NYSUT budget priorities seek to improve learning, working conditions

s the legislative season kicks into high gear in Albany, NYSUT is once again fighting to ensure that our students, educators and communities get the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

“Our significant victories last year were only possible through the tireless advocacy of our members to their elected representatives,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Once again, we face challenges with this year’s legislative session, but also significant opportunities. Together, we can seize those opportunities and significantly improve learning environments for our students, make sure no child goes hungry through the school day and ensure that our educators are properly cared for as they care for our students.”

Gov. Hochul’s executive budget proposal included a number of NYSUT initiatives, namely fully funding school meals for every child, restricting cellphones in classrooms and increasing school aid.

Proposing $340 million to fund universal free school meals for all districts that participate in the national school meal program will mean that every student will have access to free breakfast and lunch regardless of their family income. (See page 7.)

NYSUT has continued its push to make our schools distraction-free. (Read more about our regional Disconnected conferences on page 6.) The executive budget proposal includes $13.5 million to help districts defray the costs of implementing proposed “bell-to-bell” restrictions. Such measures should be designed locally, with input from parents, educators, unions and other stakeholders, specifically addressing alternative communication methods and systems for parents and caregivers.

Last year, NYSUT fought and won to preserve Foundation Aid and pushed back against harmful proposals that would have taken away vital resources from the neediest districts. This year, so far, the budget looks promising.

The executive budget proposal includes a $1.5 billion increase in Foundation Aid to districts and begins updating the Foundation Aid formula, including replacing outdated census data from 2000 and providing additional aid to low-wealth districts.

These proposals are just the start of a complex process to update the Foundation Aid formula. Every step of the way, NYSUT will be fighting to ensure that the needs of our students, educators and communities are best served by whatever shape the updated formula takes.

The executive budget proposal also includes new money for SUNY and CUNY campuses; $269 million worth, along with $100 million in operating support for SUNY Downstate hospital and $47 million to cover free community college tuition for students pursuing high-demand occupations. These investments recognize the value of public higher education for our students, our state and our economy. NYSUT is advocating for a New Deal for Higher Ed to substantially increase the number of full-time faculty, increase pay for adjuncts and support for SUNY hospitals, along with increasing funds for student mental health support services. “Every student deserves access to affordable and accessible higher education,” Person said. “It’s a public good that needs a significant investment from the state to make those dreams a reality.“

Other priorities that NYSUT will be fighting for throughout the budget session and overall legislative session, which continues through June, include:

NYSUT will continue to advocate for funding to fight child poverty through our 1 in 5 campaign to support the 2.7 million New Yorkers — including more than 750,000 children — who live in poverty. Learn more at 1in5ny.org.

Additionally, NYSUT is backing the Share Our Wealth campaign: a call for increasing New York’s top tax rates by 0.5 percent for those earning over $5 million and over $25 million a year and increasing the corporate tax rate by 1.75 percent on the wealthiest corporation. These two proposals would generate at least $3 billion to invest in working-class families.

NYSUT also continues its quest to fix pension Tiers 5 and 6 through our Fix Tier 6 campaign. Last year, we achieved the biggest pension reform win in two decades, which dropped the Final Average Salary calculation from five to three years for Tier 6 members and guaranteed bigger pension checks for life. But we still have much work to do.

We have seen a rapid expansion of Career and Technical Education programs across the state. These programs help prepare students for a rapidly changing economy, but more needs to be done to support this important work. NYSUT is pursuing an update to the BOCES and special services aid formulas, which have not been updated since the 90s. This will allow BOCES and programs within the Big Five school districts the flexibility to create and expand CTE programs. (See page 14 for more.)

Teacher centers are crucial professional development hubs that provide tailored support for educators across over 200 high-need districts, helping them address critical issues like mental health and inclusive education. These state-funded centers are driven by local community needs, strengthening the teaching profession statewide. We’re calling for a restoration of the previous $21.4 million eliminated from the executive budget and an increase to $40 million to meet growing demands.

We know our educators care about their students, many times funding classroom supplies out of their own pockets. In fact, more than 90 percent of teachers reported spending their own money on items to help their students succeed in a 2022 NEA study. Educator spending on classroom supplies is estimated to have grown from $500 to over $800 each year in the past five years. We need to make sure New York cares for its educators like our educators care for our students. That’s why NYSUT is pushing for a new educator tax credit of up to $1,000 to offset educator spending to address student needs.

“We won big last year, correcting a punitive teacher evaluation system, passing reforms for pension Tiers 5 and 6, creating a new state maximum for classroom heat and establishing state standards for toileting,” Person said. “With your help, as a strong and united voice, we will win big this year as well.”