VOTER NOVEMBER 2014 GUIDE

NYSUT’s guide to the union’s endorsed candidates in the Nov. 4 general election

mac.nysut.org Letter from the officers

Karen E. Magee Dear NYSUT member:

We are pleased to provide you with this Voter Guide, so YOU can decide on Nov. 4. This year, the stakes are extremely high. You have the power to help create a government that supports public education pre-K through post-grad, supports educators and their due process rights, supports unfettered access to health care, protects the right to retire with dignity and financial security, and supports labor rights across all of our constituencies.

Andrew Pallotta NYSUT endorses candidates who share our values. In this guide, you’ll find the complete list of NYSUT-endorsed candidates as recommended by our lo- cal presidents and NYSUT’s Political Action Committee, and approved by the union’s Board of Directors. This guide explores critical races and provides the rationale for certain endorsements. We hope you take the time to read and consider this information before you cast your ballot on Nov. 4. We strongly support the re-election of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Schneiderman has been a champion for the working class and has vowed to defend tenure against “reformers” and privateers. Under DiNapoli’s watchful stewardship, the state employees’ re- Catalina R. Fortino tirement fund couldn’t be healthier, and DiNapoli has pledged to defend a worker’s right to a pension and a dignified retirement. Our union supports candidates for Congress and the state Senate and Assembly who stand up on key issues that are important to us, our students, our patients and our communities. In stark contrast, some candidates running for elected office this November want to destroy the very things we hold so dear. Your vote is your voice. We hope you will seriously consider the information in this guide and, most importantly, VOTE! Paul Pecorale On Nov. 4, you decide — you have the power!

In solidarity,

Martin Messner

2 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide Shared values

NYSUT endorses Republicans and Democrats who share our commit- ment 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. Your vote is critical in supporting our endorsed incumbents and challengers who advocate for working families and who fight against policies that would harm students, public schools and colleges, health care workers and organized labor. Inside: You are encouraged to do everything in your power to help change the political climate that has frozen the river of progress in Albany and NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide Washington, D.C. Attorney General “Our members and their families work for — and vote for — candi- Eric Schneiderman...... 4 dates who support them on the issues they care about,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. “We need to do everything we Comptroller Tom DiNapoli...... 5 can, and we can do so much.” State Senate endorsements...... 6-7 NYSUT has an obligation to communicate its endorsements to all Assembly endorsements...... 8-11 members. (No endorsements were made in districts not listed.) Not all of you will agree with them, but the process is designed to reflect the What’s at stake in opinions of members’ representatives. New York state...... 12 The endorsement process starts months before the November elec- What’s at stake nationally...... 13 tions. Candidates seeking NYSUT’s support are considered carefully. They first fill out a survey, and then members of the union’s Political U.S. House of Representatives Action Committee interview them. The PAC makes recommendations endorsements...... 14-15 during a two-day Endorsement Conference where they are reviewed with Vote Nov. 4!...... 16 local leaders in thorough and passionate discussions. . They review the candidates’ positions, voting records on key areas of interest — such as education, health care and state aid — and their reputation for accessibility and responsiveness to union members. This Voter Guide was made possible by Once the proposed slate of endorsed candidates is set, it is submit- voluntary contributions to VOTE-COPE, ted to the NYSUT Executive Committee for discussion and then to the NYSUT’s political action fund. To download entire Board of Directors for discussion and final approval. a copy, visit www.nysut.org/voterguide.

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 3 State Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

Protecting our rights

At a time when litigation brought by deep-pocketed, LLC, a business development firm founded with former Gov. anti-worker, anti-public education radicals challenges the George Pataki. From 2002 through 2006, Cahill served as the tenets of fairness and due process in New York state, the chief of staff to Gov. Pataki. re-election of Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman is cru- While Cahill has carried water for big finance, Schneiderman cial to securing the careers of NYSUT members. NYSUT and has worked to provide relief for families hit hard by the hous- the UFT have sought to intervene in two lawsuits challenging ing crisis. He created the Homeowner Protection Program to tenure in the state, but the suits target the state of New York, help New Yorkers at risk of foreclosure stay in their homes, a and Schneiderman will be the man who stands against them. program that has already served 28,000 New York families. “Eric Schneiderman has defended public employees — in- He led the national effort that secured a $13 billion settle- cluding educators, firefighters and police officers — when their ment with JP Morgan Chase for their role in the collapse of due process rights were attacked,” said NYSUT Executive Vice the housing market — the largest settlement of its kind in President Andy Pallotta. “He’s a critical ally for NYSUT mem- U.S. history. bers and all public workers, and we’re going to need him as we Schneiderman’s record reveals a true friend of labor and defend our hard-earned rights from privatizers and profiteers.” working families. He has fought for justice for all workers, Running for his second term as the highest ranking law en- defending their right to a fair and decent wage for a full day’s forcement officer in the state, Schneiderman says he believes work. He has returned more than $16 million to more than there must be one set of rules for everyone, no matter how 10,000 workers who were cheated out of pay by employers. rich or powerful. Before becoming attorney general, Schneiderman was a Schneiderman has won national recognition for his fight leading reformer in the state Senate; before that he served against crime and corruption. He has locked up corrupt poli- as a public interest lawyer, representing tenants trying to evict ticians who ripped off taxpayers, prosecuted companies that drug dealers from their buildings, women seeking access to gouged victims of Superstorm Sandy and led the national ef- health clinics and taxpayers in historic lawsuits against the fort to take on some of the largest banks in the world for their MTA. reckless misconduct. “If anything has become clear in the past four years, we’ve He is running against John Cahill, a New York lawyer and po- learned that we need more officials protecting the rights of litical operative. Cahill is counsel at Chadbourne and Parke, a working people, and fewer seeking to enrich the corporate Manhattan law firm serving corporate, financial and insurance coffers at the expense of the middle class,” said Pallotta. “We clients, and co-founder and CEO of the Pataki-Cahill Group, need to support Eric Schneiderman.”

4 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli

Champion for pensions, fiscal policy and integrity

Thomas P. DiNapoli gets it. He knows what’s important, not comptroller,” he said in 2013. “Challenging economic times just for NYSUT members, but for all working New Yorkers. should not be a rationale for taking away hard-earned benefits “There is no better friend to the working people of New for public employees.” York state than Comptroller DiNapoli,” said NYSUT President His career in public service started at age 18 when he was Karen E. Magee. “He is a tireless champion of retirement elected as a trustee of the Mineola Board of Education. In security and an exemplar of financial stewardship.” 1986, he was elected to the state Assembly. During 10 terms He also recognizes the value of the work NYSUT members in the Assembly, he was recognized as a leading voice on en- do, on the job, and on the street advocating for the fair use of vironmental, education and local fiscal issues. state resources and sound public fiscal policy, DiNapoli’s opponent, Onondaga County Comptroller Bob DiNapoli thanked NYSUT members at the RA this year for Antonacci, is a certified public accountant and a lawyer. In their efforts, which he said were crucial to winning an increase a meeting with the Syracuse.com editorial board, Antonacci in state aid to schools, funding for full-day prekindergarten said he would press for pension reform, including a defined and the Legislature’s affirmation of the right of the state contribution plan similar to a 401(k). comptroller to audit charter schools. DiNapoli has been committed to protecting taxpayer dol- “That was an important victory for taxpayers,” he said. lars by fighting corruption and waste, restoring integrity to DiNapoli was appointed comptroller in 2007 when the office the Office of State Comptroller and safeguarding retirees’ was mired in scandal and immediately took steps to restore pensions. the reputation and integrity of the office. He has aggressively As the state’s auditor, DiNapoli has identified billions in fought public corruption and the misuse of taxpayers’ dollars waste, misuse and cost savings through audits of local gov- and has spoken out against fiscal gimmicks and government ernments, state agencies, public authorities and state con- inefficiency. In 2010, he was elected to a full term. tracts. When he found problems, DiNapoli pushed for change Of key importance to NYSUT voters, DiNapoli has always and held government accountable to ensure New Yorkers get stressed the importance of defined benefit pension plans and the most for their money. providing a secure retirement for seniors. In concrete terms “This guy is our champion,” said NYSUT Executive Vice he has strengthened one of the nation’s top public pension President Andy Pallotta. “Tom DiNapoli has strengthened pen- funds, which stands at an all-time high value of $180.7 billion. sions, rooted out waste and abuse, and demanded account- “For those who try to replace defined benefit pensions ability from private companies that take public dollars but fail to with defined contributions, I say ... Not on my watch as state produce quality services, products and jobs for New Yorkers.”

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 5 New York State Senate

4848 4545

4747 4747 To find your district, 4949 go to https://voterlookup. elections.state.ny.us/ 5656 votersearch.aspx 6262

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

4242 New York State Senate 3535 3737 4141 New Produced by NYSUT Research DISTRICT/ NAME/ (PARTY AFFILIATION) and Educational Services York 3939 3636 3939 1 Kenneth LaValle (R-C-I) City 4040 3131 3333 3434 3232 55 3 Adrienne Esposito (D-W-G) 3030 3232 3737 3838 5 Carl Marcellino (R-C-I) 2929 77 3535 2828 1313 1111 22 11 8 Dave Denenberg (D-W) 2727 1212 1616 3636 22 11 1616 313133333434 55 32323434 30302929 30302929 77 66 1313 1111 2626 66 2727282812121313 1111 2626 27271212 1616 33 10 James Sanders Jr. (D-W) 1818 2626 1515 66 262618181515 1414 2525 44 1414 20252025 1010 44 2525 21212020 1010 88 2525 17171919 99 12 (D-W) 1515 2323 2222 2020 10 2424 1010 88 2121 88 13 José Peralta (D-W) 1717 1919 2323 99 14 (D-W) 2222 15 Joseph Addabbo (D) 2424 49 Hugh Farley (R-C-I) 16 (D-I-W) 51 James Seward (R-C-I) 18 Martin Malave Dilan (D) 52 Thomas Libous (R-C-I) 19 John Sampson (D) 53 David Valesky (D-I) 20 Jesse Hamilton (D) 29 José Serrano (D-W) 38 David Carlucci (D-I-W) 54 Michael Nozzolio (R-C-I) 21 Kevin Parker (D-W) 30 Bill Perkins (D-W) 39 William Larkin Jr. (R-C-I) 55 Ted O’Brien (D-W) 23 (D-I) 31 Adriano Espaillat (D-W) 40 Justin Wagner (D-W) 56 Joseph Robach (R-C-I) 24 (R-C-I) 33 Gustavo Rivera (D-R) 41 Terry Gipson (D-W-G) 57 (R-C-I) 25 V elmanette Montgomery 34 Jeffrey Klein (D-I) 42 John Bonacic (R-C-I) 58 Thomas O’Mara (R-C-I) (D-W) 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins 44 (D-I-W) 60 Marc Panepinto (D-I-W) 26 Daniel Squadron (D-W) (D-I-W) 46 Cecilia Tkaczyk (D-W-G) 61 Elaine Altman (D-W) 27 (D-W) 36 Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D) 47 (R-C-I) 62 Johnny G. Destino (D) 28 (D-W) 37 George Latimer (D-W) 48 (R-C-I) 63 Timothy Kennedy (D-I-W)

6 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide Key State Senate races

Adrienne Ruth Justin Terry Cecilia Esposito Hassell- Wagner Gipson Tkaczyk SD 3 Thompson SD 40 SD 41 SD 46 Adrienne SD 36 Justin Terr y Cecilia Esposito supports Well known for her Wagner says educa- Gipson sponsored Tkaczyk fights to fully funding public expertise on the tion professionals legislation to ensure rural and schools, giving needs of minority should be compen- remove the for-profit small-city school educators and par- business owners, sated and treated Pearson Corp. from districts receive their ents a voice in their Ruth Hassell- with the respect student testing and fair share in funding. children’s education Thompson has they deserve, and teacher certifica- In two years, she and moving away persuaded mem- lawmakers should tions. He co-spon- has been able from the overem- bers of the public work with, not sored the Women’s to help increase phasis on stan- and private sectors against, teachers in Equality Act, voted school aid, help dardized testing. to increase eco- improving, reforming to raise the mini- small farms and Another priority for nomic participation and re-investing in mum wage in New businesses grow the Suffolk County with minority and New York’s schools. York and passed and create new jobs resident is to women-owned He also supports ethics reform leg- and provide more pass the Women’s businesses. the public higher islation to toughen and better services Equality Act. education system. penalties. for veterans, seniors and families.

James Seward Ted O’Brien Joseph Robach Marc Panepinto Elaine Altman SD 51 SD 55 SD 56 SD 60 SD 61 James L. Ted Joe Robach Marc A teacher Seward O’Brien has been Panepinto and NYSUT has been fought to a staunch says member, a consis- increase ally in moneyed Elaine tent advo- school the fight efforts Altman is cate for aid and against toward advocating education, securing expand access to mayoral privatization remove for greater invest- state aid for local pre-K. He has also control of Rochester resources from ment in public ser- districts to offset been a critic of city schools. He public education vices, fair taxes and rising taxes and to the flawed rollout helped secure and prioritize certain fair funding for public support technology of the Common hundreds of millions schools, and certain education. She also and special educa- Core curriculum, for school modern- children, over others. supports mandates tion initiatives within and supported key ization in the city. He He advocates for that enhance teach- his schools. He also reforms this year has a strong record living wage laws, an ing and learning over supported the STAR that will curb exces- of supporting public end to corporate tax ones that rely on school tax relief sive standardized education and our breaks that kill jobs more standardized program. testing and protect members’ rights in and stronger worker testing. student privacy. the workplace. safety laws.

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 7 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 8989 8181 9999 9494 New York State City 72 81 8383 9898 95 8080 9393 Assembly 8686 9696 7171 8282 717777 8787 92 DISTRICT/ NAME/ (PARTY AFFILIATION) 7979 7070 8585 7070 8484 8585 9191 11 8484 97 90908888 9191 11 90908989 69696868 8989 44 22 6868 81818383 1212 78788080 1313 88 717172728686787880808282 88 1 Jr. (D-I-W) 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 2 (R-C) 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 2828 6464 4545 2323 6565 5050 2828 6262 3 Edward Hennessey (D-W) 5353 3333 6262 3838 5252 56565454 3838 3232 575756565454 2929 5 Alfred Graf (R-C-I) 4343 5555 5151 4343 6060 4444 58586060 3131 6161 4242 6 Phil Ramos (D-I-W) 6161 4848 464649494848 4646 4141 5959 4747 7 Andrew Garbarino (R-C-I) 6363 47474545 6464 2323 8 Jason Zove (D-W) 6464 25 (D-I-W) 9 Joseph Saladino (R-C-I) 6262 26 (D-I-W) 10 Chad Lupinacci (R-C-I) 27 Michael Simanowitz (D-C-I) 11 Kimber ly Jean-Pierre (D-I-W) 28 (D-W) 12 Andrew Raia (R-C-I) 29 William Scarborough (D-W) 13 Charles Lavine (D-I-W) 16 Michelle Schimel (D-I-W) 20 (D-W) 30 Margaret Markey (D) 14 David McDonough (R-C-I) 17 Tom McKevitt (R-C-I) 23 Phillip Goldfeder (D-C) 31 (D-W) 15 (R-C-I) 19 Edward Ra (R-C-I) 24 (D-W) 32 Vivian Cook (D)

8 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 34 Michael DenDekker (D-W) 118 Marc Butler (R-C) 35 Jeffrion Aubry (D) 119 Anthony Brindisi (D-I-W) 36 (D-W) 120 William Barclay (R-C-I) 37 (D-W) 121 William Magee (D) 38 Michael Miller (D) 122 Clifford Crouch (R) 39 Francisco Moya (D-W) 65 (D-W) 90 (D-I-W) 123 (D-W) 40 (D-I-W) 66 Deborah Glick (D) 91 (D-I-W) 125 Barbara Lifton (D-W) 41 (D-W) 67 (D-W) 92 Thomas Abinanti (D-W) 126 Diane Dwire (D-W) 42 Rodneyse Bichotte (D-W) 68 Robert Rodriguez (D-W) 93 (D-I-W) 127 Albert Stirpe Jr. (D-W) 43 Karim Camara (D-W) 69 Daniel O’Donnell (D) 94 Andrew Falk (D-W) 128 Sam Roberts (D-W) 44 James Brennan (D-W) 70 Keith Wright (D-W) 95 Sandra Galef (D-I-W) 129 (D-I-W) 45 (D-I-W) 71 Herman (Denny) Farrell (D) 96 Kenneth Zebrowski (D-W) 130 Bob Oaks (R-C) 46 Alec Brook-Krasny (D-I-W) 72 Guillermo Linares (D) 97 Ellen Jaffee (D-W) 131 (R-C) 47 (D-W) 73 (D-W) 99 (D-W) 132 Philip Palmesano (R-C-I) 49 Peter Abbate Jr. (D-I-W) 74 Brian Kavanagh (D-W) 100 (D-I-W) 135 Mark Johns (R-C-I-W) 50 Joseph Lentol (D) 75 Richard Gottfried (D-W) 103 Kevin Cahill (D-W) 136 Joseph Morelle (D-I) 51 Felix Ortiz (D) 76 (D-W) 104 (D-W) 138 (D-I-W) 52 (D) 77 (D-W) 106 (D-I-W) 141 Cr ystal Peoples-Stokes 53 (D) 78 José Rivera (D) 107 Phil Malone (D-W) (D-W) 54 (D) 79 Michael Blake (D) 108 John McDonald III (D-I) 142 Michael Kearns (D-R-C-I) 55 (D) 80 Mark Gjonaj (D) 109 (D-W) 143 Mark Mazurek (D) 56 Annette Robinson (D) 81 (D-W) 110 Phil Steck (D-I-W) 144 Jane Corwin (R-C-I) 57 Walter Mosley (D) 82 (D) 111 Angelo Santabarbara (D-I-W) 145 John Ceretto (R-C-I) 58 N. Nick Perry (D) 83 (D) 112 James Tedisco (R-C-I) 146 Raymond Walter (R-C-I) 59 (D) 85 (D) 113 (D-W) 147 David DiPietro (R-C-I) 60 (D) 86 Victor Pichardo (D-W) 114 Daniel Stec (R-C-I) 148 (R-C-I) 61 Matthew Titone (D-I-W) 87 Luis Sepúlveda (D-W) 115 Janet Duprey (R-I) 149 Sean Ryan (D-I-W) 62 Joseph Borelli (R-C-I) 88 (D-W) 116 Addie Russell (D-W) 150 Barrie Yochim (D-W) 64 Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-I) 89 J. Gary Pretlow (D-I) 117 (R-C-I)

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 9 Key State Assembly races

Jason Zove Kimberly Todd Kaminsky AD 8 Jean-Pierre AD 20 A 2006 graduate AD 11 Running against of Commack High Director of the a pro-voucher School, Jason Zove has a Babylon Wyandanch Resource candidate, Todd Bachelor of Arts degree from Center, Kimberly Jean-Pierre Kaminsky says there is no Hofstra in secondary edu- works with the community higher priority than providing cation, and a master’s from coordinating resources for high-quality education for our Stony Brook University in local residents. She oversees children. The state budget, liberal studies. Zove says the projects and services, such he says, must include more best approach on issues like as a construction pre-appren- education funding in order to the Common Core Learning ticeship program that provides provide better quality schools Standards is “to have some- educational and career oppor- and give local tax relief to one step up from the field and tunities through local unions residents, who pay run for public office.” and contractors. some of the highest property taxes in the state.

Andrew Falk James Skoufis Didi Barrett AD 94 AD 99 AD 106 Andrew Falk says Earlier this year, A strong advocate the needs of the James Skoufis for women leader- middle class are not being introduced a bill, “Tuition-Free ship, Didi Barrett created the met. Married to a NYSUT NY,” to provide free tuition to Dutchess Girls Collaborative, member, he is the father of state residents who wish to which supports local girls two elementary-age children. attend SUNY or CUNY schools. and young women, and is Running for a second time, he His rationale for such a a founding chairwoman of says elected officials have not program included the continu- Girls Inc. of NYC. She has been been responsive to the chal- ing rise in SUNY and CUNY affiliated with the New York lenges of this difficult economy tuitions and the corresponding Women’s Foundation, Planned and those challenges must be increase in debt accumulated Parenthood of NYC, the a priority in Albany. by college graduates. Women’s Campaign Forum and NARAL Pro-Choice New York.

10 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide Phil Steck Angelo Carrie Woerner AD 110 Santabarbara AD 113 Phil Steck protects AD 111 Carrie Woerner the middle class Angelo says over the next from high taxes and the high Santabarbara worked as an 10 years, New York costs of education and health engineer before his election can grow an economy based care. He supports reforming to the state Assembly in on innovation and entrepre- the Common Core, increas- 2012. He was elected twice neurship. She is committed to ing aid to local schools, and to the Schenectady County ensuring that we are educating making sure that educational Legislature, serving five years. our young people to have the funding goes to the classroom. He founded the Santabarbara skills they will need to succeed He also protects public and pri- Scholarship Award, which whether they want to get a job vate pensions and necessary supports local high school in high-tech manufacturing or services for senior citizens. seniors interested in pursuing become an entrepreneur. a degree in engineering.

Addie Russell William Magee Albert Stirpe Jr. AD 116 AD 121 AD 127 Addie Russell spon- Touting a very Albert Stirpe Jr. sored the Interstate strong voting record voted to increase Compact on Education on NYSUT issues, William funding for schools and Opportunities for Military Magee is a member of the reform Common Core to help Children, a new law that will higher education committee. students and teachers reach ease some of the challenges He was first elected to the higher standards. He support- faced by military families when chamber in 1990, represent- ed an increase in the mini- transferring to new schools. ing AD 111 until 2013. He now mum wage and fought for full The law also holds down represents AD 121. His polit- equality for women by passing college costs for veterans and ical experience includes the all 10 points of the Women’s provides burial assistance for County Board of Supervisors Equality Act. He also voted to families of veterans who die and supervisor for the Town of strengthen penalties against from combat injuries. Nelson. gun violence.

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 11 What’s at stake in New York state?

What’s not at stake in New York state elections this year? charter-school rhetoric and who will stand up to anyone who “The results of the 2014 elections will impact every school thinks schools should be free of regulations and unions — in district and public higher education institution, every health other words, anything that gets in the way of profit. care institution, non-profit service agency and municipal cen- Common Core: The State Education Department’s ter, and the working conditions of all the employees, because flawed implementation of the Common Core standards was laws and regulations affecting every member’s terms and con- well publicized by NYSUT, the Legislature and parents groups. ditions of employment are passed by these lawmakers,” said We all know high standards are laudable, but implementing NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. new standards and holding students and teachers account- Here are some key issues: able for them before the new curriculum has been taught is ludicrous. Legislators we elect this fall will likely address the Due process rights: The constitutional protection of due state’s commitment to Common Core in the 2015 legislative process is under attack from deep-pocketed anti-worker forc- session. es. A recent California court ruling emboldened two groups to sue to ban tenure in New York state. NYSUT is girded for Education funding: The frustration over the governor battle in court, but the issue also could become a legislative and Legislature’s failure to meet New York’s education fund- question. Tenure, as established in state education law, is pro- ing obligation continues to befuddle and confound advocates. tected by elected officials who share our tenets and values. The state continues to siphon funding from needy districts “We need to ensure that our allies on due process continue to through the Gap Elimination Adjustment years after the fiscal hold the legislative power to stand up to the anti-union radical crisis that created it has passed. Foundation aid formula is forces determined to take away these rights,” said Pallotta, ignored rather than a recipe for success. who is in charge of NYSUT’s legislative advocacy. Tax cap: Another pressing funding issue is the undemocrat- Teacher evaluation: The Annual Professional ic tax cap. We need to elect officials who recognize that cutting Performance Review (APPR) has been fraught with problems state aid while limiting local capacity to raise revenue is starv- since the law was enacted in 2010. The law is too subjective, ing schools, killing programs and short-changing students. too punitive, too time-consuming, and it forces practitioners Public higher education: The insufficient level of state to make instructional decisions that serve the system, some- funding of public higher education must be corrected by leg- times at the expense of students. islators to ensure the quality, accessibility and affordability Charter schools: The charter school movement, overrun of college for students at SUNY, CUNY and their community with profiteers and so-called reformers whose main goal is to colleges. privatize public education, is massing at the border. Charter Health care: We also must elect legislators who will sup- school operators are striving to change state laws to make it port access to quality health care, especially in needy areas, easier to open more charter schools, steal resources from by preserving our SUNY medical centers and the teaching traditional public schools and make money in the process. It hospitals that keep the next generation of doctors in the is crucial to elect representatives who are not fooled by the state.

12 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide What’s at stake nationally?

Nov. 4 offers a chance to make a choice — and make a Student debt: Wall Street rakes in about $44 billion difference — when you cast your vote. in profits every year from higher education. Students strug- The outcome of critical races in Congress depends on you. gle with rising tuition and skyrocketing student loan debt. You have an opportunity to support candidates who share our Colleges, communities and taxpayers are on the hook for in- values to support and invest in education, health care and terest payments on loans taken on by colleges. And for-profit critical social programs that are under attack. institutions divert funds from education programs to share- holder profits. We also need to elect members of Congress who will pre- serve and enhance earned benefits such as Social Security Safe patient handling: We won this in New York but a and Medicare, which the radical right-wingers in Congress federal bill is designed to decrease the potential for injury to want to dismantle and discard. all who provide and receive care, while reducing work-related health care costs and improving the safety of patient care. Perhaps most important of all is the need to protect the house of labor and stop the march against collective bargain- Nurse in every school: When 25 percent of children ing rights. Workers in many states have lost their rights to have chronic health conditions that could affect their ability to collective bargaining, and New Yorkers are not safe. Between learn, school nurses are essential to students’ health, safety anti-union, anti-worker forces in Congress and a conservative and their ability to remain in the classroom. School nurses U.S. Supreme Court, it’s possible the whole country could be- are often the only primary care providers children see on a come “right to work” — more accurately, “right to work for regular basis. less.” Minimum wage: No one who works full time and plays “In every corner of the state, NYSUT has endorsed quality by the rules should still struggle to pay for basic necessities. congressional candidates who face strong challengers with Yet, corporate CEOs have been taking a greater share of the national backing,” said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy economic pie while workers’ wages have stagnated. Pallotta. “It’s going to take a maximum effort, and full turnout Retirement security: The American Legislative at the polls to win.” Exchange Council (ALEC) agenda puts corporate profits and right-wing political power before the needs of working peo- Here’s a brief rundown: ple. Whether it is undermining public employee pensions, or Quality education for all: We must reclaim the prom- promoting “right-to-work” or voter disenfranchisement legis- ise of a high-quality public education for all by enacting com- lation, ALEC has been at the forefront of the fight against the mon-sense policies and ending the testing obsession. middle class in states across our country. Testing obsession: The Student Testing Improvement For-profit education: Similarly, ALEC’s agenda puts and Accountability Act, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Chris profits before performance, and corporations before children. Gibson, a New York Republican, would reduce federally man- Privatization at any cost is wrong for students. When corpo- dated tests and give states the freedom to focus on learning rations shape public policy on education it has devastating and high-level thinking skills instead of test preparation. results for students and their communities.

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 13 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 U.S. House of 1111 99 44 22 88 Representatives 1111 DISTRICT/ NAME/ (PARTY AFFILIATION) 1 Timothy Bishop (D-I-W) 3 Steve Israel (D-I-W) 4 Kathleen Rice (D-W) 10 Jerrold Nadler (D-W) 17 Nita Lowey (D-W) 23 Martha Robertson (D-W) 5 Gregory Meeks (D) 12 Carolyn Maloney (D-W) 18 Sean Patrick Maloney (D-W) 24 Dan Maffei (D-W) 6 Grace Meng (D-W) 13 Charles Rangel (D-W) 19 Christopher Gibson (R-C-I) 25 Louise Slaughter (D-W) 7 Nydia Velazquez (D-W) 14 Joseph Crowley (D-W) 20 (D-I-W) 26 Brian Higgins (D-W) 8 Hakeem Jeffries (D-W) 15 José Serrano (D-W) 21 Aaron Woolf (D-W) 9 Yvette Clarke (D-W) 16 Eliot Engel (D-W) 22 Richard Hanna (R-I)

14 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide Key U.S. House races

Timothy Kathleen Sean Patrick Bishop Rice Maloney CD 1 CD 4 CD 18 Timothy Bishop Kathleen Rice, Sean Patrick is a strong advo- the Nassau Maloney is com- cate for college access and County District Attorney, has mitted to investing in public affordability and supports launched several education education, and supports teacher input in evaluations. initiatives that target the class-size reduction and He supports expanding fami- causes of crime. They edu- professional development for ly and medical leave. cate communities and youth educators. He has intro- He helped force a vote on about the dangers of drunk duced legislation to promote the floor of the House to driving, heroin and prescrip- women-owned business raise the minimum wage. tion drug abuse, identity theft startups. His priorities and Internet crime. She is include the health and finan- tough on public corruption. cial security of retirees.

Aaron Woolf Martha Dan Maffei CD 21 Robertson CD 24 Running for an CD 23 Since his elec- open seat in the Martha tion in 2012, North Country, Robertson, Dan Maffei Aaron Woolf supports giving chair of the Tompkins County has focused on growing the rural schools the resources Legislature, is running middle class and bringing they need to thrive and serve against a two-term incum- good-paying jobs to the students in the area. He bent. She’s committed to area through investment in considers support for higher attracting new good-paying infrastructure and expanding education critical to regional jobs, making sure schools educational opportunities. economic development. have resources to train He’s an ardent supporter of the best educated work- collective bargaining and a force, and protecting Social protector of Medicare rights. Security and Medicare.

NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide 15 

Vote YES on Smart Schools Bond Act

NYSUT supports the Smart Schools Bond Act Referendum, which appears Vote Nov. 4 — on your ballots as Proposal #3. It Make a difference! would authorize issuance of bonds in the amount of $2 billion to be used for Where do I vote? projects related to the following: If you live in New York state, n Purchasing educational technolo- you should double-check your gy equipment and facilities, such polling place. Visit https://voter as interactive whiteboards, com- lookup.elections.state.ny.us/. puter servers, desktop and laptop What time can I vote? computers, tablets and high-speed All polling sites in New York broadband or wireless Internet. state must be open from 6 a.m. n Constructing and modernizing fa- to 9 p.m. for the general election. cilities to accommodate pre-K pro- If you live out of state, check with grams and replacing classroom your board of elections. YOUR trailers with permanent instruction- ELECTION 2014 al space. Do I need ID? New York state has not adopt- n Installing high-tech security features ed a voter identification law, but if HQ: in school buildings. you are among the many NYSUT It would help ensure that students retirees who live in other states, graduate with the skills they need to you should check your state’s succeed in the economy of today and requirements. mac.nysut.org tomorrow.

16 NYSUT 2014 Voter Guide