NYSUT delegates heard from a western New York member in the state Legislature Saturday — Sen. Antoine Thompson of the 60th Senate District.

Thompson, a senator for two years, represents parts of Erie and Niagara counties, including the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Tonawanda, and the town of Grand Island. He recalled the excellent education he received in Buffalo public schools and talked about the personal satisfaction people seek when they choose to become teachers and other public employees.

That's why public employees should not have to face cutbacks in their medical and retirement benefits, Thompson said to applause.

"People who work for the state know they won't get the same pay as people who work in the private sector, but they also know they will get benefits that compensate for that," Thompson said.

"I work for the state, and if I do a good job, I don't get a bonus. Now, there are people who want it both ways — less pay for state workers, and also a cutback in their benefits."

Thompson, who gave a warm reception to NYSUT members on lobbying days this legislative session, vowed to continue fighting to protect public employee benefits.