Delegates to the Spring DA unanimously approved UUP’s annual spending plan, which includes an operating budget of $7.94 million for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.

The budget “reflects our union’s priorities for 2007-2008: contract negotiations, legislative activities, and recruitment of new activists,” said statewide Treasurer Rowena Blackman-Stroud.

In her report to union delegates, Blackman-Stroud noted that UUP set aside $250,000 for contract negotiations with the state, which officially kicked off April 19 with the exchange of proposals.

“Since negotiations are UUP’s highest priority, it is understood that expenditures over and above this allocation will come from the Reserve Fund,” Blackman-Stroud said. “However, the president may allocate a portion of any increased dues revenue, above our budgeted amount, for negotiations expenses before shifting funds from the Reserve Fund.” The current four-year contract with the state expires July 1.

Delegates also approved the allocation of $500,000 for the annual legislative advertising campaign.

“This money is used for our statewide and regional legislative activities aimed at preserving the viability of our Univer-sity and union,” Blackman-Stroud said.

“This budget came together after months of extensive discussions and debate at the state and chapter levels,” she added. “UUP has a proud history of obtaining maximum input from our members, and it shows. This budget puts money where our members want it most.”

That sentiment became apparent during the DA, when several delegates commended Blackman-Stroud for her hard work on the annual budget.

“Thank you for a detailed and well-balanced report,” said longtime delegate Lawrence Wittner of Albany.

— Karen L. Mattison