UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear USA members,

     Exciting news! Governor Deval Patrick is coming to campus on March 28, 2013 to discuss his plans for raising revenues and funding public higher education.  The MTA was instrumental in getting the Governor to come to campus so we can hear what he has to say.  Please hold this date! The event will be from 12-1pm and pizza will be served. There will be an opportunity for the Presidents to meet with the Governor to discuss the health insurance for retirees and if I am still your President, I will be there and will be quite vocal on behalf of our entire membership. 

At the beginning of the rally there will be an opportunity for you to write a letter to your legislator and to also send in questions for Governor Patrick.  With the increase of funding to public higher education, several things could be accomplished. One would be enough funding to hire more staff and another would be no more tuition and fee increases, and hopefully more money for cost of living adjustments.  Please plan on coming to the rally to hear what the Governor has to say.

If you haven't already sent an email or made a phone call to your Legislators about the Retiree Health Care, please take a moment to let them hear from you about this benefit take back.

 Also, today is the last day to submit your USA ballot. So if you haven't voted and want to, please fill out your green ballot and walk it over to 110 Hampshire House to make sure it gets counted.  If you don't have a ballot, please call Dave Litterer, USA Election Board Chair, at 5-4503.

Remember the Union begins with "U"

In solidarity,

Donna Johnson

President

UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear USA Members,

       Election time is upon us and I hope everyone will take the time to open his/her green ballot and vote.  I wanted to take a moment and update you all on a few issues:

• Bullying- we are moving forward and it looks like we will have a policy in place soon, we are looking at the Fall right now for trainings and holding an all day symposium- more news as it becomes available
• No smoking policy- we are bargaining with the University over how this will be implemented and what the consequences will be for anyone caught smoking.  We are also working on cessation product availability and counseling for anyone who wishes to kick the habit
• Governor Patrick's proposals to cut our retirement health insurance benefits- Both the membership meeting and the executive board have taken motions to oppose this bill.  I am working on a letter to the Governor which I will share with all of you once it is finished and I am working on a call to action plan so that all of you can help by emailing your legislators.  That will be out soon so watch your email for more information.

There are other issues we are working on but for now this is what I have to report.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me as my door is always open for the membership.  Spring is coming so stay warm and dry til them...

In solidarity,

Donna Johnson

President USA

545-4862

413-427-3867

PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION ADVOCACY DAY

MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC HIGHER
EDUCATION ADVOCACY DAY

TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013

MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE | BEACON HILL, BOSTON
RALLY IN GARDNER AUDITORIUM AT 10 AM
MEET YOUR LEGISLATORS AFTER THE RALLY

Click here for the flyer!