An effort to change how student test scores factor into performance evaluations for public school teachers seemed to be a done deal just two months ago, but the failure of the state Senate to pass a bill in the waning days of the legislative session is coming back to haunt incumbents in both parties.

New York State United Teachers has promised a “tremendous show of force” against the five Democrats who voted for a Republican bill that tied the proposed changes to evaluations to more funding for charter schools. The union did not endorse any Democrat who voted for the bill, and has also poured money into the campaign of Jim Gaughran, a Democrat who is challenging Republican state Sen....| read more ››

In yet another reversal from two years ago, the New York State AFL-CIO announced Tuesday, August 21 its endorsement of Democrat James Gaughran in his run against incumbent Republican Carl Marcellino in the Fifth State Senate District.

Two years ago, Mr. Marcellino held off Mr. Gaughran in a close race. In the 2016 campaign, the AFL-CIO endorsed Senator Marcellino. At its convention this week, however, the AFL-CIO voted to endorse Mr. Gaughran.

The New York State AFL-CIO is a federation of 3,000 affiliated public sector, private sector, and building trades unions throughout the state, representing 2.5 million members, retirees and their families.

“This is a huge boost to my campaign. Two years ago they endorsed my opponent and this is...| read more ››