As you know, I often write to UFT members about recent events and current issues. This time I am taking the extraordinary step of writing exclusively about the fiscal crisis that is facing our nation, state and city -- and our schools in particular -- because the situation itself is extraordinary. And so, because we care about the well-being of both our students and our own families, our response must be equally extraordinary.
To join our fight to protect classrooms, go to the online sign-up form.
Although many of us remember the '70s fiscal crisis, most of us have never experienced a severe global economic downturn. But we are now. The effects of this recession on poor and working people in New York are apt to be devastating. At December's Delegate Assembly I asked how many people knew someone who had been recently laid off. Almost three-quarters of the delegates raised their hands.
The numbers and headlines are already staggering. The United States is facing its bleakest economic outlook since the Great Depression. Unemployment, already at a 15-year-high, is expected to reach 9 percent in 2010. The Dow Jones lost a third of its value last year, its worst showing since 1931. At least 46 states are facing huge budget deficits, with California, Florida, New York and Ohio leading the way.
In Albany, the deficit for the upcoming fiscal year has reached more than $15 billion and grows by $60 million every day. State workers face layoffs, salary deferrals and benefit cuts.
New York City entered the recession later, but the deterioration has been so rapid that the mayor ended the property tax cut six months early, made mid-year cuts to agency budgets including the Department of Education and modified the financial plan two months ahead of time. A budget gap of $4.3 billion (10 percent of city revenues) is expected for the next fiscal year, and that will grow to nearly $7 billion -- almost 16 percent of city revenue -- in 2011.
Between the city and state, education is slated for more than $1.5 billion in cutbacks, which will translate to reductions in individual school budgets of 8 to 12 percent. Think about what this will mean to the students you teach. Think about what cuts of that size would look like in your school.
Predictably, the calls are already going out to reduce pensions and health benefits as a way to climb out of this crisis. Yes, we must and we will fight for our economic security, but more than that is needed.
Today begins a major call to action within the UFT. Protecting and strengthening public education, healthcare and safety net services is crucial to our city and its residents, young and old. We must unite behind that goal like never before.
I need your help. Our schools need your help. Kids do not get a second chance. I am asking you and your colleagues, both here and nationwide, to sign up and volunteer to fight for public education and other essential services.
This week the AFT launched a national campaign, "Fight for America's Future: It's Dollars and Sense," to press hard for the federal stimulus package and to actively challenge efforts to cut the services we provide. Locally, we are planning a powerful public information, lobbying and action campaign, and we will be calling on you in the coming weeks and months to participate in every way you can. We need members both in the city and in Albany to lobby elected officials, speak out in public forums, knock on neighbor's doors and more.
You can go to the AFT's "Fight for America's Future" Web page for more information and to watch an online video about this important fight.
We are calling for a tripartite solution: federal help and some additional fair taxes to avert draconian cuts, and a hard look at the expenditure side to prioritize the classroom. Here in the city, we have identified alternative education savings including downsizing the DOE's vast testing apparatus. In this context, despite our reluctance about losing experienced teachers, we also raised the possibility of a retirement incentive.In the battle for fair solutions and shared sacrifice, we are joined by several local, statewide and national coalitions (you may recall the great success we had with some of these coalitions last year), but as always it all starts with us.
It's the hard work and selfless volunteerism of UFT members that make our union strong. Please sign up today.
This is a cause worth fighting for. I hope you will respond to the call -- to ensure bright futures for your students and security for your family.
Sincerely,
Randi Weingarten
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