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Help Turn the NYS Senate Blue.

Greater NYC for Change advocates on behalf of progressive causes and stands behind politicians and elected representatives who share our values. This year, the best chance to pass legislation that benefits the people of New York State is by flipping our state senate from “R” to “D.”

That’s why we’re urging you to canvass and make calls for Todd Kaminsky before the Special Election on April 19th.

April 19th is not only the date of the New York State Presidential Primary, but also of the Special Election to fill the seat formerly occupied by disgraced Republican Senator Dean Skelos in District 9, located in southern Nassau County on Long Island. Once the Majority Leader of the Republican-led Senate, Skelos was recently convicted of “conspiracy, extortion, and solicitation of bribes.” What better way to replace an unsavory pol than with a former federal prosecutor known for fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law?

Todd Kaminsky has a strong track record as a prosecutor and a current Assembly member representing Long Beach. He has prosecuted Democrats and Republicans alike, from Sen. Pedro Espada to Rep. Michael Grimm. Todd supports clean government and investment in public education, and he has stood with local residents recovering from Hurricane Sandy. He’s a great candidate—that’s why we’re supporting him with calls and canvasses to get the word out throughout his district. 

After this crucial election, we’ll be supporting candidates in key November Senate races so as to give Democrats a reliable majority. Currently the Assembly is overwhelmingly Democratic, while Republicans hold a thin Senate majority, thanks to the dissident IDC. Flip only a few seats—NY-9 among them—and a progressive Senate is within sight, opening a clear path to achieving the promise of our state. 

CANVASSES FOR KAMINSKY
All canvasses meet at and return to Penn Station. We’ll take the train to Long Beach, where we’ll coordinate with the campaign to door knock. A limited number of free train tickets are available, first come, first served!   

Saturday, April 9th, 9:30 AM: RSVP here

Saturday, April 16th, 10:30 AM: RSVP here

PHONE BANKS FOR KAMINSKY

Sponsored by CItizen Action and the Working Families Party. All are held at the WFP office at 1 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For more information or to RSVP, email Dgordon@citizenactionny.org or Eabbott@workingfamilies.org.

Wednesday, March 30th, 5 to 8 PM

Wednesday, April 6th, 5 to 8 PM

TENANTS PAC FUNDRAISER FOR KAMINSKY

Many South Shore residents live in rent-stabilized housing, and Tenants PAC is helping secure a pro-tenant Senate with a low-$$ fundraiser. Come meet the candidate and listen to jazz courtesy of Local 802! At Local 802 (American Federation of Musicians), 322 West 48th Street. Donations can be made online at www.tenantspac.org.

Friday, April 15th, 6:30 to 9 PM

It’s about the future of our children.

Public Education

Public education is the government’s promise of a hopeful future for children everywhere. It’s the stepping stone, the shining light, the leg up out of poverty and into prosperity.

But in New York State today, with the most economically and racially segregated classrooms in the nation and a 50% child poverty rate, our governor says there is “no appetite” for the fiscal measures that would fulfill that promise and fairly fund our schools.

Shocking, isn’t it?

According to a lawsuit filed by parents with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, New York State has systematically discriminated against districts with black, Latino, and poor students by inadequately funding their education. And, according to a landmark settlement in 2006, the state owes New York City schools alone over $2 billion out of a total $5.9 billion. (Find out how much your district is owed.) But the state still refuses to pay up, and the Republican-led senate majority continues to prefer to aid private schools rather than pay what it owes to public, non-charter schools.

Today, a 1% tax on the 1%—those earning $665,000 or more annually—would raise over $2 billion in funding for education.

It’s time to #StandUp4Kids. Our children’s futures shouldn’t be determined by skin color, pocket book, or zip code—or the “appetite” of legislators whose election campaigns are funded by hedge fund CEOs or billionaires.

Here’s what you can do, right now:

We urge you to stand with the Alliance for Quality Education, Citizen Action of New York, savvy egalitarian groups like the Hedge Clippers, and others in demanding that all our kids get the fair shake they deserve.

No critically ill patient in New York State should suffer needlessly from lack of medical access.

This Tuesday, April 28th will mark the 298th day since New York’s medical marijuana bill was signed into law. But not one patient has yet received medication.  

That’s wrong–and dangerous, too, since many people, including children with violent seizures, are dying or suffering without the medical aid a simple plant now safely and legally available can provide.

We’re asking you to join Greater NYC for Change and our colleagues inCompassionate Care NY in demanding emergency access to medical marijuana this Tuesday, April 28th. CCNY is a statewide group of patients, providers, and organizations working together to relieve the suffering of thousands of seriously ill New Yorkers by establishing a carefully regulated medical marijuana program in New York. While that program is developed and implemented, we need your help. 

Here’s what you can do this Tuesday:

In New York City: Call the State Legislature in Support of Emergency Medical Marijuana Access! Tell leadership and your local state representatives that New Yorkers suffering from life-threatening or terminal illness shouldn’t have to wait until the full medical marijuana program is implemented. Call the legislators below–and then tell your friends and family members to do the same.

Governor Andrew Cuomo (518) 474-8390
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (518) 455-3171
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (518) 455-4800
Chair of Senate Health Committee Kemp Hannon (518) 455-2200
Your local state senator and assembly member

In Albany: Take Part in Advocacy Day and a Press Conference in Support of Emergency Medical Marijuana Access at the State Capitol, 10 AM – 4 PM! Lawmakers in Albany need to hear from New Yorkers who care about medical marijuana. Join in a press conference and meetings with legislators to explain the urgent need for emergency access for critically ill patients and to voice your concerns with the limitations of the medical marijuana program being implemented by the Cuomo Administration. Experienced advocates will show the ropes to those new to advocacy. RSVP to VOCAL-NY Statewide Community Organizer (and GNYCFC Advisory Board member) Anna Saini.

Your calls take only minutes. Stand up for New Yorkers in need now!

This Year in Albany Budgeting

Albany Budgeting

Photo credit: Gili Getz

At 2:50 am on Wednesday, April 1st, the New York State Legislature approved yet another budget. And, just like in years past, there were some victories for progressive advocates, but also plenty of disappointments.

THE GOOD

This year’s budget includes $100 million in capital funds for NYCHA public housing improvements, as well as $4.5 million for new beds at youth homeless shelters. (Thank you, Miley Cyrus!)

The budget includes another $1.6 billion in education funding, including full funding of New York City’s universal pre-K. According to the New York Times, however, that funding is tied to major education reforms, “including changes to the teacher evaluation system, bonuses for high-performing teachers, and expedited procedures to remove teachers.”

THE BAD

Once again, the budget did not include funding for the DREAM Act, a devastating blow to immigration advocates and the thousands of undocumented children living in New York City. Low-wage workers were also left out in the cold, with no increase in the state minimum wage.

While some ethics reform provisions were included (such as mandatory reporting of outside income and stricter per diem regulations), there was no major campaign finance reform, nor did the legislature close the LLC loophole that allows wealthy corporations to skirt campaign contribution limits.

THE WTF?

Finally, according to the Times, “[t]hough the word “yacht” is never used, the budget contains a tax break for anyone in the market for a “vessel” valued at more than $230,000.” That’s right–if you’re an undocumented immigrant or a low-wage worker, you’re out of luck. But if you’re thinking about buying a yacht, no problem!

There’s still time left in the legislative session, and time for the Senate and the Assembly to take up these issues, though the chances of any major progressive victories in the next two months are slim with a Republican-led Senate.

But there is no rest for the weary: there will be a major battle coming up over New York City’s rent regulations, which are set to expire in June. Greater NYC for Change is committed to renewing and strengthening our rent laws, and we’ll be working with other advocates to lobby the legislature to protect tenants. We’ll also continue our efforts to increase the minimum wage and push for more transparency in campaign finance. We hope you’ll join us!

Women lead. Don’t be left behind!

Women Lead

Winning: It’s a woman thing.

Join us March 26th at Civic Hall – the new, beautiful co-working space for civic tech – for an evening of workshops and an engaging panel of women leaders.

Too often, women don’t see themselves running for office. Our speakers didn’t wait:Jane Swift, former Governor of Massachusetts, ran for State Senate (and won) at 25. State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic was elected at only 27.

Women Lead is an intensive evening that includes women who have run for office, are in office, and are leaders in the political arena.  We have teamed up with groups across the city to bring you a power-packed night with first-hand stories, practical tools and skills, and a great new space to network. After the panel, attendees will join breakout workshops on press/media, digital organizing, fundraising, and more.

Check out the full list of speakers below:

Jane Swift, Former Governor of Massachusetts
State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, New York’s 25th District
City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal, New York City’s 6th District
Nomiki Konst, Founder and President of The Accountability Project
and former Congressional candidate in Arizona
District Leader Jenifer Rajkumar, Lower East Side
Moderated by Heidi Sieck, Chief Operating Officer, Civic Hall

This event is organized with VoteRunLead, Veracity Media, Civic Hall, Republican Majority for Choice, Women’s Information Network NYC (WIN NYC), Greater NYC for Change, Roosevelt Institute Campus Network, Emerge America, She Should Run, Rising Stars, and Manhattan Young Democrats.

It’s Getting Warmer

Countdown to Paris

Climate Change is Here.

Superstorm Sandy left an indelible mark on our city, our neighbors, and our lives.

Yet, in the months since, as the waters receded, homes were rebuilt, and we returned to our daily routines, its warnings of the devastating impacts of our warming climate were often forgotten or pushed to the back of our minds as more immediate needs overtook us.

Neglected or ignored, climate change is still here, and we still must take drastic steps to avert more severe and frequent local and global impacts. This is why the next Global Climate Summit to be held in Paris in December 2015 is so crucial to achieving international consensus and finding a path forward to lowering our reliance on fossil fuels.

Our friends at 350NYC have organized a timely panel discussion titled “Countdown to Paris: Update on Global Climate Treaty Negotiations.” The panelists include:

  • Jeffrey Salim Waheed, Deputy Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations
  • Reinhard Krapp, Minister, Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations
  • Tamar Lawrence-Samuel, Associate Research Director at Corporate Accountability International
  • Sean Sweeney, Trade Unions for Energy Democracy
  • Helen Rosenthal, Council Member for District 6 in the New York City Council

Come hear about the progress already made toward a treaty, what’s left to do, and what we can realistically expect from the negotiations this December.

When: Thursday, March 19th, 7 to 9 pm
Where: New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th Street at Central Park West