VOTE-COPE stands for Voice of Teachers for Education (VOTE) and Committee on Political Education (COPE).The goal of VOTE-COPE is to protect our profession.  Funding for VOTE-COPE relies on donations and does not come from dues. These donations are put to work to lobby for pro-NYSUT member legislation, to elect candidates who understand the importance of education and health care.  VOTE- COPE donations are also used to support the values of the organized labor movement and to help pass local school budgets.  NYSUT sends rebates to local unions based on a percentage (up to 40 percent) of the contributions VOTE-COPE receives from that local union's members. Those rebates can be used in local activities such as school board elections and for helping to pass school budgets.