Survey looks at health care

How does the health care system affect you and your family? The 2008 Health Care for America Survey wants to know.

The survey is sponsored by the AFL-CIO and its community affiliate, Working America.

The labor federation's plan is to compile the results and give them to presidential candidates, every U.S. senator and representative, every candidate for Congress and state and local office-seekers.

To access the survey, log on to www.unionvoice.org/ct/g7qXV_F1uP9e/.

UFT opposes permit bill

The United Federation of Teachers has joined the growing opposition to a New York City Council bill that would require permits for anyone using instruments that monitor chemical, biological or radiological contamination.

The stated purpose of the bill is to "reduce excessive false alarms and unwarranted anxiety."

The bill is being championed by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Opponents charge that the measure threatens university programs, academic research and organizations like unions that conduct independent chemical, biological and radiological environmental sampling, in order to protect members' rights and health on the job.

The UFT, led by Randi Weingarten, is NYSUT's affiliate in New York City schools.