January 20, 2005

NYSUT’s Alan Lubin, left, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields and State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer were among 31 representatives of New York’s Electoral College.

UPDATE JAN 18: "NYSUT: Governor's budget proposal better than expected." NYSUT Media Release includes links to additional budget resources.

"Let's not cede this task to the courts, or limit it to one school district in one part of our state," Pataki said, to big applause from lawmakers, on Jan. 5. "Let's meet this historic challenge for the benefit of children."

Union leaders lauded the governor's good intentions, but urged him and legislative leaders to hasten serious negotiations to address the recommendations of the special masters in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit (see related story). New York State United Teachers also urged state leaders to focus on the looming crisis at New York 's public university systems and community colleges and work on health care funding reform now — not wait until June.

"The governor may say, 'The storm clouds are dispersing and the sun is breaking through,' but our elected officials have a great deal of difficult work ahead," said NYSUT President Tom Hobart. "We eagerly await more details when the governor releases his budget plan later this month."

'Fair funding, real reform'

While offering few details — and no commitment for more education funding in the coming year — Pataki repeated his call for a new school aid formula for "fair funding and real reform" for districts across the state, especially New York City and other high-needs districts.

"Let's complete this unfinished business," Pataki said. "We must never pit one school district against another."

Facing a multi-billion-dollar deficit, Pataki offered no clues for how he plans to find the estimated $5.6 billion in new funding to meet the court order. He simply said "more dollars must come with sweeping reforms to ensure greater accountability and performance."

Higher ed

NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said he was disappointed the governor's 69-minute speech didn't focus more on higher education. Instead, Pataki's speech briefly referred to record enrollment at both the State and City University systems and touted the fact that, for the first time, two CUNY students have become Rhodes Scholars.

"I heard nothing about the state's commitment to adequately fund these great higher education systems," Lubin said. "I heard nothing about last summer's higher ed vetoes or how he cut state aid to community colleges last year, despite their great need and sky-rocketing enrollment."

Lubin called public higher ed "the fuel that drives New York 's economic engine."

Health and safety

In one promising announcement, Pataki told the audience that he had just signed an executive order requiring state agencies to begin using non-toxic cleaning products free of harmful chemicals. "I will submit legislation that requires all schools in the state to do the same," Pataki said.

The executive order for state agencies provides a six-month transition to avoid the waste of existing inventories and enable the training of personnel in appropriate work practices. NYSUT has encouraged and helped districts voluntarily switch to "green" cleaning supplies.

Health care

Pataki urged lawmakers to approve a new health care system that will give seniors and their families access to a wider variety of long-term care options, including home health care. "For some New Yorkers, a nursing home may be the best option, but it should never be the only option," Pataki said.

He announced plans to launch "Access to Home," helping families make home improvements to accommodate the needs of loved ones. "For an older or disabled person, a simple ramp or other modifications can sometimes mean the difference between living at home or entering a nursing home," Pataki said."Let's ensure that our 'Greatest Generation' can live in comfort, security and dignity."

The governor also unveiled a plan to fight childhood obesity with a program called "Active-8 Kids." He said the education and awareness campaign encouraging kids to be active and physically fit will be promoted by National Hockey League star Rob Esche, a Utica native, and Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans.

"The continuing emergence of childhood obesity is one of our nation's most serious health concerns," Pataki said. "It affects up to 30 percent of our children and can lead to serious health problems later in life, including diabetes and heart disease."

In other health news, Pataki said his executive budget will detail Medicaid reforms that will "reduce costs and also protect county property taxpayers, while ensuring the quality of health care."

Lubin stressed that the governor's address is just a blueprint for what promises to be a tough year.

"Everybody's talking about budget reform, but the best government reform is to start working now," Lubin said. "Waiting until June to focus on issues like education, higher ed and health care just won't cut it. New Yorkers are depending on the governor and the Legislature for true leadership."

- Sylvia Saunders

NYSUT.org. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000. http://www.nysut.org.