ALBANY, N.Y. August 11, 2010 - New York State United Teachers today applauded passage of a $10 billion federal education jobs bill that could save 8,200 education jobs in New York schools, and provide $608 million in education funding for New York state. President Obama signed the bill into law shortly after its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. The Senate approved the measure last week.
"These federal funds will ensure that more of the education professionals our students depend on will be available to help them succeed," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi.
"Now that our federal lawmakers have given New York state the means to alleviate some of the pain caused by this budget year's cuts, we're calling on Gov. Paterson and state lawmakers to work quickly to do what they know is right - vote to expend this federal funding in support of education in New York state," added NYSUT Executive Vice President Andrew Pallotta. "We also urge lawmakers to fund the state's 130 teacher centers and override the governor's vetoes to provide additional resources to schools and community colleges. Our students can't afford further delay."
NYSUT, the state's largest union, 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.