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Deb received the 2020 NYSUT Retiree of the Year Award at the 2021 NYSUT RA. She has been a Champion for Women's Rights all of her life. She is retired from the Haldane School District. In retirement she continued her leadership in NYSUT by joining & leading RC 43's Space Coast Unit as well as taking an active role on NYSUT Retiree Committees.

2021 Officer's Election Result.

Executive Board

PRESIDENT

Christian Nwamba Ph.D. …....... 142 votes…(unopposed)

1^st Vice President

Deborah A. Robinson............................ 99 votes-winner

Laurece Abraham Ph.D.………………………………………………   63 votes

2^nd VICE PRESIDENT- Vote for only one

COVID Premium Pay and Other Developing Rumors

As has been widely reported in the press, Governor Lamont has proposed what has been referred to as “combat pay” bonuses for state employees working on the front lines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.  There has been much speculation, also reflected in the press, regarding the details of how that plan would be enacted, who will be eligible for the payments, and how much those payments will be per employee.  Similarly, there are legislative proposals at the General Assembly which would provide $5 per hour for state workers required to work on-site during the pandemic, and up to $10 per hour for those at specific risk due to the nature of their work (working in congregate settings such as nursing homes, group homes, corrections facilities, and etcetera).  Potential payments referenced in the press run the gamut, from a low of about $500 under the Governor’s plan to a high of up to $20,000 under other proposed legislation.  However, these are mere speculations. The ultimate outcome, of course, is subject to Legislative approval, and that approval does not appear near at hand.  Further, any bill under consideration by the General Assembly must navigate the legislative process and therefore is subject to change.  To be certain, this is a developing narrative.  To give some perspective, in Massachusetts last year, some front-line health care workers received “hazard pay’' bonuses of $500 related to the coronavirus pandemic.

To be clear, Governor Lamont’s plan does not specify which employees will qualify for pandemic Premium Pay, nor does it specify the amount of pandemic Premium Pay qualifying employees will receive.  While we appreciate the general sentiment of the Governor’s proposal as presented in his Plan for the American Rescue Plan Act, the proposal itself consists of a mere two sentences: “The Governor recommends $10 million for premium pay for front line state employees. This funding will provide financial recognition for the essential workers who gave us security during the COVID-19 pandemic”.  The state employee unions have collectively been seeking to compensate those employees who put themselves in harm’s way to carry out the onsite mission of the state throughout the pandemic.  We support the idea of premium pay for all employees, in both the public and private sectors.  This issue has been simmering “behind the scenes” throughout the course of the pandemic. We will continue to seek and support pandemic premium payments.  A&R’s position is that there should be funds made available and those funds should be distributed equitably to all state employees who were designated level one COVID essential and required to report onsite at work during the pandemic.

-5/4/21

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AFT-Lone Star College (your employee union at LSC) is concerned about certain issues we have been hearing about from some employees. We would like to know if what we are hearing is isolated or a common issue for many employees. Our union has developed a short survey that we would like you to take so we can better understand how you experience your working environment. There are 20 questions and it will take about 4 minutes to complete. Please take the survey!

Health and Dental Open Enrollment runs from May 3 to May 28, 2021...this is the only time during the year you can change your insurance plan (unless there is a life changing event).

Look over the options and the pricing and submit any changes to your agency HR/Payroll before the May 28 deadline.  Here is the link to the Open Enrollment information

Click to Read the End of Season 2021 Issue of A C.U.T. Above

BUTTERFLY GARDEN at Egan Cottage at the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor.  Members donated the bench a few years ago in memory and appreciation of Fred and Betty Egrè. It was Fred’s impetus that has made Egan Cottage our charitable project for more than fourteen years. Betty continues to be an avid and generous supporter of the project.

HEADLINES:

New Congressional Voting Record Report Available;

President Biden's Joint Address to Congress Promises More Action To Help Older Americans Recover from the Pandemic;

Senate Committee Advances Biden's Nominees for USPS Board;

Senior's Face Double Whammy; Escalating Drug Prices and Low Social Security COLAs;

May Day to Commemorate Workers Around the World as Senate Considers the PRO Act