ISSUES
Schools and education groups demand $1.9B from state. The 9% increase in state aid would begin to make up for years of underfunding. Gannett
Report: Obama plan to allow immigrants to stay in US to work. The New York Times reported yesterday that the Obama Administration is poised to announce a plan that would allow a between 2.5 and 5M undocumented immigrants currently in the US to stay for work. New York Times
Chances for passing Fair Elections next year? It’s all about the money. “I think New Yorkers will see outside money driving the 2015 agenda,” said Wisneski. “From privatizing schools to real estate we see these groups bought a Republican Senate. We will be taking every opportunity this session to point that out.” Gotham Gazette
Albany oil heating facility met with opposition from community. The DEC comment period for the project is open until 11/30, but none of the comments at the meeting were formally recorded. Times Union
Nationally, most oppose fracking. New poll shows that a majority of people in the US are opposed to fracking, and that support for the Keystone XL Pipeline is declining. National Journal
Health Exchange hosts info events. With open enrollment starting tomorrow, NY State of Health will be hosting a series of informational events across the state. Gannett
OTHER NEWS
The Democracy Alliance plans long-term progressive resurgence. In a four-day strategy session, major liberal donors, nonprofit executives, and consultants met around a plan that “sets out four goals for alliance-funded organizations: to motivate progressives, persuade independents, increase funding for liberal groups, and “divide the right and reduce its funding and support.”” New York Times
The US is really unequal. “An important study by Sorapop Kiatpongsan and Michael I. Norton provides insight on why Americans aren’t more upset about rising inequality: It shows we are clueless about how bad it really is.” Alternet
Post-election Obama is being bold. Here’s an analysis of the President’s actions since election day, noting new initiatives on immigration, climate change, and net neutrality. New York Times
Sick of banks getting away crimes? So is this reporter… Mother Jones
As a recovering railroad enthusiast, I found this lengthy piece about Pullman, IL fascinating. Paleofuture
ELECTIONS
Reid re-elected a Senate Dems leader. In a secret, non-unanimous vote, Harry Reid was re-elected to lead the US Senate Democrats. New York Times
OPINON PAGES
New York Times Editorial – It’s time for a review of the Voting Rights Act because the legislators who draw district lines are using it for partisan advantage at the expense of power of underrepresented communities.
Daily Freeman Letter to the Editor by Jodiah Jacobs – “I call Gibson to be the man he says he is. Lead us in our effort to mitigate climate change. Sponsor a bill for a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend program.”
INSIDE BASEBALL
Denenberg to surrender. Former State Senate candidate David Deneberg will surrender to the FBI today in connection with mail fraud charges, accusations that led him to bail on his campaign weeks before the election. If convicted, he could face five years in prison. Newsday
Zimpher rejects proposed raise. After a bunch of negative comments and editorials, SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher has declined to accept a new compensation package that worth $200k+ more than her current one. Times Union
Gianaris to remain DSCC chair. In the wake of a bad election day for Senate Democrats, Senator Gianaris says he will remain chair of the DSCC and has the support of his conference. New York Observer
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