With state lawmakers gearing up for the legislative session that begins in January, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie came to union headquarters on Dec. 12 to talk about the state economy and next year’s budget priorities. Hanging over everything was the Republican tax overhaul and possible federal budget cuts, both of which could squeeze state education funding. “Everyone’s talking about what Washington, D.C., will do next,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew, who hosted the wide-ranging discussion. “It’s clearly a plan to go after certain blue states, to force them to downsize services and government.” The need for revenue is particularly urgent since New York State has a $4.4 billion budget deficit heading into the January session. “Absent any other federal action that can do damage, I think we can manage that so that our schools will be fine and our health care can be fine,” Heastie said. “It’s the unknown of what’s going to happen. What’s the next bad thing that Washington is looking to do.” above: Heastie (left) and Mulgrew discuss the budget issues.