Dear USA members,

Many of you heard the Governor last night talk about raising our health insurance contributions. Along with the MTA, we at USA must start making our calls to our legislators. I know that during these trying times we are all frustrated by the uncertainties that lie ahead, I ask that we please try to be respectful of each other. Our union is only as strong as the total sum of its participants, in other words we need to stick together and work together to try to limit the damage that is done to all of us. I have been and will continue to work with MTA, the higher Ed unions across the state, the Amherst union coalitions, and the legislators on all the issues we are faced with. You just need to turn on the television or read the paper to know that tough times are ahead of us, and I promise that as long as I am your president I will work with everyone and anyone to try to lessen the hits we take. As for the Lombardi inauguration it is the committees intention to be respectful but present. We have no intentions of embarrassing ourselves or the Chancellor and this University. I believe that we all work here because we are dedicated and we care. USA can use all the hands it can get so if you feel like you can help out please let Jane at 5-0165 know and we will call on you as the need arises. Please take a moment to call your legislator and ask him/her to vote against the 10% increase in our health insurance and while you have them on the phone remind them that this increase would be on top of not getting our cost of living increases. Let's show not only this University, but this state, that when we all stand united they cannot defeat us. I will keep everyone updated via this list serv and at our next membership meeting February 5th. I hope to see many of you there.

In solidarity,

Donna Johnson President USA