*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - We need your help to bring your healthcare providers in-network. Please share a list of providers you would like to bring in-network in this brief, anonymous survey <https://forms.gle/WZn9Dz528QZsJUxV6>. The survey also includes the option to provide more detailed information about your healthcare providers (both in-network and out-of-network with Cigna). This information will help provide further context for your bargaining team, and be part of creating a list of recommended providers for new grad workers and others looking for healthcare. - *Sign pledge in support of Portland Community College faculty * Part-Time Faculty, Full-Time Faculty, and Academic Professionals at Portland Community College (PCCFFAP) have declared impasse on their contract negotiations after being offered a cost of living adjustment equal only to a $3.50 increase for every thousand earned. Sign to support the hardworking faculty at PCCFFAP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3fEws6vwsdqlF1rLA/viewform> . - *Fellows: Sign to support Fellows' Union Now!* Fellows at OSU are organizing to be recognized as a sublocal of CGE. This will allow Fellows to negotiate a contract for their rights, while uniting all grad workers to support each other and share resources. We are conducting a card counting campaign, the legal process to get union recognition in the State of Oregon. Fellows use this link <https://cge6069.knack.com/cge#fellows/> to sign your card in support! - *Steward nominations open though March 2nd 5pm* Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. There is no experience needed, just a commitment to supporting your coworkers! You can nominate yourself or others here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqP2zMOU74t8NB5_rDf0ZCgsoi5O7P3pvSReXWDQsnrJCYdA/viewform> . Announcements - *Good news and further action on Fight for our Future* The Federal Disconnect bill (SB 1507), which would address Oregon's budget crisis through pulling from reserves and closing tax loopholes, has passed the Senate. This brings us closer protecting the state budget without cutting funding for K-12, higher education, and other important services. Thanks is owed to the hard work of many, including members of CGE who have provided testimony about how proposed budget cuts would impact us and our students. However, this isn't over, as the bill now passes to the House. In order to protect public universities like ours, we must show that we care. Some easy actions to take: - Email Governor Kotek to urge her to take action and prevent cuts with PSU-AAUP's letter action <https://actionnetwork.org/letters/gov-koteks-response-to-oregons-higher-ed-funding-crisis-will-help-shape-her-legacy> . - Find and email your lawmakers <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XsgVjW7QA7OSmjnMmxCgbqnLWhDoJGsyAfYM1bngW20/edit?usp=sharing> about the importance of protecting education funding to prevent more layoffs and cuts. *Upcoming Events* - *Please join our Environmental Justice Caucus this Saturday 2/21 from 10am-12pm at Shawala Point for a Trash Pick Up Event!* We will be walking along the area picking up trash but also advocating for environmental justice in our collective efforts. It feels more important than ever to foster our sense of community and actively promote justice in any way we can. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, so come alone or bring your friends-- all are welcome! Please also help us spread the word. - *Fellows' Town hall, March 5th, 4-5pm at WestM* This town hall will be a chance for all Fellows to come together and discuss the Fellow's Union. Bring your ideas, priorities, and questions! *Committees and Caucuses that need your help* Grad workers are capable and passionate people who can together exercise great power. One of the ways we do that is through caucuses and committees. All meetings are at WestM unless otherwise stated. *Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus*: Wednesday 2-3pm on zoom. Reach out to vp_membership@cge6069.org for the zoom link. *Grievance Committee: *A great opportunity for people to learn more about the contract and how we defend it. Meets Fridays at 4pm. Email vp_grievances@cge6069.org for more information. *International Caucus: *The CGE International Caucus is open to all graduate students regardless of CGE membership status and serves to represent the concerns of all international students at Oregon State University. The International Graduate Caucus recognizes that international graduate students attending OSU have unique needs and difficulties in comparison to US students. Reach out to president@cge6069.org. *Environmental Justice Caucus:* Every other Monday, 1pm at the Biere Library. Reach out to vp_politics@cge6069.org. In solidarity, Serena Frazee (she/her) VP for Communications, Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069 PhD Student in Integrative Biology, Oregon State University