The New York State United Teachers announced this week that they have endorsed Brian Benjamin for New York State Senate in the 30th District.
This latest endorsement for Brian Benjamin, chairperson of Community Board 10 and affordable housing developer, adds to his list of supporters and gives him perceived momentum going into the special election May 23 to replace Bill Perkins.
Andrew Pallotta, president of NYSUT, championed Benjamin’s stance on education.
“At a time when our federal government is more committed to building walls than schools, we need state representatives who will stand up for students and educators,” said Pallotta in a statement. “This is especially critical in the 30th District, where New York City schools have long been denied the state funding they deserve. The members of NYSUT are proud to endorse Brian Benjamin for New York State Senate.
“We know that Brian will be our voice in the Senate, fighting to secure long-overdue Campaign for Fiscal Equity funding and ensure that children in the 30th have the tools they need to succeed,” concluded Pallotta.
Benjamin appreciated the union’s endorsement.
“I’m honored to have the endorsement of NYSUT’s dedicated educators, school staff and healthcare workers,” stated Benjamin. “Our community’s future depends on our children having the resources they need to succeed. This is what the men and women of NYSUT work to do for our community. I look forward to joining this important effort by working as our next state senator to ensure teachers are paid what they deserve, and that all our schools receive the funding they need.”
NYSUT’s endorsement, in terms of union size, is Benjamin’s largest to date. NYSUT represents more than 600,000 members who currently work in or are retired from working in New York’s schools, colleges and healthcare facilities. Benjamin also picked up the endorsements of 1199SEIU, the Hotel Trades Council, SEIU 32BJ, Teamsters Local 237 and New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who called him a “leading voice in the fight for comprehensive criminal justice reform.”