As the clock ticks down to the state’s April 1 budget deadline, NYSUT remains relentless in advocating on behalf of our members. We kicked off a series of regional and statewide ad campaigns reminding lawmakers of the critical need to invest in New York’s public higher education systems; support SUNY hospitals facing financial crisis; and reject charter school expansion.
A New Deal for Higher Education
As part of NYSUT's ongoing mission to support and grow New York's public colleges and universities, we have launched our New Deal for Higher Education initiative. Every New Yorker deserves access to quality public higher education. NYSUT is calling on state lawmakers to address decades of underfunding and provide a massive and sustained investment in SUNY, CUNY and community colleges.
We kicked off the New Deal for Higher Education campaign earlier this month at the Committee of 100, including a massive rally at the Capitol with members and leaders joined by students and supporting lawmakers. This week, we are launching a statewide digital ad campaign as the next phase of our advocacy efforts. The 30-second ad can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/810264167
Share Your Public Higher Education Story
One of the most powerful things we can do to push this effort is to hear our members' voices, many of whom attended or had family members attend SUNY, CUNY and community colleges. We have been collecting stories from lawmakers and NYSUT members and invite you and your members to send us your own.
Support SUNY Hospitals
This campaign includes a call for the state to invest in SUNY hospitals. SUNY Upstate, Downstate and Stony Brook are teaching hospitals that provide world-class care to surrounding communities, provide thousands of jobs and educate the next generation of health care workers. We have launched regional ads to help support these hospitals and push the state to provide the much-needed funding so they can continue providing crucial care and supporting our state's economy.
Charter Schools Divide Us
NYSUT and the United Federation of Teachers recently released a poll showing New York voters overwhelmingly oppose any expansion of charter schools and instead want elected officials to focus on programs that strengthen regular local public schools. The poll, conducted by Hart Research Associates, shows that opposition is overwhelming — and consistent — across regions, party affiliations and racial groups, the polling found.
NYSUT is pushing back on the plan to expand corporate charter schools, including so-called "zombie" charters. “Where public schools unite our communities, charter schools fracture them,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta, noting charter schools are a huge financial burden on home school districts.
Key legislators took to social media to bash the idea, and a new video ad campaign details the many reasons to reject charter school expansion in New York State.