Union testifies, 'It's just not enough'
President Andy Pallotta told lawmakers this week that despite fiscal challenges, increased aid to education in the 2019-20 state budget is needed not only to maintain current levels of academic services and programs, but also to provide many needed enhancements for school districts across the state. "It is important to continue investments in our education system now to create better outcomes for millions of New Yorkers in the future," he testified before the combined Senate and Assembly budget hearing on K-12 school funding.
Union ramps up pushback on obsessive testing
While the APPR reform bill is a big step forward, NYSUT will continue its fight to reduce the state's overemphasis on testing. "Our work is not finished," President Pallotta told lawmakers this week. "We still need to ensure that the tests are developmentally appropriate and valid. The state's use of testing has become an obsession that must be stopped." Here's a summary of NYSUT's steadfast advocacy on testing. This week, the union posted its updated Fact Sheets for parents and educators on opting out of state tests. NYSUT fully supports a parent's right to choose what is best for their children.
Some good news as you prepare your 2018 tax returns!
Thanks to recent union victories, you still have access to the federal educator expense tax deduction ... AND you can now deduct your union dues on your state taxes. Check out all the details on these educator tax deductions on the NYSUT web site.
More news
- Moment of silence for Parkland victims: This year, schools in Florida and around the country engaging in a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, to commemorate the anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings last year. If you are looking for a way to honor the victims and advocate for safer schools, consider working with your superintendent to organize a moment of silence in your school.
- Send New Era Caps a message: There is a cost to choosing profits over people! #newerahatsoff
- The President's State of the Union had one sentence regarding education - it was about "school choice".
- Save the Date: NYSUT's Professional Issues Forum on Health Care is slated for April 13 at HQ in Latham.
- Was your TEACH Grant converted to a loan? You should receive an email this week offering help from U.S. DoE.
- Celebrate Black History Month with a free poster highlighting Fannie Lou Hamer.
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