Advocates make history in Albany

Hundreds of UUPers helped make history on May 3, making up a boisterous contingent to the “March for Public Education: Pre-K through Post-Grad” held across from the state Capitol in Albany.

Higher education unionists traveled from Buffalo, from Long Island and from all points in between to stand with other public education advocates in what Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings said was the largest such event in the city’s history. Organizers estimated that the three-hour program drew 40,000 people.

Nearly 300 UUPers attending the union’s Spring Delegate Assembly in a nearby Albany suburb arrived at the march in yellow school buses, having hurried through a busy agenda in order to show their support.

“Our delegates knew the importance of this rally and really worked hard to see that the business of the union got done before turning their attention to the business of the state,” said UUP Secretary Eileen Landy, who served on the steering committee that organized the march.

The march was co-sponsored by the New York State Public Higher Education Conference Board (NYSPHECB) — of which UUP is a founding member — and its K-12 counterpart. Other coalition groups represented parents, students, administrators, school business officials, unionists, lawmakers and community activists.

“The depth and breadth of this coalition demonstrates that New Yorkers — no matter which constituency they represent — know that public education must remain a top funding priority for the state,” said UUP President William Scheuerman, NYSPHECB vice chair.

Scheuerman was one of more than 40 speakers to address ralliers.

“Public education is under the gun and future minds are at stake,” Scheuerman told the cheering throngs. “We’re marching to ensure SUNY can continue to provide a quality, accessible higher education for all its students.”

The demonstration came just days after the state Legislature restored $1.1 billion — including about $400 million for higher education — in education funding to the 2003-04 state budget.

At the rally, the crowd cheered the Legislature and chanted “Way to go, Joe!” for Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. Bruno asked the demonstrators to support the Legislature if it is called on to override a promised gubernatorial budget veto.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was also warmly received when he appeared on a giant video screen pledging his continued support of education spending. Silver, an Orthodox Jew, was observing the Sabbath and could not attend the event.

One of the biggest ovations was for former state Comptroller H. Carl McCall, who now heads the NYSPHECB. McCall ran for governor last year and was supported by UUP delegates.

“Our children need a college education,” McCall said. “Our economy depends on having a well-educated work force.”

Other speakers included NYSUT President Thomas Hobart; PSC/CUNY President Barbara Bowen; state Comptroller Alan Hevesi; Ronald Canestrari, chair of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee; and actress/activist Cynthia Nixon, the mother of a New York City public school student. NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin served as the master of ceremonies.