PEF launches statewide ad campaign

PEF is launching an ad campaign as part of its battle to protect state jobs and services. The ads will appear in major newspapers, as well as web ads and on TV in major cities from New York City to Buffalo. The ads will run Monday, March 7 through Friday, March 18. You can also view them on the PEF website, pef.org.

PEF president testifies at consolidation of state agencies hearing

PEF President Ken Brynien will testify at a state Senate hearing on the consolidation of state agencies Monday, March 7 in Albany. PEF opposes the Executive Budget proposal to merge the Foundation for Science and Technology into the Empire State Development Corporation. PEF also objects to the consolidation of the Department of Correctional Services with the Division of Parole.

Brynien said, “When it comes to consolidations, this budget ignores the biggest and fattest elephants in the room. Public authorities must be included in any discussion about making state government more efficient.”

Political Action Committee members meet with legislators

PEF’s political activists will meet with state legislators Wednesday, March 9 to discuss the union’s concern for a fair executive budget. Make your voice heard, call, write and visit your legislators to demand a budget that is fair to state employees. A sample letter and legislative contact information is available on the PEF website, pef.org.

Tickets now available for Somos El Futuro conference

The 24^th annual Somos El Futuro Conference will be held Thursday, March 31 through Sunday, April 3 in Albany. PEF will participate by sponsoring a booth in the exhibit area and through membership attendance at various events. PEF also has purchased a block of tickets to the dinner gala on Saturday, April 2. Tickets are available for purchase by divisions or individual members at a cost of $250 each. Tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis. Once the tickets are gone, members can purchase tickets directly from the Somos El Futuro office at (718) 292-2901.

Visit the PEF website daily for news, events

As labor unions across the county continue to be vilified in the press, it is more important than ever to be aware and involved with your union’s activities and plans of action. For example, PEF held its first tele-town meeting March 6 where members received a call from President Brynien and were able to respond through very sophisticated technology. If you would like to review this event, visit the PEF website, pef.org.

And it’s the place to sign-up for the Active Informed Member (AIM) bulletin.