Trigger Warning: This is going to be dark. Every week I sit down in front of the computer screen and start this newsletter on a high note. Sometimes I’m successful, most times I’m probably not. But the goal is to provide a smile in what was probably a week full of ups and downs. Today I can’t do that, there is just too much at stake. As you all know, Mitch McConnell and the United States Senate Republicans released their version of the American Health Care Act. It sucks – no one is confused or surprised by that. But the thing that should shake you to your core, is McConnell and the Republican Party’s flat-out disregard for human life. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed and replaced with this bill that is seasoned with corporate interests, patriarchy and white supremacy, people will die. My father is retired and he receives Medicaid. If he loses that, he can’t afford his medicine. I don’t make enough to help him pay. What the hell are we supposed to do if Republicans are successful in destroying our health care system? If this bill becomes law, as many as 14 million children will lose health insurance coverage, and millions of women who rely on the services of Planned Parenthood will be left stranded. Millions of people are about to have their worlds turned upside down because of corporate greed. A handful of millionaires and billionaires are using their money to influence policy. And luckily for them, there are enough bad actors in elected office willing to comply. Everything is at stake right now, which is why we have to fight.
-Stanley
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The Health Care Fight Begins. A broad and deep coalition of New Yorkers, health care advocates, activists, and elected leaders gathered at the Capitol to oppose the health care proposal being secretly developed by Republicans in the US Senate. The bill, which was supposed to be an upgrade over the universally unpopular American Health Care Act (AHCA), was drafted in secrecy by Republican Senators with no public hearings or amendments. If passed, it is expected to gut the Affordable Care Act, deeply cut Medicaid creating budget crises in states, and provide huge tax giveaways to the rich.
Schneiderman in Kingston. New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman joined Citizen Action of New York to speak with Kingston residents in a town hall event. The meeting, called “Turning Resistance into Power,” provided participants with an overview of the Attorney General’s efforts to fight back against Trump Administration policies and protect and expand the rights of all New Yorkers. Participants got to hear more about Citizen Action’s blueprint for building community and political power, including ways to get involved.
The MTA is Kind of Not Working All That Well. Citizen Action of New York’s New York City Chapter joined a coalition of New York groups to hold a protest slamming Governor Cuomo and Trump for seeking to give away public assets to real estate and Wall Street barons. With the help of almost $1 billion in state and federal money, Vornado and Related will be given control over a new retail plaza in Penn Station. It was hot and the train I took to the action was late, so I had a lot to say.
BLOG
A couple of months ago I wrote a blog post about Donald Trump’s pending Health Care bill. It talked about the negative impacts on communities of color. This might be a good time to revisit that post. Click here to read.
IN THE NEWS
Daily Freeman. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Thursday rallied anti-Trump activists with a speech to about 115 people at City Hall. Click here for the story.
Time Warner Cable. The U.S. Senate version of the healthcare bill was met with opposition even before it was officially rolled out. It’s very similar to the House version, and opponents say it means less coverage for higher prices. Click here for the story.
EVENTS
June 27. On Tuesday, June 27, The Gathering for Justice and Justice League NYC is pleased to present “Stop The Violence: A Town Hall From The Block To The Capitol” as part of New York’s Gun Violence Awareness Month – Hosted by Mark Thompson of SiriusXM’s “Make It Plain”. The Town Hall includes panel discussions, keynote address, special performances – and lunch. The event takes place at 131 West 33rd Street, 2nd Floor Auditorium. Doors open at 11:15 AM, Lunch Served at 11:30 AM, Program Begins at 12 PM. Click here to RSVP
July 8. To resist the Trump Agenda we must organize and work together. That is why LIPC will be hosting a day long conference on July 8th at the IBEW local 25, 370 Vanderbilt Motor Pkwy, Hauppauge. Join us in workshops on organizing for campaigns, issues, and elections. Click here to RSVP
TAKE ACTION!
The federal budget proposed by Donald Trump would destroy the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to keep the air we breathe and the water we drink safe While we fight the Trump administration every step of the way in D.C., New York must lead on climate change by transitioning to 100% renewable energy. It’s up to Governor Cuomo. Click here to take action.
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