ALBANY, N.Y. July 21, 2016 — New York State United Teachers said Thursday it will support state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) for re-election, as well as two newcomers in their respective bids for state Senate and Assembly seats.
The union's Board of Directors voted this week to approve the early endorsements of Stavisky and Robert Jackson, the Democratic candidate in the race for the state's 31st Senate District in New York City. The union also voted to back Democratic candidate Anthony Eramo for the state's 20th Assembly District on Long Island.
"Sen. Stavisky has been a fierce advocate for public education and her endorsement is well-deserved," said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee. "We are also very proud to support Robert Jackson and Anthony Eramo. As a city councilman in New York City, Jackson has been a leader in the fight for fair education funding. And, as a Long Beach city councilman and dedicated unionist, Eramo has long been a champion for working families."
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andrew Pallotta said the early endorsements pave the way for thousands of NYSUT volunteers to begin working phone banks, handing out literature and going door-to-door on behalf of the three candidates throughout the summer and fall, leading up to the Nov. 8 general election.
"Sen. Stavisky, and candidates Jackson and Eramo, are committed to protecting public education, expanding access to health care and fighting for working families," Pallotta said. "They have earned NYSUT's trust and support and our members look forward to working on their behalf."
NYSUT's board, political action committees and other leaders will take up additional endorsements, Pallotta said, at the union's regular endorsement conference on Aug. 8-9.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.