Brothers and Sisters,
On behalf of the NYSPFFA Executive Board, I offer the following update and end of year report.
As we look back at 2017, we have made several changes, including the format of our State Conventions, and the change to a biennial convention, cutting out wasted time, while adding more opportunity for educational classes and gaining valuable information. We continue to utilize our social media outlets and increase communication, having established an online legal library and listserv, bringing together all of our lawyers from throughout our organization. We expect this tool to provide them with the necessary information to fight the ongoing attacks from our enemies.
On the legislative front, we won a big battle by defeating the constitutional convention by 83%. We also had several bills signed into law, including union dues deduction, combat veterans leave, widows COLA extension, Cancer filing extension, and the Yonkers 2% correction bill, which will also have a positive effect statewide. This is a good start, but we still have much work to do.
Looking ahead to 2018, we will continue to prepare for the Janus decision, providing you with a presentation to use in retaining membership. We will also work to address this issue legally and legislatively. Our other legislation in the coming year will address 2% monies, the Schenectady PD decision and how it affects our disciplinary procedures, combination department minimum training standards, and bills relevant to individual locals.
As February approaches, we cannot stress enough the importance of your involvement in our Labor Conference. We expect at least 10 of our lawyers from around the state to take part in a day long round table and open discussion involving major issues we are all facing. You can find all information on our website, which will continue to be updated.
We are also looking forward to our first ever IAFF 1st district ALTS program this June in White Plains. Our IAFF V.P. Jim Slevin will be looking for plenty of input, as he sets up the presenters.
In closing, we thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication. We wish you and your families a happy, healthy and safe holiday season, and look forward to working together to continue building on our success.
Fraternally,
Your NYSPFFA Executive Board