State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli spoke to delegates at the 2026 NYSUT RA in Albany on Saturday. During his remarks, he praised the dedication of NYSUT members — and extolled the virtues of unions and public education.
“Well-funded, quality public education can transform the lives of students and families,” said DiNapoli. He recounted his own family’s story, how public schools and unions helped his family members get a quality education, and how teachers, including a history teacher named Mr. Brock, encouraged his start in public service by helping him run and get elected to the school board at 18.
DiNapoli also updated delegates on the health of the state pension systems. “Despite the volatility in the markets, the state retirement systems remain among the best funded pension systems in the United States of America. We are well funded.”
And because of those well-funded systems, DiNapoli told delegates that the state can afford to do more to Fix Tier 6. “Because of your advocacy, I really do believe there will be changes to Tier 6, you can count on that.” He continued by saying that no matter what the changes may be, the money will be there in the state pension systems for all the years to come.
DiNapoli also advocated for the same transparency standards for charter schools as public schools, highlighting problems found in recent charter school audits, and spoke of his support for funding for teacher centers across the state and fully funding SUNY, CUNY and community colleges before wishing delegates an early Happy Teacher Appreciation Day.