The reality is that we have to compete for public funding. The reality is that we have not been a priority - whether we have had to take a back seat to decreased revenues in one biennium or school funding in another. The reality is that we have been shortchanged. Today marks the end of this Union's being a punching bag for politicians, newspaper editors and our own nay-sayers. Today marks the end of excuses for not achieving greater victories at the bargaining table.
Today marks the end of being satisfied with second best - taking what's left in the funding bag.
Today marks the end of whining about what ought to be and criticizing each other for why it isn't. Today marks the end of SEA's being the handmaid of any particular politician or political party. Today marks the end of the old SEA - an SEA with a proud history but a need to become more aggressive and more demanding. Simply put - this old house needs a renovation. Today we are telling the State, public and private employers alike, that we are coming after our share - our share of the economic pie and our share of workplace dignity.