New York state's top money manager told NYSUT members Friday that even in tough financial times, education spending "is the kind of investment that gives dividends and returns."

"We're in for a tough time, not just this year, but as we move forward," State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli told assembly delegates. "It's going to put continued pressure on limited resources. Now, more than ever, we must keep public education – K-12 and higher education – at the forefront of the state of New York."

DiNapoli drew a chuckle when he reminded the audience that his relationship with public education dated to his election at age 18 to the Mineola Board of Education. And, as NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi noted in his introduction, DiNapoli has kept education at the forefront of his duties as comptroller by demanding the right to conduct audits of charter schools. He is helping to stop the practice of school systems hiring private-practice attorneys so that they could be classified as school employees – with the attendant benefits and retirement plans — while still also working in their own law firms.

As the overseer of New York state's pension system, DiNapoli has also affirmed his commitment to the defined benefit system.

Good funding, good pay and strong benefits are essential to attracting and retaining talented teachers for the state's public schools, DiNapoli said.

"At the end of the day, with all that we've discussed, the key dynamic is what takes place between teacher and student," DiNapoli told the assembly. "And it is that dynamic that we should be encouraging."