Forty years ago, a Corpus Christi ISD middle school teacher named John Cole helped galvanize a few dozen of his peers around the idea that a union could improve not only their plight as low-paid educators, but also the quality of education for the kids they served.
Twenty three hours before the legislative session ends,apparently the Governor and the Democratic leadership at the legislature reached a budget agreement. We have not seen the agreement other than this condensed version. The agreement is not yet in the form of a bill, however, it is expected that it will be voted on before midnight tonight (5/4/16).
VERIFY YOUR ERS MEMBERSHIP!
Many people think they automatically become members of the New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) when they are hired. This is NOT true!
To become a member of the ERS, you must fill out a form: “Employees’ Retirement System Membership Registration” (Form RS 5420) Usually, this happens at your employer’s orientation or when you fill out the paperwork for things such as medical and dental benefits or tax withholding.
Once you are an enrolled member of the ERS, you should check to make sure:
With just a few days remaining in the current legislative session, there is a scramble at the Capitol to balance the 2015/16 budget shortfall and the projected 2016/17 budget shortfall.
Updated revenue numbers fall short of expectations by roughly $40 million. That sets the current fiscal deficit at $250 million and pushes the FY16/17 defecit to a projected $950 million.
By now you may know that once again the District will run out of money. Judge Rhodes has released June 30th as the last day that the district can cover its financial responsibilities and that an additional 37 million is needed. This would have a huge impact on all of us! This is absolutely unacceptable. We are unclear as to what services and payments are included in this additional amount and so we support and stand with the leadership of DFT in demanding a financial audit.
View the results of the 2016 Elections.
Congratulations to all of the candidates for a fair and respectful election cycle. Thank you to all of our members who participated in the process.
Click here to fill out an electronic "member issue form" which will be sent to Alief AFTSE.
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We are the Pittston Federation of Teachers, Local 1590. We have a long and proud history of working to improve education for the children we serve. Find out what we stand for...
