THE COMMUNICATOR June 2012 The official publication of the NYS Public Employees Federation www.TheCommunicator.org - www.pef.org


You Said It ......................................................................2 Remembering Josephine Rice............................................2 PEF Focuses On State Waste ............................................4 Political Action.................................................................6 President’s Message........................................................7 Job Cuts Result In Bad Payoffs For NYRA Bettors ................7 New Justice Center .........................................................8 Highlights .......................................................................8 Truth Be Told ..................................................................9 Retirees In Action ..........................................................10 Health Notes.................................................................11 Nurses Station ..............................................................12 Sign-Up For Golf Tournament ..........................................12 Bill May Help Stop Bullying...............................................13 Workers’ Memorial Day ..................................................13 Utica Members Rally ......................................................14 Services Discussed At Roundtable....................................15 Horticulture Program Revitalizes Inmates ..........................16 Flawed Plan For Juvenile Offenders...................................17 Region 7 Holds Leadership Conference .............................21 Region 8 Seeks Women Of Action ....................................21 PEF President And Vice President Honored........................21


COVER GRAPHIC— By Mario A. Bruni


Follow PEF on: Find PEF on: PRISON GARDENS


THE COMMUNICATOR Volume 29, No. 5 June 2012 (0745-6514)


The Official Publication of the New York State Public Employees Federation, AFL-CIO, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-1006. The Communicator is published monthly, except for January and August, for members of the New York State Public Employees Federation. Periodical postage paid at Latham, NY and additional mailing offices.


Postmaster: Send address changes to: Editor, PEF Communicator, 1168-70 Troy-Schenectady Road, P.O. Box 12414, Albany, NY 12212-2414. Phone (518) 785-1900, ext. 221.


Letters Policy: The Communicator welcomes letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF’s diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please type your letters, keep them brief (up to 250 words), and include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to: The Communicator, PEF, P.O. Box 12414, Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414 or e-mail to: thecommunicator@pef.org


www.pef.org


Officers of PEF Kenneth Brynien President Arlea J. Igoe Secretary-Treasurer Patricia Baker, Tom Comanzo, Joe Fox Vice Presidents


Kevin Hintz, BonnieWood, John Prince, Peter Banks,Mary Twitchell, Kevin Conley, TomDonahue, BillWurster, Vivian Street, Vernetta Chesimard, Jemma Hanson, Connie Batts Regional Coordinators


Gail Noble, Olubiyi Sehindemi, Adam Sumlin Trustees


PEF Regional Field Offices Reg. 1 Buffalo 1-800-462-1462 Reg. 2 Elmira/Hornell 1-800-724-5001 Reg. 3 Rochester 1-800-724-5003 Reg. 4 Syracuse 1-800-724-5004 Reg. 5 Binghamton 1-800-724-4998 Reg. 6 Utica 1-800-724-5005 Reg. 7 Malone 1-888-498-8532


Reg. 12 Long Island 1-800-832-5284


The Communicator Staff Stephen Chamberlain Managing Editor DarcyWells Editor-In-Chief Sherry Halbrook Editor Marty OʼConnor Columnist Mario A. Bruni Graphic Designer Deborah A. Miles Reporter/Writer Barbara Valenti Jr. Graphic Artist Paul Murphy Secretary/Typesetter Kathi Blinn Advertising Account Executive


Advertising in this publication does not represent an endorsement by PEF or its members. Members wishing to change their mailing address may call 1-800-342-4306, ext. 221.


PEF is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO & Services Employees International Union.


Communications Council


Metro NY Labor


The Communicator June 2012—Page 3 16


Reg. 8 Albany 1-800-342-4306 Reg. 9 Poughkeepsie 1-800-548-4870 Reg. 10 Manhattan/Bronx 1-800-522-8700 Reg. 11 Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island 1-866-897-9775


STATE WASTE


4


NEW JUSTICE CENTER


8


UTICA RALLY


14


CONTENTS


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