FROM THE DESK OF DEB PETERSON: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RC 43 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
This year’s NYSUT RC 43 Annual Conference was attended by delegates, representatives, guests and friends from NYSUT, a Union of Professionals; RC 43; TRIF Units; AFT; NYSTRS; ARA/FLARA; FEA-R; NEA-R; and UFT. We were thrilled and honored to have Karen Magee, NYSUT, A Union of Professionals President as our Keynote Speaker. Karen appreciated the opportunity to attend these meetings as she “likes to keep in touch with the membership.” She noted, however, that the Governor’s Education Plan is NOT in touch with the needs in education. It addresses the needs of “some students” without really understanding the issues of Class Size, Special Learners or ESL Learners. Karen noted that the negative “hawks” are well funded, but we have “boots on the ground.” NYSUT is developing a “WHY UNION” campaign to show the importance and strength of the union. She warned our retirement security is under attack—pensions, social security, Medicare, etc.; member engagement is key. The attacks against us are to SILENCE OUR VOICE. We have a Constitutional Right to Collectively Bargain, while Tenure allows Teachers to advocate for their Students. Strong coalitions have resulted in a new Task Force that validates parents and teachers concerns about and the need to overhaul Common Core and APPR.
Rosemary Catanzariti, ED 52 Director, discussed First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise founded in 1992 that provides new books and educational resources to children from low-income families.
First Book makes new books and other educational resources available for free and at deeply reduced prices - exclusively to educators and community program leaders who serve Title I programs, with students from birth to age 18. To date, First Book has provided more than 125 million new books and resources to kids in need. First Book has created the largest and fast-growing network of educators and program leaders working with kids from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Florence McCue, ED 51-53 At-Large Director, praised the group for all that we do for NYSUT and for our activism in working for legislation that is vital for seniors and education. She discussed the total number of retirees in NYSUT and UFT and noted that this year is the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Retiree Councils. With the 2017 Constitutional Convention, things are chaotic in Albany and we need to be vigilant. Florence encouraged everyone to take photos of their members in action - volunteering, working with children, supporting Pro-Public Education and Pro-Senior Rights groups - to send to NYSUT to use. She invited us to review NYSUT Member Benefits as they are constantly changing. She also reminded us that NY Law prohibits Locals from making any changes, up or down, in negotiated Retiree Health Insurance Benefits.
Paul Pecorale, NYSUT VP, noted that there are 14,000 NYSUT Retirees in Florida. He explained the concept of a Constitutional Convention. Under the New York State Constitution (Article 19, §2), every 20 years the people of the Empire State are asked a seemingly simple ballot question; “Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and amend same?” These twelve simple words that will appear on the top of the ballot on Nov. 7, 2017, will have a huge impact on not just NYSUT members, but every citizen of the state. If opened, the Constitution can be amended by two consecutive sessions of the legislature. Article II, §1, which guarantees free public education, could be at risk, as well as other Articles jeopardizing pensions, Workers Compensation, etc. A Constitutional Convention in 2017 could put an end to our system of Checks & Balances by giving more weight to one branch of the government. It is in our interest to encourage anyone in NYS to vote against it.
Marilyn Warner, FEA-R, advised us that her group is heavily involved in political action. They network with other organizations as well as lobby, socialize and volunteer. There are 27 Locals throughout Florida. Todd Crenshaw, NEA-R Organizational Specialist reminded us that NYSUT & NEA merged in NY, therefore we are automatically NEA Members.The NEA “Read Across America” Literacy Initiative strives to have 10 Million Americans reading on March 2, 2016.
AS A MATTER OF NOTE:
* 706,000 with 65+ Heads of Households have student loan debt. The Government can take up to 15% of their Social Security check to payback student loans as long as the monthly income does not drop lower than $750 per month
* NYSTRS was established in 1921. NYS has NEVER missed making a payment to the NYSTRS. TRS made 18+% on its investments last year and was 111% funded in August 2015
* Let Ken Goodfriend, UFT, (kgoodfriend@uft.org) know of events in your TRIF Unit so he can encourage his members to go to your meetings. There are 7000 UFT Registered Voters in FL. He urges everyone to Vote By Mail as 1/3 UFT Members are snowbirds, not returning to Florida until after November.
* NYSUT RC 43 won five NYSUT Communications Awards
* NYSUT RC 43 earned the Abel Blattman Award VOTE/COPE Award which is defined as a local contributing an equivalent of at least $10 per member
* Established in 1993, the NYSUT Community Service Awards were created to recognize individuals who have given outstanding volunteer service to their communities. The 2015 Retiree Council 43 recipient is Southeast TRIF Unit President Bernice (Bunny) Steinman
