Category Archives: New York State

Climate activism is yielding results, but there’s more to do.

Back in February, we brought together activists, politicians, and business interests to discuss local climate action in the age of big fossil. Much of the forum focused on the New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS), the city’s $160 billion pension system, and the potential impact of its divestment from targeted fossil fuel companies and investment in renewable energy.

On October 27th, New York City announced that the Trustees of NYCERS passed a resolution calling on the board “to begin the process of developing a long-term investment strategy that takes into account the realities and risks of climate change.” While this falls short of the goals of 350NYC and other organizations that call for full divestment from fossil fuel companies, it’s a vital first step.

More recently on the national front, TransCanada withdrew its permit application for the Keystone XL Pipeline, leaving them the option to re-apply in future. In short order, instead of giving TransCanada that option, President Obama denied the permit! This is a victory for progressive activists and climate economists who have long opposed the pipeline.

Props to our partners at 350NYC, United for Action and other groups for these positive results. We’ll stay vigilant as the NYCERS Board develops its strategy, and we continue to support the call to prevent the development of the Port Ambrose Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) facility. State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Brad Hoylman are spearheading the effort to bring their fellow legislators on board to demand that Governor Cuomo veto Port Ambrose.

You can help today: Call your NYS Senator and Assembly Member to tell them you oppose Port Ambrose LNG and ask them to sign on to the Rosenthal/Hoylman 2015 Port Ambrose Opposition Letter. Then call Governor Cuomo at 518-474-8390 and ask him to veto the project.

And don’t forget to ask that all public officials help make New York a renewable, fossil-free state.

350NYC’s Divestment Rally. February 2015.

On Endorsements and Priorities

As we move toward the 2016 presidential election, we’re often asked to commit to candidates and engage in campaigns. We think it’s important to state our position:

Greater NYC for Change is an issue-based, grassroots organization focused on promoting everyday social and political change. While we have always supported candidates who share our commitment to progressive change, we do not issue formal endorsements, nor do we actively engage in primary elections. Individual members of our organization are, of course, able to support candidates of their choice, but such support should not be seen as representative of the organization as a whole.

We look forward to a robust debate of ideas that will sharpen positions and produce more effective national candidates in 2016.

Meanwhile, we’ll be working at city and state levels on the issues that matter to us:

The Fight for $15 and a union. A real living wage.
Reducing income inequality.
Ending the influence of accumulated power and wealth in elections.
Concrete solutions to a looming climate crisis.
Full funding for public eduction.
Affordable and supportive housing.
Passing GENDA and insuring statewide rights for trans people.
Campaign Zero.
Prison reform- and clemency for the many who deserve a second chance.
Recognizing and dismantling our nation’s systemic racism. #BlackLivesMatter.

Our Letter to Sen. Schumer

The following letter was sent to the senior senator from New York. It represents the view of the Board of Directors that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement that will be voted on by the US Congress next month represents our best hope for a non-nuclear Iran and international security:

Dear Senator Schumer:

Greater New York City for Change, a volunteer advocacy organization with a reach of more than 7,000, asks you to reconsider your vote on the Iran agreement. We need to support our President’s efforts to keep Americans safe, and work within the international community. This agreement will help to do that.

It is not a perfect agreement, but what is the alternative? If the deal falls through, Iran could easily have more than 25,000 centrifuges and a nuclear weapon within one year. Who, then, will be safer? While the Iranian government is currently a sponsor of terrorism, how much more dangerous will it be as a terrorist sponsor with nuclear weapons? Yes, we are only guaranteed ten years during which Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, but that is ten more years than we will have without the agreement. That is why five former U.S. Ambassadors to Israel, numerous scientists, and countless international non-proliferation experts support the accord. They recognize that what we need is results, not posturing; diplomacy backed by verification, not saber-rattling.

As Nicholas Kristof wrote in his New York Times column on July 30th, the agreement is also about the possibility that Iran will turn away from its failed experiment with extremism. Who will be in charge in ten years? We could be dealing with entirely new leadership, endorsed by Iran’s Western-leaning, democracy-supporting youth, and a changed world. No one can predict the future accurately, but let’s give this deal and active engagement a try, rather than reject it and therefore encourage Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon that will further threaten both the region and the international community.

Please vote to give diplomacy a chance.
Sincerely,

The Board of Directors
Greater NYC for Change

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!