he state budget was enacted at the end of May after a nearly eight-week delay — making this the latest budget in 16 years. The delay didn’t diminish the impacts we were able to make in the halls of power. We took your stories about the realities you face each day in your classrooms, workplaces and personal lives — and turned them into results.

Our largest legislative victory was the Tier 6 fixes, including reduction in the retirement age by five years for TRS members and adjustments to contribution rates for ERS members. (Details on page 6.) Read on to learn how our collective effort is continuing to make a difference on your campuses and in your classrooms.

ew Yorkers once again showed overwhelming support for their local public schools in May’s annual school budget and board elections, with preliminary results showing that approximately 96 percent of school budgets passed on the first try.

“Once again, New Yorkers made their voices heard: public schools matter,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Across the state, voters chose to invest in the schools that bring communities together, create opportunities for kids, and help ensure every child has the support they need to succeed.”

Nearly 90 percent of NYSUT-endorsed school board candidates won their races, and 64 NYSUT members were elected or re-elected to school boards.

Twenty-nine districts attempted to pass updated budget proposals in June and of those, 82 percent passed. Overall, only five school budgets failed; those districts were forced to adopt contingency plans.

“We’re grateful to the New Yorkers who continue to believe in the promise of public education — and in the educators, school staff and families who make that promise real every day,” Person said.

hanks to member solidarity, NYSUT secured meaningful pension reforms for Tier 6 members.

“This Tier 6 agreement is proof that when workers organize and stay united, change is possible. This is a victory for public workers across New York,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Because members across New York refused to give up, we secured meaningful progress for public workers.”

Whether it was rallies, calls, lobby days, or a historic labor event at Albany’s MVP Arena, NYSUT members turned up and turned out — and delivered decisive wins.

“This victory belongs to every member who spoke out, rallied, lobbied, and kept the pressure on,” Person said. “We are taking an important step toward building a fairer future for the next generation of public workers. And we’re going to keep fighting.”

Just say NO!: Coalition urges Democratic governors to reject voucher scheme

tarting in 2027, a new federal school voucher law will steer tax dollars toward private school tuition for the first time on a national scale. State governors choose whether to opt in or out of the program. In an open letter to all 24 Democratic governors, more than 30 education union leaders representing millions of teachers, school staff and public employees are urging the governors to opt out of a private school voucher tax credit program that would divert resources away from public schools and accelerate the privatization of education.

The largest expansion of private school vouchers in U.S. history, the Educational Choice for Children Act offers dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits for “donations” to private voucher organizations. These tax dollars that would have funded public services will instead pay private school tuition — with none of the transparency or accountability the public expects in return.

Here’s what families, educators, and voters should understand about how these programs actually work:

hen the New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees started its Social Justice Committee, one of its goals was to bring NYSUT’s transformative Sticks and Stones workshop series to the district.

“I was first introduced to Sticks and Stones in 2022 when I received a two-day virtual training. I was blown away by how powerful the material was at identifying biases without being accusatory,” said Aisha Cook, New Rochelle FUSE vice president of pedagogic staff. “It helped me to recognize where stereotypes come from and to understand that unless we consciously address our own biases, we continue the cycle. I was excited to become a trainer in order to give others the same experience I had received.”

Located in Westchester County, the New Rochelle district serves almost 10,000 students and is nearly 80 percent nonwhite. In 2025, the New Rochelle FUSE, led by President Mary Breslin, and the district made a three-year committment to train the entire staff under the NYSUT implicit bias program.

I was an accountant for 13 years and left the workforce to raise my children. As they participated in activities, I marveled at how they learned. When I was ready to go back to work, I wanted to be a part of that learning process. I was hired by Guilderland Central Schools as a TA in a 12–1–2 classroom for K–2. This was the most challenging and, by far, most rewarding work I had ever done. This is my 14th year working as a TA. I have grown as an educator, learner, colleague and advocate. I now work in Kindergarten (my favorite). Students are learning so much academically, socially, and emotionally, and there are teachable moments at every turn.

I started out in the union as vice president and became president eight years ago. It has been a hands-on learning experience discovering how best to advocate for members. I chair the negotiating committee and have been through three contract cycles. Because TA assignments vary across the district, in negotiations, we need to ensure that we fairly represent all of our unit members. Most recently I have joined the fight to Fix Tier 6 (my tier).

s the USA celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, NYSUT members are inviting students to participate more fully in their democracy through the Seal of Civic Readiness.

First established by the State Education Department in 2021, the Seal of Civic Readiness is a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, skills and experiences, as demonstrated through advanced social studies courses or electives and participation in service learning and projects.

Currently, the seal is offered at 500 districts — less than one-third of the state’s 1,800 public high schools — but NYSUT is working to expand the program to more districts.

Better Together: Collective Care Team members advocate for students, each other

large, enthusiastic group of members from across the state gathered in Albany in May for NYSUT’s Collective Care Lobby Day. Nearly 50 members, representing all professionals in the Collective Care Team — school nurses, school social workers, school counselors and school psychologists — fanned out across the Capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for a series of bills that strengthen the Collective Care workforce, mandate better staffing ratios and provide support and new protections for the students in their care.

At the third annual Collective Care Lobby Day, several members were making their first foray into legislative advocacy. Many donned shirts emblazoned with the colorful Collective Care Team emblem and the words “we are better together.”

“We are here to educate the policymakers,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “The collective power of our members is what changes things in schools,” she added.

El-Wise Noisette

NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross, right, introduces Paul Cole, executive director of the American Labor Studies Center and a 2026 NYSUT Retired Member of the Year.

ore than 100 leaders gathered in Saratoga Springs for the first in-person Retiree Council Leadership Conference. The two-day event featured presentations, interactive sessions and networking opportunities to help strengthen NYSUT’s retiree programs.

“This conference was conceived as a result of our council leaders asking for more information to help them engage with our newest retirees,” said NYSUT Second Vice President Ron Gross. “Collaborating with leaders from around the state allows us to share ideas that help support our ‘Union for Life’ campaign and keep our daytime army ready for any challenge NYSUT encounters.”

Retiree council leaders heard from the state Alliance for Retired Americans about the prevalence of social media and AI-driven scams that disproportionately target older adults. Other session topics included tips on how to make aging in place realistic and rewarding; tools to ramp up retiree newsletters; online payments and much more. Leaders also received an update on the political landscape and discussed leadership succession planning.

It’s What We Do

f you stop to think about it, we really only get a handful of summers to spend with those who matter most — whether it’s our children, grandchildren, or other special people who brighten our days. NYSUT Member Benefits is here to help you make the most of those moments. No matter if you are planning to travel this summer or just want to enjoy a little solitude to recharge, let’s turn these next couple of months into ones you’ll remember forever.

Through the Grand Circle Travel & Overseas Adventure Travel program, NYSUT members receive reduced pricing (at least a $150 savings per trip along with many other discount opportunities) on a variety of international and domestic tours. Travelers can select from more than 80 explorations across 100 countries, including a number of brand new “Immersions” options (8–12 days in length) designed for travelers seeking a more active style of adventure. “Immersions” tours combine iconic destinations, authentic cultural experiences, and dynamic outdoor activities.

y supporting local businesses, helping to create jobs and paying their fair share of taxes, NYSLRS retirees and beneficiaries contribute to the economic health of our communities. And because NYSLRS provides a lifetime monthly benefit retirees can count on, pensions boost local economies in good times and bad, helping to build a stronger New York.

During 2024, approximately 79 percent of NYSLRS retirees and beneficiaries — more than 415,500 — lived in New York state and were responsible for $19.2 billion in economic activity.

First, congratulations on your retirement.

If you plan to return to work, be sure you understand any earnings limits while receiving a NYSTRS pension. Failure to follow the rules may result in the loss, suspension or reduction of your benefit.

Based on legislation passed in May 2025, the earnings limit for retirees employed by public school districts or BOCES is suspended through June 30, 2027. This earnings limit suspension does not apply to retirees who work for a community college, SUNY, charter school, or any other public employment not covered by this law.