New York State Constitutional Convention Why you should be concerned……

What is the constitution? The constitution establishes a basic organizational structure for state government The constitution establishes the fundamental rights you enjoy as a citizen of New York state, as a public employee, and as a retired public employee

Important Features Guaranteeing the right to a free public education (Article 11, § 1) Prohibiting reductions in public pension benefits (Article 5, § 7) Rights to workers compensation (Article 1, § 18) Rights to be a member of a union and bargain collectively (Article 1, §17) “Blaine Amendment” prohibits the use of state monies to assist private schools

How can the constitution be changed or altered? Through amendments passed OR Hold a constitutional convention (Article 19, §2) –Question goes before the voters every 20 years (November 2017) –Allows for much wider modifications of the constitution; including a full rewrite

On the Ballot Nov New York State Constitution (Article19, § 2). Every 20 years the people of the Empire State are asked a seemingly simple ballot question: “Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and amend the same?”

What else is in our constitution? State Land and Forest Protections Casino Gaming Laws Social Welfare rights There are very wealthy people who will spare nothing to influence change on these and many others issues. A convention would open the door……

#1 “New” Reason NYer’s Want a Convention: Governor Cuomo is seeking an amendment to strip public officials of their pensions if they are convicted of breaking the law. Case in point: Sheldon Silver sheldon-silver-still-collects-a-pension-thanks-to-his-fellow- pols/

Siena Research Poll July of % of voters have heard nothing about a Constitutional Convention vote 69% of voters polled support holding a Constitutional Convention Support crossed every major demographic- race, gender, income & age 2017 is an “off” election year – bad!

What bad would come of it? Move all public employees to a Tier 6 pension system….or WORSE! –Retire at 62 –Pay up to 6% or more of your salary into the pension system, FOR YOUR ENTIRE CAREER! Force all employees into a statewide healthcare plan & contribute 20% Did you hear about Wisconsin? Act 10?

Wisconsin – Act 10 The bill limits collective bargaining. Wage increases can not exceed a cap based on the consumer price index (CPI). Contracts are limited to one year and wages are frozen until the new contract is settled. Collective bargaining units are required to take annual votes to maintain certification as a union. Employers are prohibited from collecting union dues. Members of collective bargaining units are not required to pay dues. All state employees pay a minimum 12.6% of their healthcare premium.

But I’m retired…. why should I care? Once the constitution is open… nobody is safe! They can change the defined benefits that you have been planning on receiving. No one would be “Grandfathered.”

What can WE do? It is going to take a combined effort Every union member across the state needs to be involved Donate to Vote Cope! –NYSUT is preparing for this –Commercials will run $ millions This will be Vote Cope’s #1 Expense How much is it worth to you?