ALBANY, N.Y. November 6, 2009 - New York State United Teachers today called on the state Senate to pass "socially conscious" legislation when it returns to Albany next week.
"While we all understand that lawmakers will be considering issues surrounding the state's economy when they reconvene, it would be wrong for them to miss this opportunity to take action on the social justice bills that have been languishing in the Senate for too long," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi.
Iannuzzi said the Senate should pass the Marriage Equality Bill, Dignity for All Students Act and the Farmer Workers Fair Labor Practices Act.
"The economy has gotten all the media focus of late but there's other important legislation that must be addressed, and addressed now," added NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "These bills demonstrate what kind of society we are. The Senate has a chance to do the right thing and show that New Yorkers are committed to fairness and equity."
NYSUT represents more than 600,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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