was stolen and her volunteers to help. AFT President Randi Weingarten
Mehrjou told a CNN reporter that her team found vegetable garden was wiped out. traveled there in October. NYSUT, through the gen-
a woman trapped on an upper floor of an assisted “She lives off the land; bananas, fruits and erosity of its members, local unions and staff, has
living facility who had not eaten in three days. They vegetables,” said Rodriguez-Rolon. “People who sent $50,000 in direct relief to the island.
4| November/December 2017 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
Meanwhile, New York education officials expect and member of Shenendehowa TA in Saratoga
some 200,000 children from the island will arrive to County. “ We are in the midst of planning fundrais- Your help is needed
attend school here. ers in order to send money and supplies there.”
Though the city has not seen enrollments in- The State University of New York, meanwhile, Members of the Mohonasen TA, led by Ma-
crease significantly yet, some students from Puerto revised residency guidelines at its campuses for ria Pacheco, holding sign, below, rallied on
Rico are already in classes at the School of Science in-state tuition rates to include undergrad and short notice and packed food, diapers, wipes,
and Applied Learning, a pre-K–5 school in the graduate students from Puerto Rico and the U.S. batteries and flashlights to fill some of the 27
Bronx, and in other New York City schools where Virgin Islands for this academic year. suitcases bound for
UFT educators are helping them adjust. Members of United University Professions, Puerto Rico. The TA
Both the city and state education departments NYSUT’s affiliate at SUNY, are part of the crew from is now collecting
issued guidance to schools highlighting programs the SUNY Maritime College aboard Empire State VI. money for solar
and protections for students displaced by hur- The 565-foot ship was dispatched to San Juan to chargers.
ricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Resources include provide housing, power, food and water to 650 first The effort is just
the McKinney-Vento Act for students in temporary responders and relief workers. It was first activated one of many. “This
housing; extensions for providing proof of immu- for a 30-day mission to Texas to help Hurricane is what unions do.
Harvey victims, but was sent to Florida instead to We stand together
help with the pressing needs from Hurricane Irma. and work collective-
We have students who see Ten days later, it left for Puerto Rico. ly for the good of our members and the good
of our communities,” said NYSUT President
rain and start crying. UUPers Dominic Valvo, Edward Madigan, Matt
Mahanna, Ron Sigemann and James Carlucci are Andy Pallotta. “New York educators are giv-
ing generously and saying to their colleagues
— Aida Diaz the mates and engineers dealing with power lines,
tides, meteorology and oceanography on the ship, in Puerto Rico, ‘We are with you.’”
said SUNY Maritime chapter president Barbara NYSUT has so far sent $50,000 in disaster
nization records and health requirements; registra- Warkentine. relief to the island. A statewide donation drive
tion exceptions for unaccompanied youth; free “It’s a hardship to leave on a moment’s for supplies for Puerto RIco is planned for
meals and guidance for English language learners. notice,”she said of the UUP responders. “But early November.
The state’s Board of Regents also took action to when they call us, we muster.” Warkentine said You can do your part. Donate online at
allow displaced teachers to obtain temporary non- the campus takes great pride in the ship and its www.nysut.org/disasterrelief. Or, make
renewable teaching certification to teach here. ability to provide vital help. On this trip, Empire your check payable to NYSUT Disaster Relief
”We have not had an influx of Puerto Rican stu- State VI carried more than $30,000 worth of water Fund and mail to: NYSUT Headquarters,
dents yet, but our current students report that their and supplies donated by New Yorkers through Attn: Disaster Relief, 800 Troy-
families in Puerto Rico are reeling,” said Patrice Empire State Relief and Recovery Efforts. All were Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110.
Delehanty, English as a New Language teacher distributed.
Culinary faculty extends solidarity to California colleagues
By Matt Smith before classes and other activities we hope they will not need to begin disaster relief fund to help fire victims.
msmith@nysutmail.org resume at the CIA Greystone campus those tasks until more immediate Donations can be made at www.aft.
org/disaster-relief-fund-ca.
U
in California’s Napa Valley anxieties about safety can subside.”
nionized faculty members “The Hyde Park faculty share the Policy for CIA campuses, including
at the Culinary Institute concern of the entire CIA community Greystone, is set by administrators in DONATE ONLINE
of America in Hyde Park for the welfare of all students, faculty, Hyde Park who said that “the safety
are standing in solidarity with their and staff at our Greystone campus,” and well-being of our students, staff
colleagues in California whose lives wrote Horvath in a letter to adminis- and faculty are at the very core of all California FT President Josh
have been impacted by devastating trators. His 125-member local is affili- deliberations as we navigate these Pechthalt said the fires have resulted
wild fires. Forty people have died in ated with NYSUT and the American unprecedented conditions.” Fires in “catastrophic” loss for scores of
the fires and scores of homes and Federation of Teachers. spared the institute’s Greystone and CFT members, many of whom “have
businesses have been destroyed. “Faculty, students and staff there Copia campuses and both have lost everything, while many more
Culinary Teachers Association will clearly need time to plan for their reopened. have been forced to evacuate with
President Richard Horvath urged the return to campus and the resumption The AFT and California just their wallets and their keys, and
CIA’s administration to use caution of classes and other operations, and Federation of Teachers have set up a the future of their homes uncertain.”
www.nysut.org November/December 2017 |5
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
NYSUT pipeline
produces more
Who is Janus? political hopefuls
By Ned Hoskin
And why should you care? nhoskin@nysutmail.org
Take our quiz to find out!
N
YSUT’s Pipeline Project, which
encourages and trains local
union members to step up
H
ere’s the thing about exis- 1. Who is Janus? c. The 1970s case in which the and seek political office, has again
tential threats: You have to Supreme Court determined it placed candidates on ballots around
a. A film distributor known for intro- the state in this “off” election year.
take them one at a time. ducing many foreign classics to was fair and reasonable to expect
When you go to the polls on Nov.
A year and a half ago, the U.S. American audiences. people who benefit from union rep-
7 to vote NO on Proposition 1 — the
Supreme Court decided for the b. A whiny television character who resentation to pay something for it.
constitutional convention referendum
defendants in Friedrichs v. California dated Chandler Bing on “Friends.” 4. Who really initiated Janus? — be sure to support local candidates
Teachers Association. In a 4-4 dead- c. Mark Janus, a child support spe- who support your union’s agenda in
a. Someone named Harris V. Quinn.
lock, the court upheld decades-old cialist at the Illinois Department of your communities.
b. New York City Executive Assistant
precedent that says those who ben- Healthcare Services, who benefits Two examples: NYSUT Board mem-
District Attorney Jack McCoy. ber Sparrow Tobin, who is running for
efit from union representation must from union representation but does c. Billionaire Illinois Gov. Bruce a seat on the Middletown city coun-
pay fair-share fees. We won! Right? not want to pay his fair share for Rauner in an overt political attack cil, and Michelle Roman, a Batavia
Well, the 4-4 tie was, of course, those benefits. on public sector workers. He was teacher who is seeking a city council
precipitated by the death of Justice 2. Janus v. AFSCME aims to: later found to have “no standing” seat in Lockport.
Antonin Scalia. to bring suit. Undeterred, Janus, Early in his teaching career, Tobin
a. Limit the freedom of working
Get ready for the big rematch. realized that many of the decisions
people to join together in unions. was then used to sign on instead.
about education were made by poli-
The Supreme Court in September b. Make it easier for workers to join 5. Who said: “At the end of the ticians, not classroom teachers. So,
agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME together for the purpose of collec- he started to find ways to advocate
day, your union fights to pro-
Council 31, a case that again chal- tive bargaining. for his students outside of the class-
tect your salary, pensions and
lenges fair-share fees and threatens c. Allow consumers to cut the union room. He joined his union and other
rights in the workplace.” advocacy groups to speak up on the
public sector unions. Janus culmi- label off of their pillows and bed-
a. NYSUT President Andy Pallotta issues his students face. He views
nates decades of attacks on work- ding without fear of prosecution.
b. Gov. Andrew Cuomo the labor movement as a means to
ing people by corporate CEOs, the advocate for working family values,
3. People keep talking about c. Mr. Met
wealthiest 1 percent, and the politi- economic fairness and social justice.
Abood. What is that?
cians who do their bidding. Roman is a 20-year public school
a. A Boston-based, high-end clothing 4. c 2. a
teacher and devoted advocate for
So, how much do you know about
designer. 5. a 3. c 1. c
students and their families. She says
the next battle over “fair share?”
b. A side dish made with beans and ANSWERS: a strong community is supported by
Take our quiz:
rice served in Turkish cuisine. strong, compassionate residents.
Roman promises to bring more trans-
parency to local government, which,
she says, is established when more
Order your calendar today! people from the neighborhoods and
wards are included on committees
The 2017–18 VOTE-COPE commemorative calendar is and boards.
now on sale. This special edition, 16-month wall calendar NYSUT’s Pipeline Project does the
— September 2017 – December 2018 — features New same thing, helping local working
York State labor images throughout the years. people to take a more active role in
VOTE-COPE wall calendars are $10 each, including making decisions and setting policies
to improve their communities.
shipping. Quantities are limited.
Make your check payable to NYSUT Advocacy Fund “If you would like to get involved
and possibly run for office, we can
and mail to Karen Rhatigan, NYSUT Legislative & Political
help you,” said NYSUT President Andy
Department, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY Pallotta. “Please contact your local
12110. Be sure to include your name, address and tele- president.”
phone number, and how many calendars you want.
6| November/December 2017 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
NYSUT plans major push to protect hospitals,
kids from health care cuts
By Ned Hoskin state’s public hospitals in SUNY,” said Should state lawmakers return to program that keeps kids healthy
nhoskin@nysutmail.org Frederick E. Kowal, president of United Albany this fall, NYSUT “will pull out and ready to learn, was due to be re-
University Professions, which repre- all the stops to ensure the Legislature authorized by Sept. 30, but Congress
S
tate university hospitals and sents more than 15,000 members at and governor do the right thing,” said let it expire and funding will run out
other public facilities that SUNY hospitals. NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. soon.
provide the vast majority of Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he might If the Legislature reconvenes, Nearly half a million children
health care to New York’s indigent call the Legislature into a special NYSUT political action coordinators across the state rely on CHIP for
and uninsured could lose hundreds session to balance the cuts in federal will use in-district lobby days, phone routine checkups, immunizations,
of millions in funding if Congress funding. That could mean further cuts banks, letter-writing campaigns and medicine, dental care and eyeglass-
does not renew the “disproportionate to chronically underfunded SUNY more to urge lawmakers to protect es. Without these services, these
share hospitals” (DSH) payments that hospitals, and possible cuts across the the state’s most vulnerable citizens kids and more than 8 million others
expired Oct. 1. board, including education aid. and not to eviscerate other budget around the U.S. could go to school
The Children’s Health Insurance However, Cuomo also said federal lines that are also as important. sick or unable to read or engage be-
Program (CHIP) also expired with action to renew these programs The DSH funding is disbursed cause they need glasses or are sick.
the start of the new fiscal year. Both would relieve the need for drastic as a federal match to state funding. “Children can’t learn if their
programs were scheduled for phase- action before the next legislative In a memo explaining that the state health needs are not being prop-
out on the assumption that the 2010 session opens in January. It could recently released some of its funding erly met,” said AFT President Randi
Affordable Care Act would eliminate happen. Senate Democratic Leader share, the Department of Health said, Weingarten. She urged congressio-
the need for them. Chuck Schumer, D-New York, and “the state’s immediate objectives on nal leaders to renew the program.
SUNY hospitals could see millions House Democratic Leader Nancy managing federal cuts to the DSH Although the ACA helped reduce
in cuts now, and tens of millions more Pelosi, D-San Francisco, believe they program are to provide each partici- the number of uninsured in New York
through 2025. have a deal with President Trump pating hospital a fair allocation and and the U.S. by approximately half, it
“These cuts would deal a dev- to work out a new federal spending to assure each hospital’s financial didn’t reach the level anticipated in
astating blow to the high-quality, plan that would solve the health care stability.” 2010. The need for these programs is
affordable care provided daily by the problems before the end of the year. Similarly, CHIP, the 20-year-old still critical, Pallotta said.
By Matt Smith Union saves retiree drug plan union to resolve the issue.
msmith@nysutmail.org The Supreme Court will hear
“It was the right thing to do,” said mental in helping resolve this issue.” arguments early next year in Janus
A
s the U.S. Supreme Court SJTA President Sarah Morris. “Our The union had three months from v. AFSCME. The case will weigh
readies to hear arguments retirees worked so hard for good the May 18 coverage change to serve whether workers who have their sal-
in a case that could contracts, and they should have the the district with a Notice of Claim. ary, health coverage and retirement
decimate the finances of public-sector same” protections for which they “Thankfully,” said Morris, South Jeff protections negotiated by a union
unions, a small Northern New York lo- fought. retirees Sandra Haight and Anna Mae should pay their fair share.
cal has singlehandedly demonstrated Morris learned of the unilateral Cooper “stepped up and signed the While South Jeff’s success in restor-
the value of union membership and change after being notified by a claim.” Once it was served, the con- ing retirees’ drug coverage under-
the critical role unions play in protect- retiree who received a letter from the versation between the union and the scores the value of union membership,
ing workers. district. She immediately began work- district began moving quickly toward Morris said it also highlights the impor-
The South Jefferson Teachers ing to rectify the matter, bringing in a resolution that, ultimately, restored tance of maintaining relationships with
Association, which represents some NYSUT labor relations and legal staff the retirees’ prescription coverage members, and management, too.
155 members just south of Watertown, to guide and support the local. back to its original plan. “What our local learned along the
saved its retirees from losing their drug “If we didn’t have NYSUT’s help, “I truly believe the district didn’t way,” Morris said, “was that a good
coverage after a cost-cutting move by we’d still be negotiating,” said Morris, understand the ramifications,” Morris working relationship with the district
the district would have shifted those specifically noting the work of LRS said. “It never meant to put seniors will resolve issues quicker, and how
65 and older from the district’s pre- Mike Cocco and Watertown Regional under any type of stress,” and the important it is to be connected with
scription plan to Medicare Part D. Office staff, whom she called “instru- district worked cooperatively with the your retirees.”
www.nysut.org November/December 2017 |7
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
Unions sue to stop SUNY charters’ fake certification scheme
By Sylvia Saunders Teachers and two charter school The regulations suggest but do not
ssaunder@nysutmail.org teachers who are union members. mandate that charter teachers com-
The suit contends the new rules plete a certification exam and have a
A
sserting that the move sells would “significantly undercut the bachelor’s degree.
out the state’s most vulner- quality of teaching in SUNY-approved The lawsuit notes the regula-
able children and creates a charter schools,” and would create tions violate the Charter School Act,
two-tiered certification system, NYSUT “an essentially fake certification pro- which specifically caps the number
filed suit to stop the SUNY Charter cess, one not valid for employment of uncertified teachers a charter
Schools Committee from implement- in New York’s public school districts, school can employ. The suit also
ing illegal regulations that would “cer- other charter schools or the public argues the committee violated the
tify” teachers in some charter schools schools of other states.” State Administrative Procedure Act
with just a month of instruction and a While charter networks are because it did not submit a revised
week of practice teaching. plagued by sky-high teacher turn- version of the regulations for public EL-WISE NOISETTE
The lawsuit filed in state Supreme over, NYSUT President Andy Pallotta comment. The committee revised its pA
aron Major, chapter president of UUP
Court in Manhattan charges that noted that lowering the standards is original proposal that required only Albany, brings his son, Emile, to a union
rally protesting the SUNY Charter School
the committee exceeded its legal wrong and only hurts children. 30 hours of instruction after the union
Committee’s plan to self-certify teachers.
authority and usurped the role of the The new regulations, approved spoke out against the plan.
Legislature by adopting a new and by the SUNY committee at its Oct. 11 According to the State Education more than half the teachers left from
less rigorous set of certification stan- meeting, would allow charter schools Department, charters have a nearly one school year to the next, making
dards for some of the state’s charter to self-certify their teachers with only 40 percent annual turnover rate of it difficult for the schools to maintain
schools. The suit was filed on behalf 160 hours of classroom instruction teachers, versus a 14 percent rate the required percentage of fully certi-
of NYSUT, the United Federation of and 40 hours of practice teaching. for public schools. In some charters, fied teachers for their faculties.
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8|
8001_Groups November/December
NYSUT Ad.indd 1 2017 9/29/17 1:21 PM Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR U ]
Knock,Knock. Who’s there?
A union you can depend on
pF
rom left, Sally Lord of Ulster County BOCES chats about the voting NO on the constitutional con-
value of being a member of a union with Wendy Ashline of the
vention Nov. 7, the value of being a
North Colonie Teachers Association.
BECKY MILLER member of a union, and struggles to
By Ned Hoskin of member organizers,” said NYSUT Parente, an Education Autumn mem- improve our schools, our professions
nhoskin@nysutmail.org President Andy Pallotta. “They have ber organizer from Chittenango TA. and our communities.
“I truly believe we’re going to win
T
taken a leading role in the campaign “But the truth is, we are all NYSUT.”
his fall, thousands of you to promote our members’ rights and NYSUT Board member Don this fight on the constitutional con-
made a personal connection to fight for educational justice.” Carlisto described the effort as “a vention,” Carlisto said. “But we’re also
with your statewide union The organizers knocked on tens very pure expression of unionism — going to make sure that each and
as Education Autumn continued of thousands of doors all over the member-to-member direct action, every member sees union value, and
NYSUT’s member-to-member orga- state to have face-to-face conversa- in a very personal way, going into when we look back on these initia-
nizing initiative. tions with other NYSUT members. For people’s homes and talking about tives, we’re going to say this was the
“We built on the success and many, it was illuminating. the value of the union.” game-changer, the fact that members
momentum from Education Summer “People tend to think of NYSUT as Organizers spoke with members put feet in the street to connect with
by growing this statewide network the solver of problems,” said Robin about issues like the importance of other members.”
Support adjuncts during Fix APPR,
Campus Equity Week once and
Did you know that the average
for all
adjunct professor earns about With the
The clock is ticking $2,700 per course, or about $21,000
annually? Or that many adjunct
moratorium on
the mandated use of student tests
On Nov. 7, New York voters will be faculty don’t have access to health in teacher evaluations now in its
asked to decide whether a conven- insurance, sick leave, or even office third year, it’s essential to fix the
tion should be held to rewrite our space? state’s failed Annual Professional
state constitution. This “Politicians’ These and other issues are the Performance Review (APPR) system.
Convention” would be a multi-million inspiration for Campus Equity Week, Take action now at NYSUT’s
dollar boondoggle funded by our an annual campaign started nearly Member Action Center — mac.
tax dollars ... and would give Albany 20 years ago to highlight workplace nysut.org — to tell the Regents to
insiders and special interest groups inequality in higher education. CEW support a meaningful teacher evalu-
the opportunity to change our state 2017 takes place the last week of
Plan your project ation system that works for teachers,
constitution to benefit themselves. October, with a national day of ac- students and parents!
The vote is just days away! tion slated for Tuesday, Oct. 31. Visit Mask4CampusEquity.com Urge the Regents to build on the
Contribute now to the No NY Organizers selected the theme for a CEW 2017 toolkit, project progress of the last three years and
Convention Fund to help us get “Mask4CampusEquity” to high- suggestions and details about institute a meaningful teacher evalu-
the word out about the risks of a light the workplace inequalities the many challenges facing ation process that:
“Politicians’ Convention” and ensure “masked” behind the gravitas of adjunct professors in higher n r eturns teacher evaluations to
that New York doesn’t make this ter- higher education and campus life. education. The toolkit offers a local control;
rible mistake! Donate online at mac. Educators are encouraged to downloadable logo, masthead, n e
liminates the requirement for
nysut.org. And, on Nov. 7, be sure to stage arts-centered actions on Oct. bookmarks and an order link for student test scores to be used in
turn your ballot over and vote NO on 31 and throughout the week to union-made, CEW stickers and teacher evaluations; and
Proposition 1. For more about Prop 1, raise awareness about workplace buttons. n p
romotes teacher development
see pages 14–15. inequalities on their campuses. and support.
www.nysut.org November/December 2017 |9[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
Teacher residency
A new approach to
teacher recruitment and
retention takes shape
PHOTOS: SYLVIA SAUNDERS
By Sylvia Saunders The pilot program began with most importantly, help them
ssaunder@nysutmail.org a $738,000 National Education succeed,” she said. pA
t top: Teaching resident Megan
Association grant distributed over About 50 teacher residency Headwell works with a small group of
A
second-graders on math. Above,
sk Ryan Schuette about the three years. The NEA promotes programs are scattered around the
resident Kayleigh Ward helps a
new teacher prep program clinically rich preparation to boost country, most in big cities like San
student with a writing prompt.
he’s in, and he’ll tell you teacher recruitment and retention. Francisco, Boston, Seattle and New
he’s like one of those harried resident “The goal is to fully immerse the York City. The Classroom Academy
doctors on a TV medical show. teacher candidate with a strong is among a handful of residency pro- Aside from getting extended first-
“It’s only Monday and I’m com- support system and ongoing profes- grams serving rural schools, which hand experience in the classroom,
pletely exhausted,” said Schuette, a sional development,” said program also have difficulty recruiting and each resident receives a $22,000-a-
resident teacher at Hudson Falls High director Colleen McDonald, a retaining educators. year living stipend to ensure equity
School as part of his SUNY master’s recently retired teacher leader and Under The Classroom Academy and access, plenty of individualized
degree study to become a secondary Cambridge Faculty Association mem- model, aspiring teachers with bach- and group support, and a year’s cred-
English teacher. “It’s definitely long ber. “At the same time, the program elor’s degrees are placed in a two- it toward professional certification.
hours and intense — but I love it.” offers much-needed teacher leader- year residency in Washington County Residents also take master’s level
Schuette, who graduated with a ship roles — a seriously rewarding ca- schools, including Cambridge, courses, including up to 15 credits in
bachelor’s degree in business ad- reer path for accomplished teachers.” Hudson Falls and Washington- pedagogy the summer before their
ministration and management, is one NYSUT Executive Vice President Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex classroom placement. The attending
of several residents pioneering The Jolene T. DiBrango said residency is BOCES. The program uses the teachers receive a $4,500 stipend
Classroom Academy, a union-backed a promising approach. same lingo as hospital residencies: each year to recognize the complex-
residency model launched this fall “At a time when we’re facing a Candidates are called “residents” ity of their role.
by two rural North Country school teacher shortage, we want to do ev- and the experienced instructors When Courtney Berg, a former
districts, the local BOCES, and SUNY erything we can to encourage more overseeing their work are known as teaching assistant at WSWHE
Plattsburgh’s Queensbury campus. people to enter the profession and, “attendings.” BOCES, first heard about the
12 | November/December 2017 Official Publication of NYSUT[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
Regents phase in
new passing score
pR
esidents and
attending teachers is phenomenol,” said
on edTPA exam
F
meet once a month ollowing the recommenda-
Cambridge FA President
to reflect on their
Donna Phinney, who tions of a panel of education
experiences. To hear audio
helped recruit participants. experts, the Regents approved a
recordings about their
phase-in of a revised passing score
impressions so far, go to “They’re going to be so
on the problematic edTPA teacher
https://archive.storycorps. much more prepared.”
certification exam.
org/user/cmcdteach/ “I’m excited for Responding to complaints from
them. You want to tell the union and the field, the State
residency program, she them, ‘You’re so lucky!’” Education Department convened
thought it was too good said Hudson Falls a standards setting panel in June
to be true. “I said, ‘What? At Hudson Falls Elementary, Superintendent Linda to review the edTPA passing
Goewey. While there’s no specific score.
I’m going to get to work at a school, resident Megan Headwell mar-
The Regents approved the rec-
earn a stipend and (pursue) my mas- veled at how fast the days go in the service requirement after the two
ommended phase-in, which drops
ter’s degree?’ I thought I’d have to second-grade class she shares with years, she hopes the residency the passing score from 41 to 38 for
go to another country or something.” Jessica Hogan. “When I worked at model will encourage participants to 15-rubric edTPA handbooks start-
When she decided to become an accounting firm, I’d sit at my desk look at rural districts and want to stay. ing in January 2018. The state will
a teacher, Berg initially planned to and check the clock every three min- Stephen Danna, dean of SUNY then slowly raise that mark until it
keep working as a TA and go to night utes,” Headwell said. “Now, when Plattsburgh’s Queensbury branch reaches 40 in 2022.
I’m in the classroom the day flies by. campus, said he envisions districts The edTPA requires aspiring
school, but that would have taken
teachers to submit a portfolio of
considerably longer than the two- I’m not focusing on time because will start looking for residents to fill
work, including a video of them-
year residency program. I enjoy what I’m doing. It’s such a specific upcoming vacancies.
selves teaching. Even with the
She also likes the program good feeling.” “Someone might say, ‘Hey newly lowered score, the pass-
because it’s so hands-on. “That’s “I’m really happy this is a two-year we’re going to be looking for a bio ing mark in New York will still be
the way I learn best,” she said. The program,” said Schuette, who is teacher,’ and we can keep that in among the highest in the country.
arrangement has opened Berg’s working with grades 9-10-11 English mind with placements,” Danna said. Jamie Dangler, vice president
eyes to what a general education teacher Sharon Farrell. “If this were “This program becomes a feeder sys- for academics at United University
tem — helps us create a farm league Professions, representing SUNY
inclusion classroom looks like. the traditional student teaching ex-
faculty and academic staff, said
Residents said they feel for- perience, I’d just about be wrapping leading to the major league.”
the score change is only fair since
tunate to spend so much time in up my first placement,” he said. “I McDonald said a key part of the
there are concerns about the way
classrooms. In just the third week feel like I’m just getting started.” NEA grant was creating a program the edTPA is scored. Pearson hires
of school, resident Stacia Bonanno The attending teachers said they that could be scaled up and sustain- scorers from a national pool and
was already leading an ELA les- get as much out of the experience as able, without depending on grant has not disclosed information
son on gratitude with her second the residents. funding. That’s where BOCES and about who is scoring NYS exams.
graders while attending teacher “It’s definitely been very reflective the consortia with multiple districts “Establishing such high pass-
came in. Under a state-approved ing scores when there are real
Heather Gwin took notes and quietly for me as an educator,” said Kirk. “It
problems with the assessment
interceded when a boy was having makes me take a step back and think Contract for Shared Service, or
itself was a disservice to our
trouble staying focused. through more of what I do and why CoSer, the districts are reimbursed teacher candidates,” she said.
Later in the day, Bonanno and I do it ... it’s a growing experience for for a substantial portion of salaries. The Regents also adopted a
Gwin would take some time to both of us.” For example, Hudson Falls will multiple measures review process
compare notes on what went well Like many of the attending teach- get back 70 cents for every dollar so students who fail the edTPA
with the lesson and what might be ers, Kirk is using the experience spent, said WSWHE BOCES admin- within two points of the new pass-
while she participates in the National istrator Tony Muller. “It’s an invest- ing score can be reviewed for cert-
improved.
fication based on other measures
Down the hall in first grade, a Board process. As part of the resi- ment for the district,” Muller said. “If
of their readiness to teach.
colorful photo display showed stu- dency program, both residents and you bring someone in for two years
SED Commissioner MaryEllen
dents enjoying a hands-on “Making attending teachers participate in a and they know you and the culture, Elia said the actions “strike the
Caves” project with resident monthly professional learning com- there’s hope they’ll stay with you,” right balance by providing fair-
Kayleigh Ward. As students started munity experience, keep reflective he said. “And you’re creating very ness to those seeking to become
working on paragraphs, both Ward journals and will do clinical “rounds” strong teachers.” teachers, while maintaining some
and attending teacher Jessica Kirk to observe other practitioners. For more information, contact of the most rigorous certification
McDonald at teachmeducation@ requirements in the country.”
worked their way around the room “To have a two-year placement
— Sylvia Saunders
helping individual students. and a consistent go-to person gmail.com.
www.nysut.org November/December 2017 | 13Holding a state constitutional There’s a better way to amend the
convention is a wasteful option that state constitution: An individual bill
could cost millions of dollars and for a single amendment is
would be controlled by Albany introduced and passed by
politicians and insiders. It’s a safe two, separately elected state
bet that nothing good for average Legislatures. The amendment then
New Yorkers would come out of it. goes to the voters to decide.
Here’s why:
It starts with a
On Nov. 7, voters are asked
whether the state should hold a
specific idea!
convention to revise and amend This process has
— even fully rewrite — the state been used nearly
constitution. The question — 200 times in the past
Proposition 125 years and incurs
1 — will appear NO EXTRA COST.
on the back of For example, in 2014
the ballot. the constitution was
amended so the state
Legislature could go “paperless,”
saving taxpayers $325,000 a year.
A convention could have a huge impact on your
right to join a union, your retirement security,
Here’s another example: In 2014,
health care and your children’s access to
legislators proposed amending the
quality public education. Even the vast preserves
constitution to create an independent
of the Adirondacks would be exposed
commission on redistricting to ensure
to political whims. Every right we
residents were represented fairly.
enjoy is at risk.
It passed.
If Proposition 1 were approved, voters in
November 2018 would elect 204
convention “delegates.” Make no A couple years later,
mistake: The candidates would be after the next elections,
political insiders, lobbyists and it passed again in the
lawmakers — not average citizens. new Legislature.
Taxpayers would foot the bill for a
convention. Each delegate would be Voters then
paid the equivalent of an Assembly approved the
member’s salary — $79,500 — plus referendum.
travel, plus expenses. The convention
party for “delegates”
could last days, months and Now the independent commission — not
more — there is no time limit. sitting legislators — will prescribe changes
to election districts based on the 2020 U.S.
Census. The new district lines will be in place
for the 2022 elections.
The constitution was amended — and improved
— and it didn’t cost taxpayers a thing.
“Do not let politically
connected delegates, backed by
anti-union billionaires, rewrite
the document that guarantees
Any changes proposed by delegates would go your most basic rights. Vote NO
and urge your friends and family
before voters in the months after the convention
to do the same.”
ends. The last time that happened — in 1967 —
voters rejected all the proposals — a huge waste
— NYSUT President
of taxpayer money.
Andy Pallotta
The way gives political insiders excessive and The — and BETTER way — is a proven
wholesale authority to alter the purpose process for concrete, specific ideas
and priorities of the state government — potentially to: to move forward, ideas that will improve state
n strip our rights to join a union and bargain collectively; government without exposing New York State
n imperil public education; citizens to the whims of special interests and
n take away our pensions; political hacks, and without the huge price.
n weaken protections, such as unemployment insurance
and health and safety regulations; Protect your rights and security. VOTE NO on
n weaken protections for state lands; Proposition 1 to defeat the referendum on the
n allow fracking; constitutional convention!
n give tax breaks to Wall Street and the wealthy.
Text by Ned Hoskin | nhoskin@nysutmail.org • Design by Nicole Clayton | nclayton@nysutmail.org
www.nysut.org November / December 2017You can also read
