Author: linda.quinn

A Message for NYSUT Regional Office …

Posted by

Political Action in Suffolk County – 3/15/18

We need to keep winning elections

We’re all aware that public education, labor and in particular public employees unions are facing serious threats to their very existence.   What has empowered our enemies is that we lost too many elections in the early part of this decade.  But starting about a year ago we began to see a change — last May we won a special election with Christine Pellegrino, this fall we demonstrated the clout we could bring to the polls with the overwhelming Con-Con win.  Around the country we’re seeing progressive candidates doing better than we have seen in years.
 
If we’re going to defend labor’s rights, we must keep up the momentum.  That means winning more elections.
 
Our next chance is another special election on Long Island on April 24. NYSUT has endorsed former County Legislator Steve Stern for Assembly.  Win this, put another friend in office.
 
We’re not going to ask you to do a lot.  Everybody’s got a lot on their plate.  But with a just a little help we can win an election and continue to turn the tide.  We need only one day (see below), an hour or two from you and a few of your members.
 
As part of this campaign we’re going to be asking local leaders to contact members who live in AD 10, NYSUT will do some mailings, but we also need volunteers to make some calls and do some texting.  Below are the days and times for phones, let us know when you and your local can help either at the regional office, your office, or whatever works.  Please RSVP ASAP
 
Phone banking at regional office:
 
Monday          April 9             3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 10          Retirees starting at 10:30, everyone else 3:30 to 6
Wednesday   April 11          3:30 to 8 (dinner will be provided)
Thursday       April 12          3:30 to 6
 
Monday          April 16          3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 17          Retirees starting at 10:30, everyone else 3:30 to 6
Wednesday   April 18          3:30 to 6
Thursday       April 19          3:30 to 6
 
Monday          April 23          3:30 to 6
Tuesday         April 14          Retirees starting at 10:30 to 5

Did you work at the Middleville Road building?

Posted by

R-UTN member John Kobel has been working with the parent’s from the Middleville / Northport Middle building concerning the ongoing health problems.  The parents have contacted a class action law firm with regards to the health issues (past and present) in the building.  

The following is a letter that the parents’ group forward to John Kobel from the Law Firm of Leary Bride.

We want to meet with all former teachers, but not in a group setting.  We want to meet with them individually. 
Please reach out to anyone who might be interested in meeting with us and have them call my office and ask for my paralegal, Sarah Dugan.  She will create a schedule so we can meet with each person individually. 
 
Thanks.
 
Thomas B. Lim Counsel
7 ridgedale Ave
Cedar Knowls, NJ. 07927
Phone:  973-539-2090
 
Thank you for all your responses to the first email and hope you will continue to share.

PROPOSED FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS TO MEDICARE

Posted by

President Trump sent his proposed 2019 budget to Congress on Monday February 12th.  When running for office, he pledged to leave Medicare benefits untouched.  However, his budget proposal would reduce Medicare spending by $554 billion over the next 10 years. If you are concerned about the budget proposing huge cuts to the Medicare program, contact our Senators with your concerns and urge them to vote against this budget proposal. Continue reading →

Let the Violence End!

Posted by

The nation — once again — is mourning the senseless deaths of children due to another school shooting, the latest one claiming the lives of 17 students Feb. 14 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Many of our members are responsible gun owners. Some belong to the NRA. Voices across the political spectrum are coming together to say enough is enough.

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

NYSUT is joining its national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association — in supporting the Network for Public Education’s day of action on Friday, April 20.

In the wake of the Parkland tragedy, many local communities across New York State — and the nation — are planning candlelight vigils, rallies and school walk-ins for April 20 to send a strong message to state and federal lawmakers that their failure to act is inexcusable.

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

According to the Network for Public Education, more than 150,000 students attending K-12 schools have experienced a shooting on campus since the massacre at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.

It is past time our lawmakers address this national epidemic of school shootings.

In solidarity,
Andrew Pallotta
NYSUT President

Take action now and pledge to join the National Day of Action Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20.

Did you ever work at the Middleville building?

Posted by
Below is information from R-UTN member John Kobel on the continuing HEALTH problems at the former Middleville Middle School – now Northport Middle School. It is important that any teacher who worked there at any time read this and respond if it applies to you.

Background info: 
Since at least, the early 1970’s this has been a “sick” building. During the “70’s and 80’s” there were many teachers who had miscarriages and some whose children were born with birth defects. There have been a number of teachers and staff and, yes, children who have been diagnosed with various types of cancer and lung/breathing problems. This is continuing to the present day. Teachers, staff and students who have classes in K building as well as G and H buildings are sick now. They have been diagnosed with high levels of carbon monoxide, exposure to benzine and other chemicals. Anyone who has ever been in this building for any length of time can have health issues.
 
The parents of a number of students who have been diagnosed with these medical issues, as well as some current teachers have gone to countless Board of Education meetings to raise these issues. Many of them have filed papers from their doctors and medical labs with the District office and yet, it seems that none of these have made it to the School Board members, so they are asking for our help. They are asking that any teacher, staff member or administrator who ever worked at the Middleville Road building who has been diagnosed with any form of cancer, or any type of lung and breathing issues, or any other abnormality like miscarriages to please share their stories with them and perhaps even share their stories with the law firm they have signed on with. Also, if you know of any faculty, staff or administrator who has passed away from any of these issues please share those names as well.
 
These parents have spent countless hours and days researching the past history of the building as well as the property that it is built on in an attempt to protect their children. They have found documents going back to the 1940’s showing that this property, and the surrounding area, were used as a landfill. No one really knows what kinds of materials are buried underneath this building that could be leaching up into it.
 
I am asking for your help to help these parents, students, current teachers, administrators and staff who continue to get sick simply because they have to work in this “sick” building. 
If you are able to help, please email the information to Bobbi Scott and use the subject “Middleville Road building“.
 
Thank you.
John Kobel