Delegates to the 2010 Spring DA unanimously adopted an operating budget of $8.7 million that reflects the union’s priorities for 2010-2011: contract negotiations, service to the membership, outreach activities and recruitment of new activists.

“Our delegates recognize that the budget we present has gone through a rigorous review by the Finance Committee and the Executive Board, and that the union obtained maximum input from members when preparing it,” said UUP Treasurer Rowena Blackman-Stroud. “This budget reflects extensive discussions and debate at the statewide and chapter levels.”

In her report to delegates, Blackman-Stroud noted that UUP negotiated a total of more than $1.2 million in direct support from NYSUT, up by nearly $70,000 from the previous year.

UUP has also set aside close to $150,000 for contract negotiations with the state. The current contract expires July 1, 2011.

“Since negotiations is UUP’s highest priority, it is understood that expenditures over and above the allocation will come from the reserve fund,” said Blackman-Stroud.

In addition, the spending plan includes a supplemental allocation of $150,000 to support chapter development activities, such as internal organizing projects for part-time, academic and professional members.

Blackman-Stroud thanked the union’s Audit and Finance committees, chapter treasurers and the UUP Accounting Department for their guidance in developing this year’s budget.

— Karen L. Mattison