Here are the NYSUT endorsed candidates for the 2018 general election. These are the candidates who we believe will best represent our values and will protect public education. See the image below or click here for a .pdf version.
If you need to double check any of your voter info (which districts you’re in, where you vote, etc), you can get that by clicking here.
In the last post, we talked about why this election is so important. Not only do we need each of you to make sure you get out and vote, but there are few other important things you can do to make sure that we come out on the winning side on November 6th.
Not only are phone banks way less stressful and much more fun than you probably think, they are also incredibly effective:
In the Con-Con election, 60% of NYSUT members voted overall. That’s pretty impressive, since it’s about double the general population. But what’s really amazing is that number rose to 87% among members who were directly contacted!
So please, click here to let us know that you’ll join us on the 15th . You can stay for as little or as long as you’re able.
2018 Phone Banks
RCFA Offices
223 Roanoke Ave, Riverhead
While every election is important, this year’s in particular will have a tremendous impact on public education here in New York. After putting up with years of broken promises, it actually looks like we have the opportunity to help put in place a number of legislators who share our values and will represent us and our students in Albany.
As just one example, last Spring a bill was before the Assembly and Senate that would have drastically changed APPR, allowing districts and unions to work together to create fair evaluation systems, rather than having to rely on invalid test scores and byzantine, state-approved rubrics. The Governor had announced plans to sign it, but it was blocked by a handful of Senators who were acting on their own agenda. Issues regarding charter schools, school funding, the tax cap, etc. have also failed to be addressed.
The APPR bill (as well as bills related to these other issues) will likely arise again and we want to make sure things go as they should.
It is critical that we have a very strong turnout to support NYSUT endorsed candidates. These are people who will help to make sure that the interests of public education are heard. It’s important to note that our endorsements include both incumbents and challengers and includes Independents, Republicans, and Democrats; what they have in common is that they share our values.
As you probably know, teachers tend to vote in slightly higher numbers compared to the general population. This is great, but it’s not enough. In addition to casting your own ballot, there are a few things you can do to help insure victory on November 6th. Click here for some ideas.
We are delighted to announce that Baldwin Reading Teacher Christine Pellegrino won 
Tuesday’s special election in the 9th Assembly District.
Running as a progressive Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican district, her candidacy was a longshot, but she prevailed thanks to tremendous support from NYSUT and other unions. Members from all around (including SWRTA) made phone calls, attended fundraisers, and canvased for Christine to help get out the vote and help voters see why she was the far better candidate to represent working people.
While it’s just a single seat in an Assembly with 150 members, make no mistake – this is a huge victory. It is a victory for teachers who now have a voice within the chamber, and it is a victory for unions – showing that we can still fight the good fight and prevail.
We are very proud of Christine and wish her tremendous success.
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