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"Our job is to ensure that UUP’s message is delivered."
That directive to UUP advocates came from UUP Outreach Committee Co-chair Glenn McNitt prior to their descent on the state Capitol for NYSUT Higher Ed Lobby Day Feb. 26.
Fresh from a visit with state legislative leaders and a top aide to the governor, UUP President Phillip Smith told the UUPers, "We’re all singing the same song," referring to a consensus that improving higher education is a top priority. But to achieve the union’s legislative agenda, Smith added, "We have to sing it again."
Seated with their sisters and brothers from NYSUT and Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin reminded the advocates that they’re representing 585,000 members and their families.
"Remind the legislators of your needs," Lubin said. "Stick to your stories.
Remind them we need their help in their conference."
The advocates fanned out across the Capitol, visiting the offices of dozens of law-makers, spreading the word about why SUNY deserves a better budgetary shake.
During one such meeting with Sen. Dale Volker (R-Depew), UUPer Thomas Matthews of Geneseo made the case for the state to fully fund enrollment growth on SUNY’s state-operated campuses.
"It will be a challenge to keep up with the increasing number of students without more funds," Matthews said. UUP pressed lawmakers to not only bankroll enrollment growth, but also to restore the $34.2 million cut from SUNY’s mandatory operating costs in the Executive Budget.
Charles McAteer of Stony Brook drove home the economic impact SUNY has on the state during his meeting with legislators, noting that four out of five SUNY graduates stay and work in the state.
Brian Tappen of Upstate Medical University not only stressed the need for $40 million more in the budget for SUNY hospitals and health science centers to make up for chronic underfunding, he also emphasized the critical need for infrastructure improvements. That message resonated with Assemblywoman
Janet Duprey (R-Peru), who recalled that the gym on the Canton campus has been condemned because it is in such disrepair.
The UUP advocates also asked lawmakers to stop SUNY campuses from selling or leasing property without legislative or gubernatorial approval.
That message got through to Assembly-man Daniel Burling (R-Warsaw), who said, "This is something the Legislature won’t accept."
Meanwhile, dozens of UUPers took part in UUP advocacy days nearly every Tuesday in February and March.
Binghamton and Stony Brook Advocacy Days
UUP advocates were also out in force for Binghamton and Stony Brook advocacy days March 4, organized by the respective campus administrations. Binghamton UUP Chapter President Darryl Wood said about half of the 130 representatives who made the trip belong to UUP.
"It was an opportunity to showcase UUP’s solidarity with the campus administration, students, alumni and the local community," Wood said.
More than 100 UUPers from Stony Brook came to Albany among a delegation that filled 22 buses. McAteer said his campus accentuated the economic impact that comes from growing SUNY.
"SUNY will be the engine that drives the state’s economic recovery," he said in describing his campus’ message. "The government helps with funding, and the public gets the trained professionals needed to take New York well into the 21st century."
UUP also used the theme of SUNY as an engine of economic growth in its 2008 TV ad campaign. The 30-second commercial featuring UUP members and SUNY students at UAlbany and SUNY New Paltz called on state leaders to fully fund SUNY, and included the tagline, "We can’t keep running on fumes. We need more faculty now." The ad aired in late March on network affiliate and cable TV stations across the state.
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Donald Feldstein