The UFT welcomed 35 City Council members to its annual legislative breakfast on May 9 to educate them about union programs and initiatives that need funding in the upcoming city budget. See the union's current city legislative priorities »

Speakers from the union made the case for the value to students, educators and families of the UFT Teacher Center, United Community Schools, the Positive Learning Collaborative, the BRAVE anti-bullying hotline, Dial-A-Teacher, the Member Assistance Program and the Progressive Redesign Opportunity Schools for Excellence (PROSE).

UFT President Michael Mulgrew said the union’s programs directly support teaching and learning. “Whatever we do is actually getting to the student, which is what it’s supposed to be,” he said.

The City Council and Mayor Eric Adams have until June 30 to reach a budget agreement for the 2024–25 fiscal year, which starts on July 1. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams thanked the UFT for being a “stupendous” partner of the City Council and pledged that council members would “continue to be your champions” at City Hall.

Mary Vaccaro, the UFT vice president for education, said the union opened another 55 UFT Teacher Centers in schools this school year because of the council’s investment. The centers reduce turnover, she said, because educators feel more supported.

The UFT’s United Community Schools, which serve more than 20,000 students in 32 schools in high-need neighborhoods, provide social workers, food pantries, after-school programs and other wraparound services for students and their families, said Vice President Karen Alford, the program’s executive director.

PROSE, which gives staff members agency over how their school operates and promotes innovation, is slated to expand from 217 schools this year to 250 in the 2024–25 school year, said Sally-Ann Famularo, the director.

Sean Blanks, the Dial-A-Teacher director, said the popular program is concluding its 44th year. “We have kids whose grandparents have used Dial-A-Teacher,” he said.