A letter to Gov. Cuomo urging him to stop a restructuring plan that will lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of job losses at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn is now posted on UUP's website, http://www.uupinfo.org/. Members are urged to come to the aid of their union sisters and brothers at Downstate by sending this letter to the governor as soon as possible.
The letter stresses that restructuring will cut vital health care services for the hundreds of thousands of patients who rely on Downstate, including many who are elderly and need specialized care only Downstate can provide. The letter also informs the governor of Downstate's role as an educational pipeline for future health care professionals — the university educates more than 1,600 students annually.
Time to 'Educate NY Now!'
Parents, students, educators, administrators, unions, school board members, community organizations, civil rights groups and education advocates have launched a yearlong campaign to "Educate NY Now!" The coalition of 50 groups, including NYSUT, says schools face an educational crisis because the state has cut back on funding.
"Educate NY Now! will add strength to the voice of parents and community members who, like the education community, are gravely concerned about the deep cuts to their schools," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta. The group's principles call for elected leaders to:
• Prioritize successful student achievement, instead of undermining the quality of our schools.
• Ensure that all students have access to a high quality education that prepares them for college or other postsecondary education, careers and life.
• Support public education as an engine for economic growth.
• Fulfill the imperative to provide every student a "sound, basic education."