May 10 , 2007

UUPers join “Committee of 100” advocates

Ivan Steen of Albany tells Assembly Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari of Cohoes why UUP supports pension equity through reform of the Optional Retirement Program. Steen was among the dozens of UUP members who turned out at the Legislative Office Building in Albany May 8 for the NYSUT Committee of 100 Advocacy Day to tell legislators that UUP needs their support on critical issues. Topping the list: UUP’s opposition to the Berger Commission recommendation that Upstate Medical University in Syracuse be removed from SUNY governance.

Other issues included fighting staffing shortages and mandatory overtime for nurses, as well as the need for pension equity through reform of the Optional Retirement Plan. Steen had a detailed conversation about the ORP reform effort with Canestrari, one of several lawmakers who made a special effort to sit down with UUP members during the event. Throughout the day, lawmakers responded with strong interest as they pledged their support for higher education and a range of bills that would strengthen the SUNY system.