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[6/23/2007]
Mel and I went to Albany on May 7th – 8th to meet with legislators. The main topic discussed was the money that was put back into the budget for Long Island School Districts. Although this year money was given back, the legislators stressed that work for next years’ budget is already beginning. On a hopeful note, Senator Flannigan has sponsored a 55/25 bill, to allow our members to be able to retire after 25 years of service at age 55 (or older ) without penalty. Heather Sandberg
[3/15/2007]
Vote/Cope meets with Senator Flanagan
On February 1st members of the local Vote/Cope committee met with Senator Flanagan in his Smithtown office. The committee was able to ask Flanagan his position on the budget, healthcare, charter schools and the 25/55 retirement plan.
--Heather Sandberg
[3/15/2007]
H.H.H Legislative Brunch
There was a Legislative Brunch on February 1, 2007 at Central Office. The state representatives from the district were in attendance. Conte, Flanagan, Raia and Levy were some of the representatives that spoke to the collective group of teachers, board members, parents and administrators.
The main agenda item discussed was Governor Spitzer’s budget. Senator Flanagan stated that “the devil is in the details” in relation to the budget. Conte discussed the lack of aid that will be given to the Half Hollow Hills School District under the Governor’s budget plan.
[10/29/2006]
How VOTE-COPE supports new teachers
So you are relatively new to teaching and perhaps the ink is still drying on your union membership card. Now you’re wondering why you should donate to VOTE-COPE, New York State United Teachers’ political action fund fueled entirely by voluntary donations from members.
Your situation is not unique, says Andy Avedisian, a VOTE-COPE regional coordinator and member of the Deposit Teachers Association, near Binghamton.
To educate new NYSUT members on the importance of VOTE-COPE, Avedisian uses a memo produced by the Owego-Aplachin TA called “Why VOTE-COPE Matters to You”.
The memo lays out six reasons VOTE-COPE needs their support:
VOTE-COPE
• Works for resources to help students who are striving to reach higher standards;
• Encourages smaller class sizes through legislation;
• Supports competitive salaries to recruit qualified teachers;
• Fights for state aid increases so newly hired teachers can be safe from financially motivated layoffs;
• Advocates affordable tuition at public colleges to keep graduate program costs down; and
• Lobbies for mentor program legislation to provide critical support to new teachers.
Last year, the VOTE-COPE fund topped $5.3 million, which was used to pay for political activities on the local pay for political activities on the local, state and federal levels. The continued financial success of VOTE-COPE depends on support from new and veteran NYSUT members.
“The goal of VOTE-COPE is to protect all of NYSUT’s constituents, form our newest members to our retirees,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. “The stronger NYSUT becomes as a political force, the more we can accomplish in Albany, in local communities and in Washington. We depend on continued support across all of NYSUT’s membership.”
For more information, contact Heather Sandberg our VOTE/COPE chairperson. You may also get more information by visiting www.nysut.org
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