Dear Members,
These are difficult times. The once great state of New York is broke. Public pensions are derided as an expensive luxury. Unions and public employees are under constant attack. Even the weather has been terrible; snow, more snow, and a side of ice. I am sure you share in my frustration at this whole sorry mess. The situation is serious, however, and we need to maintain our activism. It is critical that we speak out against those who vilify us. Arm yourself with the facts and speak up. NYSUT provides talking points on the issues. Go to nysut.org for these talking points and additional information on the hot button issues. Now is the time to increase your Vote Cope donation. I will be writing an extra check to Vote Cope this year, in addition to my payroll deduction contribution. I call on all of you to do the same. You will receive more information about Vote Cope in the next month.
I will be attending the Long Island President's Council annual meeting this weekend. This will provide me with the opportunity to speak to many other local presidents as well as to NYSUT president, Dick Iannuzzi. I will email you with any pertinent information or advice. It is important that we know where other locals stand and what they are doing to deal with the economic crisis we are in. I know things seem grim right now, but we can all take heart in the knowledge that we stand together. We have survived hard times before and we will survive this current crisis.
"Where there is unity there is always victory." -Syrus
In Unity,
Gloria Panella