Delegates to the Spring DA overwhelmingly approved UUP’s annual spending plan, which includes an operating budget of $8.18 million for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

The budget “reflects our union’s priorities for 2008-2009: implementation of the 2007-2011 collective bargaining agreement between UUP and New York state; outreach activities; service to the membership; and recruitment of new activists,” said statewide Treasurer Rowena Blackman-Stroud.

In her report to union delegates, Blackman-Stroud noted that UUP negotiated a total of nearly $2 million in direct support from NYSUT, up by nearly $200,000 from last year.

The union will use a one-time lump sum NYSUT payment of $125,000 to increase the coffers for UUP’s outreach advertising campaign. The total amount allocated for outreach activities is $500,000.

“We recognize the importance of the union’s advertising campaign, as well as other statewide and regional legislative activities, in the ongoing battle for increased higher education funding,” Blackman-Stroud said.

In addition, UUP this year allocated more money for training and workshops, which will cover the costs of regional trainings to be conducted by the two statewide vice presidents. It also includes more money for chapter development activities, such as internal organizing projects for academics, professionals and part-timers.

“This budget reflects extensive discussions and debate at the statewide and chapter levels,” she added. “UUP has always welcomed and encouraged member input in the budget process.
Delegates approved this budget because it puts money where the members want it most.”

Blackman-Stroud thanked UUP Audit Committee Chair Raymond Guydosh of Plattsburgh and Finance Committee Chair Caroline Bailey of ESF for their guidance in developing this year’s budget.

— Karen L. Mattison