There’s a lot going on legislatively at the Capitol in Albany. Its doors are shuttered to visitors, but we’re STILL making our voices heard through virtual lobby visits, in-person actions like the Invest In Our New York statewide rallies this week led by our allies at VOCAL-NY (because there is always strength in numbers), and written pieces like op-eds and letters to editors. When it comes to fairness, the Governor harps on what the federal government owes New York, but what about the billions of dollars owed to New York’s public school children? Cuomo seems disinterested in “fairness” when it comes to fully funding our public schools and helping low-income tenants.
New York is projected to receive at least $50 billion in the next federal Covid-19 relief package, “with $12.3 billion set aside for education and schools in New York, and $3.1 billion for Medicaid programs.” This federal aid is a bandaid and won’t address the chronic underfunding that already existed before the pandemic. We must keep up the pressure to pass the Invest in Our New York Act. That’s the best solution to get us through this crisis.
Around the State
First Slate of Ranked Choice Candidates Announced in NYC
Our New York City chapter announced its first slate of ranked choice endorsements for New York City Council! The chapter has been working tirelessly to interview candidates. (Shout out to Jason Salmon, our regional director in NYC and the election committee). Pierina Sanchez is the runner up in the Bronx’s 14th City Council district. Adolfo Abreu is the chapter’s second choice for the seat. In Brooklyn, Citizen Action is backing Shahana Hanif as its first choice to represent District 39, and Brandon West as its second. Click here to read more in our press release. Check out Shahana’s tweet here and Pierina’s here. We’ll be announcing more endorsements in the coming weeks, so be on the lookout for that! You can check out our full list of enforcements here.
Capital Region Open House
Our Capital Region chapter held its 10th annual Open House on Wednesday, February 10! The chapter dedicated a portion of the open house to acknowledge the contributions of retiring board member, Anita Thayer, who’s been with Citizen Action for close to twenty years in the Capital District, serving as chair of the chapter’s board until 2020. The event was hosted by Capital Region community organizers Gabe Silva and Kieran Cooper and Citizen Action President Ivette Alfonso. Albany County Legislator Sam Fien joined and discussed his plans for fare-free transit in the region, and Poet Danielle Colin delivered beautiful spoken word poems. The Open House was the perfect opportunity to learn about the chapter’s work over the past year. If you missed the Open House and want to watch the event, click here.
Poet Danielle Colin
Housing Solutions Town Hall
On Thursday, February 11, Citizen Action held its statewide housing town hall! Activists and regional chapter leaders joined to discuss New York’s on-going housing crisis. The virtual Housing Solutions Town Hall provided a space for residents of New York to hear and share stories about the impacts of lead exposure and get involved in our new statewide campaign to end lead poisoning, as well as review Good Cause legislation to end unjust evictions and discuss the need for just and comprehensive housing reform. During the town hall, there was time carved out for everyone to make a quick call to Governor Cuomo and their state legislators at cit.ac/housingcalls. After the call, there were regional breakout rooms for people to brainstorm a plan for doing outreach to friends and neighbors and to learn more about the specific housing bills we need passed this session. Click here to take action.
Staying Warm in Buffalo
Activists in Western New York are fighting for critical funding in the next Covid-19 relief package to help residents stay warm this winter. Activists joined U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to demand more federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Millions of New Yorkers are behind on rent and utility bills. While there is a temporary hold on evictions and utility shutoffs, New Yorkers are still required to pay, whether they can or not. The additional federal funding will ensure localities can provide relief to everyone who needs it.
“National Grid and national fuel CEOs are making too much money, millions of dollars, while poor people are having the increase in the hikes. They’re the ones actually being impacted the most,” said Christian Para, Citizen Action community organizer in Buffalo. Click here to read in the news. Click here to get involved in our climate action work!
Upcoming Events
Breaking The Cycle
February 20, 2021 at 12:00 – 3:30 pm | Political Education
February’s Breaking The Cycle will only be in one part. This workshop aims to deepen people’s understanding of the motivations and drivers of the carceral system and help people to redefine safety in their own lives and communities.
“Federal Take Action Team”
Our collective work to elect a new President and a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate has kicked open the door to change, and we’re ready to run (and/or dance) through it!
We’re part of a national network of people gearing up to stand strong for what we need from our Federal government. We New Yorkers are in a key position to move the national agenda because OUR Senator, Chuck Schumer, has replaced Mitch McConnell as the Senate Majority Leader.
A bold relief package is a necessary first step towards an equitable and transformative recovery, and we won’t stop there – we’re building a Federal Take Action Team that we will activate when there are opportunities for real change on the federal level. Join us: www.cit.ac/federalaction
We can’t wait to build even more power with you!
Join the Movement
Citizen Action of New York is building power in communities across the state. Our members are the reason we’re able to do effective grassroots organizing and achieve justice for our communities. Our members give what they can when they can, and each contribution is directly invested in local leadership development. Click here to support.
There are many ways to get involved right now. Click here to contact a Citizen Action chapter in your area and ask how you can get involved locally.
Stay Connected
Tweet us! For live updates, follow our statewide Twitter page. And if you’re looking for cool articles, memes and a little conversation, like us on Facebook here.
Closing message:
“People do not change with the times, they change the times” – PK Shaw
In solidarity,
Tanique