Union calls for state-funded COVID testing for schools
Last week NYSUT’s Board adopted a resolution stating the union will continue to advocate for robust science-based safety guidelines and re-opening metrics from the State that include State-funded preventive surveillance testing of students and staff in all communities to identify those infected with the virus but asymptomatic.
Public higher ed has suffered too long: NYSUT
In legislative budget testimony this week, President Andy Pallotta testified that public colleges and universities have reeled from years of austerity budgets, in turn placing additional financial strain on the backs of students. With UUP President Fred Kowal and PSC President Barbara Bowen, Pallotta said the executive budget again holds SUNY’s and CUNY’s instructional core budgets flat; if the state does not receive sufficient federal funding, significant cuts are on the horizon. Here’s the full testimony from NYSUT, UUP and PSC.
NYSUT continues to advocate for a two-pronged approach that includes both fair funding from Washington and new state taxes on the ultrawealthy to help fund critical public services like higher education.
Embracing diversity
NYSUT’s “Many Threads, One Fabric” town hall series continued this week with a virtual conversation on “Embracing Racial and Cultural Diversity” with author Juana Bordas, recipient of the International Leadership Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
More news
- Good news! The IRS just announced that eligible educators can deduct unreimbursed expenses for COVID-19 protective items to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the classroom under the $250 educators’ expense tax deduction. And don’t forget, if you itemize, you can deduct union dues from New York state taxable income.
- Today is the deadline to take a quick SED survey on NYSUT-backed state plans to seek a federal waiver of grades 3-8 and high school testing requirements.
- NYSUT’s online “Shared Success” page highlights members’ good work. Send us your story tips!
- NYSUT members and leaders are telling their stories in video testimonials as part of our Black History Month celebration. More to come. Get a free NYSUT Black History Month poster, featuring voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. Find Black History lesson plans here.
- Sign up online for upcoming free student debt webinars from NYSUT.
- Looking for tips on hybrid/remote instruction? We’ve posted videos of ELT’s popular two-part webinar series.
- Check out the online Education & Learning Trust catalog for the spring semester.
- Do yourself a favor and explore the new NYSUT Member Benefits Financial Learning Center on the Member Benefits website.
- Educator’s Voice, NYSUT’s professional journal, has re-issued its call for article proposals for the 2022 edition. The focus is on Leveraging Student Strengths through Project-Based Learning and Authentic Assessment. Deadline is April 1.
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