I think I’m running out of creative ways to start off this email… I was going to lead in with how bummed I was about the Nightly Show getting canceled, but that would be too depressing. Then I thought, “duh Stanley, mention the guy from the Olympics that tripped over the very first hurdle in his race!” But then I thought, “what if they don’t like that either?” Who knew so much thought could be put into the first four lines of an email? Well, after staring at my screen for 15 minutes, I decided the best intro was the one that casually slipped in all of those topics and then jumped right into the events. There were a lot of events this week and I just have one question, how do you do it? Do you realize how hot it’s been? Since the beginning of August, the temperature has not dropped below 4000 degrees, and yet Callie and Alex are still running around Kingston knocking on doors. They’re amazing. Have no fear, if you were at home hiding under the sweet release of air conditioning and Netflix, enjoy this as your recap of activities that took place during the week. Here is what you missed, or maybe you didn’t. Either way, it’s always fun to recap on awesomeness.
-Stanley
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Moral Mondays in the Capital District. On August 15, members from the Capital District joined, 42 UAW Local #1508 union members in Green Island New York to stand in solidarity with these workers and demand that Honeywell negotiate with their workers in good faith. Honeywell is refusing to deal fairly with these workers and is seeking to replace their highly skilled positions with temporary labor. Living wages and good benefits should be a prerequisite for every job, but unfortunately, Honeywell is pushing back on that idea. We will stand with our sisters and brothers until they win. Click here for information on the event.
Attack of the Billionaires. On August 18, the New York City Chapter joined the Alliance for Quality Education, New York Communities for Change, Vocal New York, New York State Senator, Gustavo Rivera, New York State Assembly member, Latrice Walker and the Hedge Clippers at the Tweed Courthouse near NYC, City Hall to call out the Millionaires and Billionaires. The Hedge Clippers released a report showing how these super rich actors have worked to manipulate elections in communities of color. All stop progressive change like the Black Lives Matter Movement movement, the Fight for $15, and the increase of progressive leadership that actually reflects our community. Click here to follow see some photo’s from the day of action.
One Door At a Time. The Hudson Valley Chapter continued their door knocking campaign. With elections for State Senate quickly approaching, the chapter members once again walked through their neighborhoods, knocking on doors and talking to their fellow neighbors about fighting for fully funded public schools, getting money out of politics, and raising the minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour for upstate families. Click here for more information.
Blog
Have you heard the news? Cigna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are pushing to merge into the largest health insurance company in America. This is great news for the companies if the deal goes through. Not so much for regular people like us who just want efficient and affordable health insurance. With a hearing coming up to discuss this potential merger, our Policy Director, Bob Cohen has decided to share his thoughts on its implications. Click here to check it out.
IN THE NEWS
Interesting news coming from Politico this week. On August 17, they published a story reporting that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that oil train operators violated the federal clean air act at the Albany facility. Click here to read the story.
Events
Enough is Enough! Now is the time that we continue building the movement to Demand Democracy right here in New York State. We call on Governor Cuomo, the New York State Senate and Assembly to OVERHAUL our elections systems, reinvigorate our democracy, and give power to the PEOPLE.Click here to RSVP for the Capital District Demand Democracy Event.
On September 8, 2016, there will be a public hearing held in New York City for people to If Anthem is allowed to acquire Cigna, the combined company will use its increased market power to make us pay even more. It is imperative that we show up to this hearing and speak out before it’s too late! Click here to RSVP
Join the Hudson Valley Chapter for a look at the successful blueprint on how to build power in our communities so that we can shut down the power of these billionaires and push for a minimum wage that’s not a poverty wage. Click here to RSVP
TAKE ACTION!
We deserve a government that works for all of us, not just big donors. And together, we can create it.The only way that can happen is if we stand together and Demand a better democracy. Click here to sign our petition and take action.
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