Dec. 14, 2005

ALBANY, N.Y. December 14, 2005 — The New York State United Teachers' Board of Directors has voted to appoint Stephen K. Allinger as the union's new director of legislation. Allinger has been executive director of intergovernmental affairs for the New York City Department of Education since 1994.

"Steve Allinger has an impressive resume," said NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi. "For the past 25 years, he's been an education advocate and expert. He understands what needs to be done for our schools, colleges and universities, and more importantly, he knows how to get it done."

Prior to his tenure with the New York City Department of Education, Allinger served in a variety of capacities in state and city government, including three years as deputy director of budget studies for the New York State Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where he was responsible for K-12 and higher education budgets. Allinger was also the executive director of the New York State Special Commission on Educational Structure, Policies, and Practices, overseeing a comprehensive study of school district finances and educational practices. He began his legislative career in 1979 as the program associate for the state Assembly Committee on Higher Education.

Allinger will replace NYSUT's current director of legislation, Debra Nelson, who has taken on a new position in the union as director of special projects.

"NYSUT is fortunate to have found someone as qualified as Steve Allinger," said Iannuzzi. "Debra Nelson has done an extraordinary job moving NYSUT's legislative priorities forward at the state Capitol. Steve Allinger is the right fit to keep that momentum going.

"There are a lot of challenges ahead," said Iannuzzi. "We have to fix the state's dysfunctional school aid formula, close the achievement gap, make sure our health care system works, make sure our community colleges and SUNY and CUNY have the resources they need — the list is long. But Steve Allinger brings the energy and expertise NYSUT needs to face those challenges."

Allinger will start his new position early January.

NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO.

CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org.

NYSUT.ORG. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000.