| Dear Parent / Caregiver, We showed the power of our voices when more than 900 UFT members and public school parents traveled to Albany for UFT Lobby Day on March 13. We met face-to-face with state representatives and told them why the governor’s plan to expand charter schools in New York City would hurt our public schools. Our efforts made a difference: The next day, leaders in the state Senate and Assembly formally rejected the governor’s proposal to allow more charter schools to open in New York City. The battle is not over until the governor and the Legislature finalize the state budget, which is due by April 1. But this is a significant step. We also asked lawmakers to increase state school aid and support the rest of the UFT’s 2023 legislative priorities, including state funding for the Positive Learning Collaborative, United Community Schools and more career and technical education programs. |
| I want to thank those of you who joined us on the long bus ride to Albany and back. Your voice is so important. Together, we furthered the cause of public education for our children. Sincerely, Nicholas Cruz UFT Director of Community and Parent Engagement ncruz@uft.org |