Albany, NY – In anticipation of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address today, New York State United Teachers is outlining an ambitious legislative agenda that builds on victories from the previous year and advances NYSUT’s fight for a strong, well-funded public education system that supports all students and educators.
NYSUT has already successfully worked with the governor to fully fund Foundation Aid, a historic 30-year union-led effort that resulted in the state finally making good on its promise to give students and educators the tools and resources they need to thrive.
In recent months NYSUT has established shared goals with Hochul, including new legislation to protect children from online dangers and the creation of a “Science of Reading” initiative that will ensure educators have access to proven, evidence-based tools for teaching literacy.
NYSUT is also working hand-in-hand with government partners to reimagine workforce development in New York through collaborative and sustainable education opportunities. In December 2023, NYSUT was proud to join Hochul and Micron Technology in Syracuse for the announcement of an unprecedented $4 million plan to develop an Advanced Technology Framework that will help districts statewide develop experiential, hands-on learning programs to increase the pipeline of students interested in the semiconductor industry.
This year, NYSUT will be advocating for new measures to maximize outcomes for New York’s students, position New York as a world economic leader and protect the rights and dignity of all our members. The statewide union will push legislation that includes:
- Fixing flaws in the state’s pension system to bring parity with Tier 4 for members in Tiers 5 and 6;
- Fighting to end childhood poverty — a root cause of education inequities — by supporting New Yorkers’ access to nutritious food, health care and housing.;
- Correcting the broken APPR system and returning teacher evaluations to local control;
- Increasing the number of community schools across all regions of the state;
- Providing sustainable funding for SUNY, CUNY and community colleges and SUNY hospitals;
- Ensuring air quality and temperature in our classrooms are conducive to teaching and learning, including establishing maximum temperature limits; and
- Replacing the receivership system with a new plan that supports struggling schools with the resources and tools they need to meet New York’s high educational standards.
“There is much to be done and we are optimistic that productive partnerships with the governor and the Legislature can result in the safety, support and standards that our students and educators deserve,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “NYSUT will always fight to improve the professions of all of our members and to position New York’s public schools as the centers of our communities.”
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with nearly 700,000 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.