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March 2011

Dear Legislator:

The Executive s proposed cuts to education are the largest total dollar state aid cut ever proposed in the history of New York state. These cuts are so large, it would send our schools into reverse gear, resulting in devastation topublic schools and the state's working families. NYSUT has tallied projected cuts from about 230 of the state snearly 700 school districts. In these districts alone , the cuts would result in an alarming loss of more than 13,500teacher and staff jobs, mostly through layoffs. There will likely be at least another 5,000 potential job losses whenthe nearly 500 other districts statewide are totaled. The proposed cuts are on top of the cuts from last year, whichresulted in 10,000 positions being eliminated statewide.

The proposed $1.5 billion cut in state funds for education would cut significantly deeper into academic programs andservices than previous worst -case projections indicated for public education. These cuts would sharply curtail orentirely eliminate classes in music, arts, foreign language instruction, kindergarten, preschool, advanced placementcourses and interscholastic sports in many communities. Also, class sizes would balloon across the state.

In three of the Big Five City school districts, budget deficits are projected to reach approximately $210 million:Yonkers-$70 million, Buffalo-$60 million, and Rochester-$80 million. In Yonkers alone 1,300 education andschool- related jobs could be eliminated. Buffalo is facing an estimated 750 job cuts, and in Syracuse 584 positionscould be subject to layoffs. Rural districts, too, are facing deep pain. In the Corning-Painted Post school district,where state aid reductions would total $1.5 million, cuts could include the elimination of all secondary teachingassistants as well as 64 middle-level and high school teachers, and 13 elementary school teachers. The district also

might close an early childhood center.In higher education, SUNY and CUNY applications are soaring while their budgets have been subject to draconiancuts. Program closures, class eliminations, overcrowded classes, diminished access and delayed graduations will begreatly exacerbated. At the same time, the Executive Budget eliminates all state funding for SUNYs teachinghospitals. If enacted, the current level of unique, critical life-saving health care services not readily available at otherhospitals will be jeopardized, first-rate medical care to all citizens of New York regardless of their ability to pay will be compromised, and the quality of graduate medical education and cutting-edge research will be diminished.

While these deep cuts are being proposed for public services, the wealthiest three percent of New Yorkers wouldenjoy a $5 billion dollar tax break. It is imperative that the tax surcharge on the most affluent New Yorkers beextended.

Although a step in the right direction, the legislative one house budget bills restore only a fraction, less than 20%, of the proposed $1.5 billion school aid cut. These proposals would not provide enough funding to stave off the worstconsequences for schools. The final budget must be based on a balanced approach that includes enhanced revenues tokeep education as the strong linchpin of New York States economy .

As our Committee of 100 members visit you; we ask the following:

Reverse $1.5 billion in proposed education cuts.

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Restore cuts to SUNY, CUNY and the community colleges. Restore the state subsidy to our SUNY hospitals. Extend the income tax surcharge on the wealthiest New Yorkers. Reject the ill-conceived tax cap.

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Now is not the time to take a step backward and erase the progress our students, schools and universities have made.Unless the deep cuts proposed by the Governor in his Executive Budget are rejected by the Legislature, theopportunity for quality education will be out of reach for countless numbers of students, especially those most inneed.

We apprecia te you taking the time to meet with NYSUTs Committee of 100 members and we look forward toworking with you during these challenging fiscal times so that we may invest in New York and create a healthyeconomy for today and the future.

In solidarity,

Andrew PallottaExecutive Vice President32360