ArticlesA letter from John Esposito, President:
Dear Colleagues,
As public employees the New York State Legislature ultimately determines many of the conditions affecting our employment. Therefore it is crucial for us to take an active part in the political process and to demonstrate that our participation can affect the outcomes of legislation and elections. Voluntarily contributing to VOTE/COPE offers us the opportunity to do that.
Over the years, VOTE/COPE has been successfull in advocating: increased state aid to education, improved pension benefits for teachers, stricter safety measures in the workplace, continued opportunities for staff development through teacher centers and mentoring programs etc.
You can be part of this effort by making your contribution to VOTE/COPE, the
New York State
United Teachers Political Fund. Together we have the potential to exercise considerable
influence in
New York State and throughout the country in matters related to the welfare
of teachers and the
education of students.
This year, for the first time, you were able to make your VOTE/COPE contributions in person during the morning of Superintendent's Conference Day on November 7. Checks were collected at a table in the lobby adjacent to Mclain Auditorium. This table was conveniently located for those of you who were getting your flu shots in the PRCC that morning.
Last year, we received a significant number of contributions of thirty dollars or more, which greatly helped to increase the MTA's total contribution. As always, we will welcome your $20.00 contribution, but if you can give more, that would be great, One-hundred-percent participation is still our major goal!
If you still prefer to make your payment by mail, please send cash or checks
(payable to:
VOTE COPE) directly to me or to Mary Ann Lanza in the MTA Office at Hommocks.
Receipts will be sent to you through inter-school mail. Please remember that
all contributions must be submitted before the end of the calendar year.
Sincerely,
John P. Esposito