I am proud to say that we have entered the final hours of 2016. Are you excited? This year has been a roller coaster of breathtaking victories and Cheetos-scented defeat. Through it all, we stood together fighting for justice, celebrating true progressives and saying no to hate. The final months of 2016 were especially difficult – 62 million voters decided that a man who looks like he overdosed on spray tan was qualified to be our president and just as things seemed like they couldn’t get any worse, we lost George Michael and the guy who created the red solo cup. But don’t put your head down. Trump and celebrity deaths may have dominated the last month of this year, but we have a lot to enjoy proud of. So when the ball drops, wave goodbye to a powerful 2016 and prepare for a badass 2017.
-Stanley
We are a people-powered organization. Support us in the movement for justice!
Fight for $15. When you think back on 2016, take a moment to give yourself some credit, because with your support, along with the energy and passion of fast food workers across the state, we were able to pass legislation to raise New York’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. The battle isn’t over. $15 isn’t enough. But for now, take a moment to breathe in this victory. It was HUGE! Ok, done breathing? Good. 2017 will be the year that all of New York gets a fair wage.
Paid Family Leave. It may feel like a hundred years ago now, but 2016 was also the year we got paid family leave passed in New York. The bill will provide 12 weeks of job-protected leave that is phased in over four years to care for a new child or seriously ill loved one. Workers will be able to receive 2/3 of their own wage up to a maximum benefit 2/3 of the statewide average weekly wage, or about $850/week. I can’t begin to tell you how hard the battle to get this done has been. Activists and community members have literally committed their lives to this work, and after hundreds of rallies, thousands of meetings and even more people inspired, 2016 was the year we could finally claim victory.
BLOGS
There were many surprises on Election Day across America, including an apparent upset in New York state’s 8th Senate District. Though ballots were still being challenged in court as the Herald went to press this week, Democrat John Brooks, an unknown candidate with limited resources, appears to have done the impossible, defeating Republican incumbent Sen. Michael Venditto.Check out this awesome op-ed from Long Island Progressive Coalition Executive Director, Lisa Tyson. Click here for more.
IN THE NEWS
Times Herald Online. When confirmation hearings for Betsy DeVos begin next month, mid-Hudson residents like Billy Easton of the Alliance for Quality Education will be protesting President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for education secretary. Click here for the full story.
EVENTS
January 10. From climate justice to affordable housing, equitable school funding to an end to mass incarceration, healthcare for all and fair taxes on the 1% – Albany is failing to act. On Jan. 10, demand an end to business as usual! Click here to RSVP
January 12. Join parents and local education experts to learn about the success stories of community schools in the Capital Region. We’re working to build a community schools vision in the Albany School District with $2.7 million in funding available to the district. Click here to RSVP
January 21. Join millions of people in Washington to advocate for Women’s Rights and protest the Trump agenda. Call the Southern Tier Citizen Action at 607.723.0110. Seats limited.
TAKE ACTION!
New York is one of only two states in the country that automatically criminally charges, tries and prosecutes 16 and 17-year-olds as adults. Currently, there is a bill in the New York State Assembly that would RAISE THE AGE for entrance into adult prisons from 16 to 18-years-old. Join us in calling on New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to put his support behind legislation to raise the age for criminal responsibility to 18 years old. Click here to take action.
Want daily updates and live footage of our events and actions? We can make that happen (I know a guy). Click here to follow us on Twitter and get real-time updates. If you’re looking for cool articles, memes, and a little conversation, like our Facebook page here.