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Home , Dan Stec, Erik Martin Dilan, Fred Akshar, Jim Tedisco, Phil Boyle, Zephyr Teachout

Voter Guide PLEDGE

NYSUT’s guide to union-endorsed candidates in the Nov. 8 general election Letter from the officers

Dear NYSUT member:

We are pleased to provide you with this Voter Guide, so YOU and your VOTE on Nov. 8 can help guide this state and the nation.

Karen E. Magee With the hectic and historic presidential election dominating the news this year, we don’t need to point out how important this election cycle will be. Your vote will help determine the future of the country’s crucial institutions — in education, in health care, in retirement security, in labor rights and more. The U.S. Supreme Court, and the Constitution itself, hang in the balance. This guide provides you with the complete list of NYSUT-endorsed candidates as recommended by our local presidents and NYSUT’s Political Action Committee, and approved by the union’s Board of Directors. It explores critical races and gives the Andrew Pallotta rationale for certain endorsements. We hope you take the time to read and consider this information before you cast your ballot on Nov. 8. NYSUT does not endorse candidates in presidential elections, but the statewide federation heartily supports the endorsements by our national affiliates — the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, as well as the state and national AFL-CIO — of Democratic hopeful . She is our champion, and has promised to stand with us against ill-advised education “reform,” assaults on health care and anti-labor extremism. Catalina Fortino Our union supports candidates for Congress and the state Senate and Assembly who stand up on key issues important to us, our students, our patients and our communities. They have been thoroughly vetted with local union leaders and activists from every corner of the state. These are the candidates who will have our back. We hope you will seriously consider the information in this guide and, most importantly, VOTE on Nov. 8!

Your vote gives you the power! Use it to shape the future. Paul Pecorale In solidarity,

Martin Messner

2 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide Union values

NYSUT endorses Republicans and Democrats who share our commitment to public education, health care, retirement security, the right to bargain collectively and a strong middle class. Clearly, much is at stake on the national and state level. At a time when the richest, most powerful corporate special interests in the nation have joined forces to destroy unions, to privatize public services for their own profit, and to dis- enfranchise and disempower working people for their own gain, VOTING is our best chance to fight back to defend our rights, our profession and our future. “Your vote is critical in supporting our endorsed incum- bents and challengers who advocate for working families PLEDGE and who fight against policies that would harm students, PLEDGE public schools and colleges, health care workers and organized labor,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. NYSUT has an obligation to communicate its endorse- Inside: ments to all members. (No endorsements were made in Clinton and Trump districts not listed.) Not all of you will agree with them, side by side ...... 4–5 but the process is designed to reflect the opinions of Congressional members’ representatives. endorsements ...... 6–7 The endorsement process starts months before the What’s at stake nationally ...... 8 November elections. Candidates seeking NYSUT’s support State Senate endorsements.... 9–11 are considered carefully. They first fill out a survey and then members of the union’s Political Action Committee inter- Assembly endorsements ...... 12–15 view them. The PAC makes recommendations during a What’s at stake in two-day Endorsement Conference where they are reviewed State ...... 15 with local leaders in thorough and passionate discussions. Pledge to VOTE! ...... 16 Conference attendees review the candidates’ positions, voting records on key areas of interest — such as educa- Give to VOTE-COPE ...... 16 tion, health care and state aid — and their reputation for accessibility and responsiveness to union members. The NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide is made possible Once the proposed slate of endorsed candidates is set, by voluntary contributions to VOTE-COPE, it is submitted to the NYSUT Executive Committee for NYSUT’s political action fund. To download a copy, visit www.nysut.org/voterguide. discussion and then to the entire Board of Directors for Cover photos, clockwise: Hillary Clinton by discussion and final approval. El-Wise Noisette; Clinton supporters holding signs by Michael Davidson; by Gage Skidmore.

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 3 Hillary Rodham Clinton Why Hillary?

his is a crucial She says: “As president, I will stand shoulder T election. Who to shoulder with unions to fend off any attacks we elect as our next and help build a labor movement for the 21st president will make the century.” difference in reshaping n As a U.S. senator, Hillary had a 100 percent our economy and reclaiming AFT voting record, and her stances on the the promise of public education. issues reflect that strong record. “In vision, experience and leadership, n On education, she promises to work collab- Hillary Clinton is the champion oratively with educators on issues such as working families need in the White effectively implementing the Every Student House,” said NYSUT Executive Succeeds Act as well as ending the fixation Vice President Andy Pallotta. on high-stakes testing, addressing the “The endorsed candidate of our impact of poverty on students, holding national affiliates, Clinton shares charter schools accountable and providing our values and will fight for them.” universal prekindergarten. n She has proposed a sweeping plan to make She will fight: college more affordable and accessible by providing tuition-free community college, n For a strong economy that works for cutting the interest rate on student loans, everyone, not just those at the top; allowing borrowers to refinance, and provid- n For strong public schools and debt-free ing grants to states and colleges to reverse higher education, including free community years of disinvestment in higher education. college, for as many students as possible; n Clinton opposes privatization of public n To safeguard our retirement security and services and school district jobs. She has keep public services public; and fought throughout her career to ensure public n To protect and build on the progress of the services are provided by public employees. Affordable Care Act. n She has stood up for nurses and health pro- Clinton is a tested leader who is prepared for fessionals and, as a senator, proposed a tough fight on behalf of all our members. a number of bills to address the nation’s She has shown she’s ready to work with us to nursing shortage and support nurse confront the issues that matter to us most. On education and high-quality health care. the whole range of issues that affect NYSUT n Throughout her career, Clinton has worked members both on the job and off, Clinton is to protect Social Security and Medicare and prepared to stand with us on behalf of our ensure they are adequately funded. She has students, families and communities. fought attempts to privatize Social Security. She understands that America’s workers are the backbone of our economy, and she is “The choice is clear; the alternative flies committed to strengthening working families in the face of everything we stand for,” and protecting collective bargaining rights. said Pallotta. “We’re with her!”

4 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide In their words The candidates for president this year couldn’t be any more different on the issues we care about as union members. In their own words, see the differences yourself. M DAVIDSON GAGE SKIDMORE DONALD TRUMP ISSUE HILLARY CLINTON

Vouchers are PUBLIC “Public education remains the “the American way.”1 EDUCATION foundation of our democracy, and we are going to fight for it.”2

Started Trump University, which faces She would eliminate in-state public multiple lawsuits and state investiga- HIGHER college tuition for working families, tions for defrauding students.3 “I don’t EDUCATION provide free community college, want to settle it because, look, the and cut interest rates on federal people that took the course, 98 per- student loans.5 “... families are cent of those people liked the school. drowning in debt caused by We have report cards.”4 ever-rising college costs.”6

“It’s the balance of power: UNIONS “We’ve got to stand up for unions and Teachers’ unions with too much working people who have been at the power; parents with too little.”7 core of the American middle class.”8

“We are going to repeal Obamacare.”9 HEALTH CARE/ “Affordable health care AFFORDABLE is a basic human right.”10 CARE ACT

“When Mexico sends its people, “If Congress refuses to act, as president they’re not sending their best. They’re IMMIGRATION I would do everything possible under the bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. law to go even further [than President They’re rapists.”11 Obama].”12

“The deal is so pathetic TRANS-PACIFIC “I don’t believe we can keep giving new and so bad.”13 PARTNERSHIP agreements the benefit of the doubt.”14 TRADE DEAL

GET THE FACTS 1. Donald Trump, The America We Deserve, 2000. 2. Hillary Clinton’s remarks on K-12 education, Durham, N.C., 3/10/16. 3. Huffington Post, 9/10/15; Boston Globe, 9/9/13. 4. 3/3/16, Good Morning America. 5. Post, 7/6/16. 6. Inside Higher Ed, 7/7/16. 7. Donald Trump, The America We Deserve, 2000. 8. Vox, 2/11/16. 9. Washington Post, 4/15/16, updated 6/8/16. 10. Washington Post, 4/15/16, updated 6/8/16. 11. Washington Post, 6/16/15. 12. RealClearPolitics, 5/5/15. 13. Breitbart News, 6/19/15. 14. Time, 10/7/15.

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 5 U.S. House of Representatives

To find your district, go to https://voterlookup. elections.state.ny.us/ 2121 votersearch.aspx

2525 2424

2626 2222 2727 2020

2323

1919

1616 Produced by NYSUT Research New 1616 and Educational Services York 1818 1313 1313 1515 1414 City 33

1212 1717 66 1010

77 1616 55 11 99 131315151414 33 1212 66 88 1010 66 77 55 22 1111 99 44 22 88 1111

U.S. House of 8 Hakeem Jeffries (D) 18 Sean Patrick Maloney (D-I-WF) Representatives 9 Yvette Clarke (D-WF) 19 Zephyr Teachout (D-WF) DISTRICT/ NAME/ (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) 10 Jerrold Nadler (D-WF) 20 Paul Tonko (D-I-WF) 11 Daniel Donovan Jr. (R-C-I) 21 Elise Stefanik (R-I-C) 1 Anna Throne-Holst (D) 12 Car olyn Maloney (D-WF) 23 John F. Plumb (D-WF) 2 DuWayne Gregory (D-WF-I) 13 Adriano Espaillat (D) 24 Colleen Deacon (D) 3 Thomas Suozzi (D) 14 Joe Crowley (D-WF) 25 Louise Slaughter (D-WF) 5 Gregory Meeks (D) 15 Jose Serrano (D-WF) 26 Brian Higgins (D-WF) 6 Grace Meng (D) 16 Eliot Engel (D-WF) 27 Diana Kastenbaum (D-WF) 7 Nydia Velazquez (D-WF) 17 Nita Lowey (D-WF)

6 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide Key U.S. House races

Anna Throne-Holst Adriano Espaillat CD 1 CD 13 Anna Throne-Holst Twenty years ago, State understands the importance Sen. Adriano Espaillat was of accessible quality educa- the first Dominican-American tion at all levels, from pre-K elected to a state Legislature. to life-long learning, and supports pre-K for Espaillat’s education platform every child. She spent the past eight years is aimed at creating ladders of opportunity, as supervisor in the Town of Southampton from increasing funding to Title 1 schools to cleaning up the town’s financial problems. putting the same focus on building a national technology curriculum.

Zephyr Teachout Elise Stefanik CD 19 CD 21 Zephyr Teachout U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik has advocates for public education been involved in politics since and stands with teachers and she was in high school. She parents in the anti-Common will fight to make sure parents Core movement to roll back the worst effects and teachers in New York State communities of high-stakes testing. She supports are the ones making the best educational renewable energy solutions and opposes decisions for students. pipelines that threaten water and soil.

John F. Plumb Colleen Deacon CD 23 CD 24 John Plumb has spent the Colleen Deacon has spent past two decades serving his the past six years working with country in active duty and in U.S. Sen. to the Navy reserves. He is serve people in Central New committed to protecting health and York. In Congress, she will fight for STEM reproductive rights for all women, and to programs, for hiring new teachers to reduce ensure they have access to the health care class sizes and for expanding Head Start. they need.

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 7 What’s at stake nationally?

Nov. 8 is your day to choose the leaders who to the foundations of the middle class. We must will help fulfill our collective obligation to help all elect those candidates and incumbents who will students succeed and to help our communities defeat it.” thrive, all over the United States. Turnout will Here’s a rundown of some be exceptionally large during this presidential of the federal issues: election year; every vote will count! ESSA: To reclaim the promise of a high quality “Your votes will determine whether public public education for all children, we must ensure officials in Washington, D.C., from Capitol Hill that the Every Student Succeeds Act is imple- to the White House — and, yes, the U.S. Su- mented as it was written and intended. It must preme Court — will be our allies against those not resort to the testing obsession we’ve seen who demand and pursue austerity, polarization, fail before. privatization and who want to undermine the The ACA has allowed professions in education and health care,” said Affordable Care Act: millions of people to obtain affordable health NYSUT’s Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. insurance, which is the only path to a more In addition to the historic and critical presiden- efficient and effective health care system in this tial race, we need to elect members of Congress country. The Republicans have vowed to repeal who will preserve and enhance earned benefits it, but it must be protected and expanded. such as Social Security and Medicare, essential programs radical right-wingers in Congress : NYSUT helped win a mini- want to dismantle and discard. mum wage increase in New York State, but a federal minimum wage remains on the table. The continuing war No one who works full time and plays by against labor and collective the rules should have to struggle for basic Chuck bargaining rights will play out necessities. Schumer in these national elections U.S. Senate again this year. Workers in Student debt and for-profit education: many states have lost their Wall Street is making enormous fortunes off Sen. Chuck rights to collective bargain- of higher education, paid for by students who Schumer has ing. It could happen here. finance their schooling with debt. At the same been a champion for NYSUT If we end up with another time, the agenda to privatize education for profit and the State of New York anti-worker Congress and — in charter schools and higher education — since the union helped him the balance on the Supreme has devastating effects on students and their defeat anti-public education Court falls to the conserva- communities. and anti-labor incumbent Al tives again, the whole coun- Safe patient handling: We won it in New York D’Amato in 1998. In recent try could lose these rights. State. A federal bill would decrease the potential years, Schumer’s steadfast for injury to all who provide and receive care. support against a regressive “Make no mistake, this Republican majority has is the goal of many, many Nurse in every school: A quarter of all school been a saving grace. We misguided elected officials children have chronic health conditions, and need him, more than ever. and hopefuls,” Pallotta said. school nurses are essential to their health and “It’s an agenda to lay siege safety, as well as their ability to learn.

8 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide New York State Senate

4848 4545 To find your district, go to https://voterlookup.

elections.state.ny.us/ 4747 votersearch.aspx 4949

5656 6262

5454 5454 5050 6161 6161 5353 5555 6363 6060 5959 4444 5151 4343 5858 4646 5757 4646 5252

4242 3535 3737 4141 New York State Senate New Produced by DISTRICT/ NAME/ (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) NYSUT Research and York 3939 3636 3939 Educational Services City 4040 1 Kenneth LaValle (R-C-I) 3131 3333 3434 3232 55 3030 3232 3737 3 Tom Croci (R-C-I) 3838 2929 77 3535 4 (R-C-I) 2828 1313 1111 22 11 2727 1212 3636 11 1616 313133333434 55 32323434 30302929 7 Adam Haber (D) 30302929 77 66 1313 1111 2626 66 2727282812121313 1111 2626 27271212 1616 33 1818 2626 1515 66 1818 262618181515 1414 2525 44 1414 20252025 1010 44 9 (D) 2525 21212020 1010 88 2525 17171919 99 1515 2323 2222 2020 10 2424 10 James Sanders Jr. (D-WF) 1010 88 2121 88 1717 1919 2323 99 11 Tony Avella (D-I) 2222 12 (D-WF) 45 Elizabeth Little (R-C-I) 2424 13 José Peralta (D-WF) 47 (R-C-I) 14 (D-WF) 48 (R-C-I) 15 Joseph Addabbo (D) 49 (R-C-I) 16 Toby Stavisky (D-WF-I) 30 Bill Perkins (D-WF) 50 John DeFrancisco (R-C-I) 18 Martin Dilan (D) 33 J. Gustavo Rivera (D) 51 James Seward (R-C-I) 19 (D) 34 Jeffrey Klein (D-I) 52 (R-C-I) 20 Jesse Hamilton (D) 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-WF-I) 53 David Valesky (D) 21 Kevin Parker (D-WF) 36 (D-WF) 55 Rich Funke (R-C-I) 23 (D) 37 George Latimer (D-WF) 56 Joseph Robach (R-C-I) 24 (R-C-I) 38 (D-WF-I) 57 (R-C-I) 25 (D-WF) 39 Chris Eachus (D-WF) 58 Leslie Danks Burke (D-WF) 26 Daniel Squadron (D-WF) 40 Terrence Murphy (R-C-I) 59 Patrick Gallivan (R-C-I) 27 (D-WF) 41 Terry Gipson (D-WF) 60 Amber Small (D) 28 (D-WF) 43 Kathy Marchione (R-C-I) 62 Robert Ortt (R-C-I) 29 José Serrano (D-WF) 44 (D-WF-I) 63 Tim Kennedy (D-WF-I)

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 9 Key State Senate races

Tom Croci Phil Boyle SD 3 SD 4 Tom Croci is a strong Phil Boyle has been a strong supporter of public schools. advocate for public education He has sponsored legislation from pre-K through post- to ameliorate the tax cap and graduate. He sponsored has stood up for local control in his school legislation to exempt community colleges district and against charter schools. He from the MTA tax and stood up for public chairs the Committee on Homeland Security, schools against charter schools. Veterans and Military Affairs.

Adam Haber Todd Kaminsky SD 7 SD 9 Adam Haber is an Todd Kaminsky’s education outspoken advocate for reform plan decouples teacher reforming the Common Core, evaluations from test results; which, he says, has unfairly reduces test-taking and burdened schools, teachers and students. increases transparency; He will continue working for the expansion of repeals state authority to take over failing athletics, arts and after-school programs, schools, and puts the school reform process and all the necessary tools for success. back in the hands of local educators, parents and other stakeholders.

J. Gustavo Rivera George Latimer SD 33 SD 37 Since he took office in 2011, George Latimer is the Sen. J. Gustavo Rivera has highest-ranking Democrat focused on health inequity, on the Education Committee. as well as promoting better In that role, he has nutritional and exercise habits successfully fought to through his initiative, Bronx CAN. In 2013, increase education aid to every single school he became the ranking Democrat district in Westchester County and against on the Health Committee. the flawed implementation of the Common Core standards.

10 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide Key State Senate races

David Carlucci Chris Eachus SD 38 SD 39 David Carlucci has played A distinguished public an instrumental role in stand- school educator, Chris Eachus ing up for progressive issues. is a long-time member of the He is an advocate for all-day AFT, NEA, NYSUT and AFL- kindergarten and an outspo- CIO. In 2015, he received the ken voice against hydrofracking, he has Lifetime Service Award from the Hudson fought to protect a woman’s right to choose, Valley Area Labor Federation and was and is a key supporter of marriage equality in recognized for Leadership in Education by the state. SUNY Orange Foundation.

Terrence Murphy Terry Gipson SD 40 SD 41 Terrence Murphy has Sen. Terry Gipson supports opposed over-testing and public schools. He led the fight supported the opt-out to ban Pearson, the foreign movement by sponsoring the for-profit testing company parental refusal act. He from the state. He says the sponsored legislation to exempt BOCES economy will be stronger when every child capital expenses from the tax cap. He says has access to a high quality public school he is running for re-election in the Senate to education. provide opportunities for all.

Leslie Danks Burke Amber Small SD 58 SD 60 Leslie Danks Burke serves Amber Small heads the on the boards of the Tomp- Parkside Community kins-Cortland Community Association, where she has College Foundation, Planned worked to improve the quality Parenthood of the Southern of life for thousands of Finger Lakes and the Tompkins County Pub- residents. She has served in municipal lic Library Foundation. She prioritizes getting government, where she worked to ensure all children the great schools, safe communi- women are represented in the halls of power. ties and good job opportunities they deserve.

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 11 New York State Assembly 115115 To find your district, 116116 116116 go to https://voterlookup. elections.state.ny.us/ votersearch.aspx 118118 114114 136 117117 138 135 134 137137 129 120120 145 146 140

144144 139139 119119 141141 139139 127127 141141 130130 127127 113113 112112 112112 110 149142149 128128 143143 149 133133 131131 121121 108 126126 147147 109109 107107

125125 102102 132132 122122 101101 150150 148148 124124 123123 106106 103103

100100 104104 Produced by NYSUT Research 9090 105105 New 8888 9191 and Educational Services York 78 New York State 8989 8181 9999 9494 City 72 81 8383 9898 95 Assembly 8080 9393 8686 9696 7171 8282 717777 8787 92 DISTRICT/ NAME/ 7979 7070 8585 7070 8484 8585 9191 11 8484 97 90908888 9191 11 90908989 (PARTY AFFILIATIONS) 69696868 8989 44 22 6868 81818383 1212 78788080 1313 88 717172728686787880808282 88 67677676 71717779777987878282 1010 55 7373 67677676 3636 3535 2626 707084848585 1616 1515 1010 55 7373 3535 2626 6969706868 33 4040 67673636 40402626 1919 66 3434 7575737376763435343527274040 1919 7575 3434 75757474373730303934393427272525 7575 2727 666566657474505053532828 24243333 1111 65655050535328283838 3333 17171111 3737 3939 525257575656555455543838323229292222 1818 77 3737 3939 2525 5151434355556060 21211818 77 2525 51514444434358586060 2121 99 66667474 6161 494948484242 3131 1414 99 66667474 3030 46464949484841415959 2020 1414 3030 2424 6363 464647474545 1 Fred Thiele Jr. (D-WF-I) 6565 5050 2828 6464 4545 2323 6565 5050 2828 6262 5353 3333 6262 3838 5252 56565454 3838 3232 575756565454 2929 2 Anthony Palumbo 4343 5555 5151 4343 6060 4444 58586060 3131 6161 4242 24 David Weprin (D-WF) (R-C-I) 6161 4848 464649494848 4646 4141 5959 4747 3 Dean Murray (R-C-I) 6363 47474545 25 Nily Rozic (D-WF-I) 6464 2323 4 Steve Englebright 26 Edward Braunstein (D-WF-I) 6262 (D-WF-I) 27 Michael Simanowitz (D-C-I) 5 Alfred Graf (R-C-I) 28 Andrew Hevesi (D-WF) 6 Phil Ramos (D-WF-I) 14 David McDonough (R-C-I) 29 Alicia Hyndman (D) 7 (R-C-I) 15 (R-C-I) 31 (D-WF) 8 Richard Macellaro (D) 16 Anthony D’Urso (D-WF) 32 Vivian Cook (D) 9 Joseph Saladino (R-C-I) 17 Tom McKevitt (R-C-I) 33 (D) 10 Chad Lupinacci (R-C-I) 19 Edward Ra (R-C-I) 34 Michael DenDekker (D-WF) 11 Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-WF-I) 20 Anthony Eramo (D) 35 Jeffrion Aubry (D) 12 Andrew Raia (R-C-I) 22 Michaelle Solages (D-WF-I) 36 (D-WF) 13 Charles Lavine (D-WF-I) 23 (D) 37 Catherine Nolan (D-WF)

12 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 38 Michael Miller (D-I) 79 Michael Blake (D) 39 Francisco Moya (D-WF) 80 Mark Gjonaj (D) 40 Ronald Kim (D-WF-I) 81 Jeffrey Dinowitz (D) 41 (D-WF) 82 Michael Benedetto (D) 42 Rodneyse Bichotte (D-WF) 83 Carl Heastie (D-WF) 43 (D) 85 Marcos Crespo (D) 44 Robert Carroll (D) 86 Victor Pichardo (D-WF) 45 Steven Cymbrowitz (D-WF-I) 87 Luis Sepúlveda (D-WF) 46 Pamela Harris (D) 88 (D-WF) 47 (D-WF) 89 J. Gary Pretlow (D-I) 49 Peter Abbate Jr. (D-WF-I) 90 (D-WF-I) 120 William Barclay (R-C-I) 50 Joseph Lentol (D) 91 Steven Otis (D-WF-I) 121 William Magee (D-I) 51 Felix Ortiz (D) 92 Thomas Abinanti (D-WF-I) 122 Clifford Crouch (R) 52 Jo Anne Simon (D) 93 David Buchwald (D-WF-I) 123 Donna Lupardo (D-WF) 53 (D) 94 Brian M. Higbie (D-WF) 124 Christopher Friend (R-C-I) 54 Erik Martin Dilan (D) 95 Sandy Galef (D-WF-I) 125 Barbara Lifton (D-WF) 55 (D) 96 Kenneth Zebrowski (D-WF) 126 Diane Dwire (D-WF) 56 (D) 97 Ellen Jaffee (D) 127 Albert Stirpe Jr. (D-WF) 57 Walter Mosley (D) 99 (D-WF) 128 Pamela Hunter (D) 58 N. Nick Perry (D) 100 Aileen Gunther (D-C-WF-I) 129 William Magnarelli (D-WF-I) 59 (D) 102 Peter Lopez (R-C-I) 130 Bob Oaks (R-C) 60 (D) 103 Kevin Cahill (D-WF-I) 131 (R-C-I) 61 Matthew Titone (D-WF) 104 Frank Skartados (D-WF-I) 132 Philip Palmesano (R-C-I) 63 Michael Cusick (D-C-I) 105 Joe Torres (D) 134 Peter Lawrence (R-C-I) 64 Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-I) 106 Didi Barrett (D-WF-I) 135 Mark Johns (R-WF-C-I) 66 Deborah Glick (D) 107 Steve McLaughlin (R-C-I) 136 Joseph Morelle (D-I) 67 Linda Rosenthal (D-WF) 108 John McDonald III (D-I) 138 Harry Bronson (D-WF-I) 68 Robert Rodriguez (D-WF) 109 Patricia Fahy (D-WF) 140 Robin Schimminger (D-C-I) 69 Daniel O’Donnell (D) 110 Phil Steck (D-WF-I) 141 Crystal Peoples-Stokes (D-WF) 70 (D) 111 Angelo Santabarbara (D-WF-I) 142 Michael Kearns (D-R-C-I) 71 Herman (Denny) Farrell (D) 113 Carrie Woerner (D-I) 143 Monica P. Wallace (D) 73 (D-WF) 114 (R-C-I) 145 John Ceretto (D-WF-I) 74 Brian Kavanagh (D-WF) 115 D. Billy Jones (D-WF) 146 Steven Meyer (D-WF) 75 Richard Gottfried (D-WF) 116 Addie Russell (D-WF) 147 David DiPietro (R-C-I) 76 Rebecca Seawright (D-WF) 117 Ken Blankenbush (R-C-I) 148 (R-C-I) 77 (D-WF) 118 Marc Butler (R-C-I) 149 Sean Ryan (D-WF-I) 78 José Rivera (D) 119 Anthony Brindisi (D-WF-I) 150 Andrew Goodell (R-C-I)

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 13 Key State Assembly races

Latrice Walker Carrie Woerner AD 55 AD 113 A longtime labor and com- Carrie Woerner has advo- munity activist, Latrice Walker cated for schools to receive has fought against the tax their fair share of state funding, credit/voucher bill. She says including full restoration of the she will continue to improve Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) and in- workers’ lives by fighting for equal pay for creases in Foundation Aid. She has advocat- men and women, supporting the DREAM Act ed for commonsense changes to Common and working to raise the minimum wage. Core curriculum and assessments.

D. Billy Jones Addie Russell AD 115 AD 116 D. Billy Jones says the state Addie Russell co-sponsored needs to promote good edu- legislation that would require cation, a safe living environ- acute care facilities and ment, business expansion and nursing homes to adopt cultural attractions to keep minimum staffing requirements residents in the North Country. In addition, for a safe nurse-patient ratio. She also says he says the state must invest in training and state economic development programs must education in the vocational trades. better serve areas like the North Country.

Diane Dwire Mark Johns AD 126 AD 135 Diane Dwire is a strong Mark Johns has been a advocate of women’s rights champion for pension security. and pay equity. She’ll push for He voted “no” on Tier 6. Johns passage of the full Women’s has secured almost $300 Equality Act. She supports a million in economic development funding for ban on hydrofracking until it’s deemed com- the Rochester area and restored cuts to the pletely safe for our communities and drinking pharmaceutical program for seniors. water.

14 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide What’s at stake in New York State?

The results of the 2016 election will reverber- Charter schools: The laws and regulations ate like aftershocks from Montauk to Massena governing charter schools are very much in play, and Kiamesha Lake to Kenmore. “Every school and the moneyed advocates of privatizing edu- district, every college and university, every cation have spent heavily to elect their friends. health care institution, non-profit agency and Funding for education: It’s been 10 years municipal government will be affected — not since the courts decided in the Campaign for only in relation to funding, but also in their ability Fiscal Equity lawsuit — with subsequent legisla- to determine the willingness of residents and tive action — that the state must provide more citizens to dictate and decide the future of their to guarantee a fair and equitable education for own communities,” said NYSUT Executive Vice all New York State students. President Andy Pallotta. Tax cap: We need to elect officials who under- Here are some key issues: stand that cutting state aid while limiting — or Learning standards: The results of the flawed eliminating — the ability of local districts and implementation of the Common Core standards governments to raise local revenue is a recipe by SED’s former leadership hurt parents, for disaster. students and NYSUT members. The Legislature Public higher education: The next Legisla- we elect for the next two years will influence ture must address the insufficient level of state how New York responds with its own set of funding for public higher ed to ensure quality, learning standards and regulations. accessibility and affordability at SUNY, CUNY Teacher evaluations: NYSUT has prevailed in and community colleges. forcing the state to rethink much of the ill-ad- Health care: NYSUT backs candidates who vised, punitive, time-consuming and destructive support access to quality health care, seek to Annual Professional Performance Review law. preserve SUNY medical centers and support However, it is still in process, and the next Leg- commonsense legislation, such as safe staffing islature will shape its direction. ratios for nurses.

Key State Assembly races continued

Monica P. Wallace Steven Meyer AD 143 AD 146 A law school professor and Amherst native Steven UUP member, Monica P. Wal- Meyer is running as one of the lace says she will ensure that youngest candidates for state college remains affordable so Legislature in the entire nation. students don’t have to mort- A recent college graduate and small gage their futures. She says she will support business owner, Meyer has support from the public schools and give teachers the re- community, labor organizations, businesses sources they need and respect they deserve. and elected officials.

NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide 15 THIS 2016 VOTER GUIDE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VOTE-COPE (Voice of Teachers for Education — Committee on Political Education) MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY! 800 Troy-Schenectady Road 4 YES! I know my contribution matters and helps elect candidates Latham, NY 12110-2455 who support education, health care and workers’ rights. Please accept my contribution of $______. Checks payable to VOTE-COPE. To charge your contribution, circle one choice below: VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover Credit card number:

Expiration: / Credit card CVV: Cut and mail the entire top of this page with your contribution in the envelope provided. !

Take the Pledge! It’s not too late to take the Pledge to Vote!

NYSUT is running the Pledge to Vote campaign everywhere NYSUT members are employed. The pledge form is available online at pledge.nysut.org. In the run- up to the election, NYSUT will contact those who signed the pledge and remind them that they promised to get to the polls. The campaign does not tell people how to vote; it engages members to become active in the political process.

VOTE Nov. 8 Make a difference! Where do I vote? If you live in New York State, double-check your polling place at https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/. What time can I vote? YOUR All polling sites in New York State must be open from 6 a.m. ELECTION 2016 to 9 p.m. for the general election. If you live out of state, check with your board of elections. HQ: Do I need ID? New York State has not adopted a voter identification law, but if you are among the many NYSUT retirees who live in other states, you should check your state’s requirements. mac.nysut.org

16 NYSUT 2016 Voter Guide