President's Message
Report From Albany Contiguous ED
Fall 2023
Sooooo much is happening! And the perspective from Albany is that it is all good! While Florida, the nation and the globe may be experiencing troubles and tragedies, NYSUT is making progress on multiple fronts on members' behalf.
At the end of September, the Retiree Contiguous ED (51-53) At Large meeting was held immediately followed by the Retiree Advisory Committee (RAC). As your delegates, Ross Stonefield and I attended. Miriam Hanan, as RC 43 Retiree Consultant participated in some common meetings as well as those designed exclusively for consultants. One of the surprises for RC 43 was that we are entitled to elect three alternates and that NYSUT pays for the transportation, accommodations, and meals for our delegation.
At the Contiguous ED meeting, 9 resolutions were presented (two were ours). Seven (including both of ours) will be voted on in May at the RA (Representative Assembly) in NYC. Some committees were restructured, new members added, some old were retained with a new focus on growth, efficacy, and diversity. One of NYSUT's goals is to make its committees and 'face' look more like the composition of its membership. Most of the resolutions address in service concerns. Retirees now make up 38% of NYSUT membership; within the three contiguous districts (51-52-52) there are 80,000 retirees in each district.
Updates on the legislative agenda were presented and the contrast could not be greater between events happening in Tallahassee and Albany! In Albany the unions are partners with the executive and legislative branches; they have a voice and forum to protect children, working families, consumers, and rights of all New Yorkers. A victory of one such partnership is a new bill to keep youngsters safe online. A long-term goal is to 'fix Tier 6'. NYSUT is asking us to increase our VOTE COPE contributions by $6/month to make it more equitable.
Updates from NEA with an emphasis on solidarity and legal information from Steve Kramer, ESQ were given. The importance of keeping wills, POA (Power of Attorney), Health Care Proxy and even passwords up-to-date and accessible were emphasized.
Punctuating the voluminous information was the solemn reminder of the Farmingdale school bus tragedy. Two NYSUT members died in that accident and all of the First Responders were NYSUT members. A moving tribute was given.
Alan Lubin is still active and serving the greater good. His current mission is the Rural Migrant Ministry. Other speakers revealed that the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has made some controversial rulings and can no longer be regarded as a friend of the common man/woman. One of the ironies of a controversial ruling that involved the LGBTQ community was based on totally fictitious information! (It is alleged that there was no gay couple and no wedding cake company involved in the case!).
Jennifer Kaseman, NYSUT Director of Constituency and Program Services, addressed VOTE COPE goals, political volunteerism, and the need to combat the negative impacts of Moms For Liberty (which won 400 races in America in 2022; its base is in Florida).
The time spent was both exhausting and exhilarating. And participation increased the learning curve for