ALBANY, N.Y. February 13, 2009 - New York State United Teachers today thanked those in the state's congressional delegation whose advocacy has secured what is expected to be more than $2.7 billion in education aid through a federal stimulus, saying it will help prevent deep cuts to schools and public colleges and help jump start our state's economy.
"Valentine's Day is an occasion for heart-felt thanks to those members of New York's congressional delegation whose advocacy demonstrated their dedication to our children," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "The federal stimulus will go a long way toward preventing devastating cuts to schools, colleges and health care in New York state."
"Sen. Schumer; our new senator Kirsten Gillibrand; House Ways & Means Chairman Rangel and the majority House delegation secured vital funding for our school children and college students across the state," Iannuzzi said.
NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan B. Lubin said the 600,000-member union will work with the Legislature and the governor to ensure the federal stimulus is used as intended. "The federal stimulus money will be a significant help in preventing deep cuts to education," he said. "The next step must be to seek changes in the state income tax - changes supported by a large majority of citizens - that ask the wealthiest to pay their fair share as we weather this downturn together."
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; faculty and other professionals 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, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
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