Dear Activists,
The state budget could be released any minute now. We’re disappointed that some key reforms–like early voting, bail reform, and the Child Victims Act–may get left on the cutting room floor. (This underscores the problem with the four-men-in-a-room style of negotiating.) But we’re not so quick to roll over, and you can be sure that Citizen Action will be pounding on the walls until the last i is dotted and the last t is crossed.
– Ravi
AROUND THE STATE
Chapters across the state participated in student-led March for Our Lives events. The marches in Utica and Binghamton (where we provided support for organizers) were big successes, with local youth speaking out against the gun lobby and other special interests that are standing in the way of reform.
Citizen Action and its allies joined at the Capitol Building to call for a budget that prioritizes the needs of working people over the profits of CEOs, corporations, and hedge funders. Advocates called for full funding for education, early voting, bail reform, and tax fairness.
Metro Justice held a rally outside the Rochester City School District’s Central Office to call attention to inadequate funding and support for special education students. This comes following the tragic death of a 14-year-old student with autism who wandered off from school and drowned in the river. The special education department in the RCSD has come under repeated scrutiny over the years.
THIS WEEK IN ACTIVISM HISTORY
On March 26th, 1915, Sioux City police arrested 14 members of the Industrial Workers of the World union (better known as the “Wobblies”) for holding public street meetings. The police charged them with vagrancy and disturbing the peace. After the arrests, IWW members from around the country rode into town to protest Sioux City’s infringement on free speech and organizing rights.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Binghamton – Tuesday, April 3rd at 6:30 pm – How to Run a Phonebank – A training on how to run a successful phonebank. RSVP on Facebook
Albany – Wednesday, April 4th at 5:30 pm – 50th Anniversary Commemoration of MLK Assasination – Reflection on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. RSVP on Facebook
New York City – Wednesday, April 4th at 6:30 pm – Vigil for Stephon Clark – Community vigil for Stephon Clark and others affected by senseless gun violence. RSVP on Action Network
Utica – Thursday, April 5th at 4 pm – Soup & Bread Line – A bread line will be staged outside of Rep. Tenney’s office in response to her support for cutting food stamps. RSVP on Facebook
New York City – Friday, April 6th at 10 am – Organizing 101 – A one-day training on how to organize and build power in your community. RSVP on Action Network
BECOME A SUSTAINING MEMBER
Citizen Action of New York is building local power across New York State. Join us by becoming a sustaining monthly member today. Click here to support
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.