John Faso can’t hide anymore. We saw his greedy side again this week, when he expressed support for the repeal of the A.C.A. and the removal of healthcare coverage for an estimated 24 million people. As a result, we are devoting this week to identifying every opportunity we’ve found to hold the congressman accountable until he recognizes healthcare as a human right . That said, we will not allow ourselves to lose sight of other issues. We are not backing down on education. We are not backing down when it comes to defending the immigrants in our community. We are not backing down until when we demand just and equal treatment of all humans, there’s no question as to what that means. Read below for five steps you can take with us, in pursuit of that goal.
Before we march forward, however, we would like to pause to thank the A.J. Meyers African Roots Library for hosting our Racial Justice Training (pictured) this past Saturday! We look forward to watching this excellent resource grow.
1) Show Up
Introduce yourself by attending an Action Night! We meet on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Kingston Office (7 Grand Street, on the side of the Millard Building.) While we always use this time to greet new members and discuss current projects, this week will also involve arts and crafts! We will be making signs pertaining to healthcare and preserving the A.C.A.
If you’ve met us before and there’s a topic you feel especially passionate about, please consider joining one of our specialty committees:
Federal Fight Back: Keep an eye on what’s happening at a national level and fight for healthcare rights on Mondays at 6 p.m.
Criminal Justice: Stop by at 6 p.m. on alternating Mondays (starting tonight) to discuss issues of ending mass incarceration, police accountability, immigrant’s rights, and improving racial justice within the criminal justice system.
Speaking of which: Don’t forget to attend Wednesday’s Ulster County Legislative meeting at 7 p.m., 244 Fair Street. Speakers (Maybe you?) will be discussing the proposed “Blue Lives Matter” resolution, which would symbolically deem any act resulting in injury to an officer a “hate crime.” Policing is a chosen profession, not a state of being. Police ? Victims of Hate Crimes.
Education: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. We’ll be tackling issues that range from district policies to state funding to institutional reform that would benefit students of color, students with disabilities, low-income students, and every student who just wants to learn.
In light of Faso’s recent actions, we will be visiting his office twice this week. On Thursday at noon, check in as a visitor to our pop-up “emergency room,” where we will be demonstrating the impact an A.C.A. repeal could have on Faso’s constituents. Then, join us at the same time on Friday for our weekly “Faso Friday” rally.
2) Speak Up
Call John Faso’s office at (844) 898-1199 and leave a message reminding him that his duty is to his constituents, not the 1%. (? Don’t forget to share that flier with your friends!)
You can also tweet using the tag “@hv_cany” to let him know we’re watching all the time. https://twitter.com/RepJohnFaso
The #RaiseTheAge N.Y. bill has passed in state assembly, but we need to put the pressure on our senators to make sure it remains included with the proposed state budget. New York is one of only two states whose criminal justice system still treats teenagers as adults and second-graders as delinquents. (The other is North Carolina. North Carolina.)
Raise the Age is looking to change that, and with the support of Gov. Cuomo, it looks like a strong possibility, so long as we keep dialing (518) 455-2800 and reminding Sen. George Amedore to vote “yes” on treating children like children.
Okay, now save that number! The budget must also account for the $4.3 billion dollars that have been withheld from New York’s public schools for the past ten years. Foundation Aid (Click the link!) provided a framework for how this debt could be repaid over time, but despite the generous amount of time that has passed since this plan was made, Governor Cuomo is still trying to go back on this obligation. Urge your senator to hold him accountable and vote in favor of academic equality.
Do those names sound off? Have you moved out of town for a while, or would your sister like to know who she should be calling? These messages are crucial to relay to all representatives right now. Double-check here to confirm that John Faso is your congressman and here to find your senator.
3) Reach Out
Meet us at the Kingston office at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening or 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and touch base before setting out to knock on our neighbor’s doors.
Feel like staying indoors? Charge your phone and stop by the office on Monday or Tuesday Evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for phonebanking! We will provide all of the numbers you need and a script.
4) Join Hands
Attend “Black Stories Matter: Live!” hosted by our friends at the TMI Project. Community members will be sharing their personal stories and illustrating why racial justice is a critical component of justice as a whole. (We’ll also be tabling. Come say hello and learn how you can get involved!)
The event will take place on Saturday, 3/25 at 7:30 p.m. at Pointe of Praise (243 Hurley Avenue in Kingston.) The event is free, but please RSVP!
5) Hold On
Subscribe to our Google Calendar to stay up to date on all of our upcoming events!
Become a monthly sustaining member of Citizen Action.
Join our food team and keep the revolution energized.
Keep in touch! Email [email protected] (Callie) or [email protected] (Shelley) if you find yourself with an hour or two to spare in your busy schedule, and we’ll be happy to accept your help with data entry, phonebanking, tidying up the office, or any special projects we may have going on at the moment.