HCT Executive Board returned to Albany for the first Representative Assembly since the pandemic began and celebrated the RA's 50th anniversary. Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the crowd of almost 2,000 educators and labor leaders from across the state. She recognized the hard work and dedication of all public school teachers, like the one she had for 8th grade Social Studies who helped her understand the power of government. "A teacher is the reason I am here today," she said.
NYSUT president Andy Pallotta said he believed this year may actually be harder for educators than the last. He thanked teachers for “doing everything you have done, for getting our kids back in the classroom safely.” He also announced a new NYSUT campaign to “Fix Tier 6!” He mentioned that more than a third of the membership is in Tier 6. “It won’t be quick or easy, but that fight begins today.”
Other speakers included NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango, NYS Attorney General Leticia James, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko, National Education Association President Becky Pringle and AFL-CIO president Mario Cilento.
Delegates voted on many resolutions, including a special order of business calling for NYSUT to condemn anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in many states and support efforts to defend the teaching profession and LGBTQ+ educators and students.
HCT received the Ken Kurzweil Award for Social Justice for its commitment to community service and equality.
For more information on the RA, visit https://www.nysut.org/resources/special-resources-sites/representative-assembly.