On Monday, September 16, 2025, the members of University Staff Association ratified the FY26 Budget by a vote of 181 to 3.
View the FY26 Budget Proposal video
Budget FAQ
How does our FY25 budget compare to what we spent?
At the close of this past fiscal year, we had a net income of $62,191.49. We came in under budget in categories such as wages ($25,000), hotel/lodging and meal reimbursements related to attendance at meetings and conferences (roughly $5000), and travel expenses for professional development ($6750). We also saw an increase in our membership, which means we received about $20,000 more in dues than we had anticipated.
If there is a surplus at the end of the fiscal year, does it roll over into next year’s budget?
Yes, this surplus does roll over into next year’s budget. For that reason, we have decided not to increase dues for FY26.
How often does USA dues increase and how does it compare to other unions on campus?
A motion was passed by USA membership to increase Local dues by $1 annually ($0.04 per paycheck). We felt it appropriate and within our means to absorb that cost this year.
There is a $6k telephone budget line in this year’s budget. What does this money go to since we’ve moved to Teams phone?
These funds are set aside to reimburse USA e-board members for a portion of their internet and telephone expenses related to their work with members and organizing. Each e-board member may receive a reimbursement of up to $135 per quarter ($540 per year). It is up to the e-board member seek reimbursement for these expenses.
How does dues inflation to the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and National Educators Association (NEA) impact our dues increase?
MTA and NEA dues were increased by roughly 3% this year. By not choosing to raise dues this year, USA will be allocating $11,365 of our FY25 net income to cover the shortage.
Can the budget be sent out in advance next year? How can we increase transparency in next year’s budget vote process?
The new dues rate for NEA is set at the NEA Representative Assembly that takes place in early July. The earliest we can realistically deliver a budget to our members is late July/early-August. We aim to have the budget available by early August at the latest for next fiscal year. We were delayed this year due to challenges we faced in switching authorized users for the Union’s bank account and staffing shortages that led to a delay in receiving our FY25 financial statement. We also wanted to increase transparency in this year’s voting process by providing additional resources, such as the expense category descriptions and FAQ.
