On Monday, October 15, State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, who represents Senate District #2, told an Albany radio audience that teachers unions, including NYSUT, represent “the forces of evil.”

Since becoming Senate Majority Leader Senator Flanagan has consistently worked against public education and in favor of charter schools. During the current election season NYSUT is not endorsing any candidates who voted with Senator Flanagan on bills designed to enhance the number and financing of charter schools.

Senator Flanagan sees the union endorsements as evil, and part of a plot by outsiders to unseat the New York State majority. He fails to realize that members of teacher’s unions are constituents, and that union endorsements go to members of both parties. NYSUT is non-partisan in its endorsements, supporting candidates who will work for public education, students and teachers.

A listing of NYSUT candidates for state and national office will be posted later this week.