February
Treasurer Report 2/22
SHEA VOICE
"Fall Edition" Edition
FALL 2022
Sept-Oct
Volume XV No. 1
TBD, Editor
SHEA VOICE
Sweet Home Education Association
Local #3041
1901 Sweet Home Road
Amherst, NY 14228
President's Message:
Paul Szymendera
Happy Fall! It's truly amazing that another election season is upon us. This November marks the all important mid-term election. NYSUT Provided 2022 Voter Guide to over 600,000 members across NYS. Our union has tremendous voting power, if we all get out and vote.
Here are some highlights from the Voter Guide:
It's important to know that NYSUT does not endorse candidates based on party lines. Our statewide union supports candidates who will unite us and keep public schools as the center of our communities.
NYSUT has a member driven endorsement process for political candidates. Endorsed candidates are thoroughly vetted by NYSUT local presidents and by NYSUTS Political Action Committee. Endorsed candidates receive grassroots support from NYSUT members, including phone banking, door knocking and literature distribution. The union also makes financial contributions from voluntary donations through VOTE-COPE, the union’s non-partisan political action committee.
When NYSUT fights, we win. At no time has this been more apparent than in the past year, when the statewide union and its national affiliates, AFT and NEA, notched legendary wins for members. Thanks to NYSUT, the 2022-23 NYS budget moved closer to fully funding Foundation Aid, helped address the teacher shortage and won increased support for pre-K. NYSUT also advocated for expanded funding for mental health services, increased funding for SUNY, CUNY and community colleges and proved much-needed relief for SUNY hospitals. NYSUT also took the first steps toward fixing the flawed Tier 6 pension plan, ensuring that new members have access to a high-quality, fair pension.
While you might not always agree with some of the candidates the union endorses, it's important we support the ones who support our collective rights as workers.
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US Senate - Charles Schumer
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US House of Representatives District 26 - Brian Higgins
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NYS Senate 61: Sean Ryan
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NYS Assembly 140: Bill Conrad
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NYS Assembly 141: Crystal Peoples-Stokes
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NYS Assembly 142: Pat Burke
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NYS Assembly 143: Monica Wallace
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NYS Assembly 146: Karen McMahon
Don't forget ELECTION DAY
November 8th
Paul Szymendera
SHEF is at it again!
Mark your calendars: November 18th at 6:00pm.
Join our Sweet Home community at the High School main gym for the Faculty and Staff Basketball game! This may be the biggest fundraiser of the year - you can help! SHEA has donated two $25 gift cards to the big basket raffle.
SHEF's mission is to enhance the educational experiences of students in the Sweet Home Central School District by providing financial support and other resources for enrichment in academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and community outreach.
For more details about SHEF click on the link below.
Calling all Elementary, Middle and High School teachers...
If you see something noteworthy going on in your building... Shoot me a quick "Shout Out" and have it posted in an upcoming edition of SHEA Voice. Pics are always welcome! We all see great things going on daily, yet are often unrecognized for it. Make a colleague feel great by acknowledging something special that they do:)
Contact: pszymendera@sweethomeschools.org
Make a Difference!!
Our union won — so please SHARE our posters on social media! Faced with many challenges, NYSUT fights us all. The past two years has brought some of the same, but also great successes around #FundOurFuture and other issues important to our members. Your activism continues to be the heartbeat of our union. THANK YOU for making your voice heard!
Get Your Best Buying Power Through Your Union Benefits with "Buyer's Edge"
Thanks to NYSUT, not only can you shop - you can Shop Smart!
If you have a major purchase, we can save you money on Appliances, Cars, Furniture, Kitchens, as well as 20 more benefits! All you have to do is visit www.BuyersEdgeInc.com. ... using login info below.
Your Username/Group #: 215 Password: NYSUT
FREE NYSUT Webinars
Student Loan Forgiveness Webinars
Many thanks to our NYSUT and AFT and our state and national affiliations for helping pass legislation for millions of students across the country and right here at Sweet Home.
Below you will find the updated schedule for NYSUT Student Debt Webinars. Webinars are led by our partners at Cambridge Credit Counseling and are designed to help NYSUT members better understand the various student loan repayment options with a focus on Teacher Loan Cancellation and Public Student Loan Forgiveness programs. This workshop will also address the recent federal student loan forgiveness program.
Below are the clinics that are currently open for 2022 registrations:
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Thursday, Sept. 15 @ 6 p.m.
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Thursday, Sept. 22 @ 6 p.m.
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Wednesday, Sept. 28 @ 4:30 p.m.
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Thursday, Oct. 6 @ 6 p.m.
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Thursday, Oct. 13 @ 6 p.m.
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WEBINARS
Webinars are free for NYSUT members.