Dear Activists,
We have a jam-packed schedule of events this next week (scroll down for the list). On top of that, the #FREEnewyork campaign is having a major lobby day at the Capital on Wednesday. The criminal justice reforms being pushed by Governor Cuomo are, to use a technical phrase, weak sauce. We want to see real bail, discovery, and speedy trial reform. Catch a bus from NYC, Westchester, Buffalo, Rochester, or Long Island. Demand better from our Governor.
– Ravi
AROUND THE STATE
Citizen Action held a press conference to spotlight the 160+ elected officials across the state who signed a letter in support of a corporate polluter fee in New York State. The NY Renews coalition released this letter on Wednesday. (You can read the letter and full list of signatories here.)
Metro Justice volunteers held a bake sale to bring attention to the $65 million budget gap facing the Rochester City School District. They are calling on Governor Cuomo to deliver on the Foundation Aid owed to districts across the state. (Proceeds from the bake sale are being used to take students to see Black Panther.)
Our Hudson Valley chapter has been in the process of interviewing candidates in the 19th Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican and town hall-dodger John Faso.
THIS WEEK IN ACTIVISM HISTORY
On March 7th 1965, Civil Rights activists began their march from Selma to Montgomery in support of voting rights. Once over the county line, state troopers attacked the nonviolent demonstrators with clubs, police dogs, and tear gas. The event became known as “Bloody Sunday” and is documented in the 2014 film Selma.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kingston – Saturday, March 10th at 11 am – Rally for Education Justice! – A rally and speak out to challenge racial inequities in our school system. RSVP on Facebook
Utica – Sunday, March 11th at 2 pm – 2018 Community Outreach Kickoff – With the worst of winter over (hopefully), CNY Citizen Action will restart its door knocking program. RSVP on Facebook
Albany – Monday, March 12th at 5 pm – Paid Sick Days Rally and Press Conference – Paid sick days legislation will be introduced to the legislature on Monday. Show your support. RSVP on Facebook
Albany – Tuesday, March 13th at 6 pm – At the River I Stand Viewing and Discussion – A screening and discussion on a film about the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers strike. RSVP on Website
Albany – Wednesday, March 14th at 5:30 pm – #FREEnewyork Town Hall – Learn about the urgent need for bail, discovery, and speedy trial reform. RSVP on Eventbrite
Troy – Thursday, March 15th at 6 pm – Poor People’s Campaign: Women in Poverty, Women in Leadership – Focusing on how women are affected by systems of oppression. RSVP on Website
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