2010 Leadership Conference Binder Docs

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CITIZEN  A CTION

OF   N EW   Y ORK OR K

FROM MOMENTUM   TO  A

MOVEMENT 

BUILDING ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

2010 201 0 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT MAY  15  15TH & 16TH, 2010 KERHONKSON, NY  94 CENTRAL A VENUE, ALBANY  NY 12206 739 MAIN STREET, BUFFALO, NY 14203 ● 40 WORTH STREET, SUITE 802, NEW Y ORK, NY 10013 435 STATE STREET, BINGHAMTON, NY 13901 ● 90 PENNSYLVANIA A VENUE, MASSAPEQUA, NY 11758 167 FLANDERS STREET, ROCHESTER, NY 14619 ● 2013 E. GENESEE STREET, S YRACUSE, NY 13210

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

 

FROM MOMENTUM TO A MOVEMENT BUI UILD LDIN ING G ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

AGENDA TH

SATURDAY , MAY 15 9:00 - 9:30

Registration

9:30 - 10:00

Leader Bingo

10:00 - 12:30

A New Vision for an Economy that Works for All of Us

12:30 - 1:00

Lunch

1:00 - 2:30

Citizen Action’s Strategic Role: Now and in 2020

2:45 - 5:15

Skill Workshop Tracks I

Dutchess Room

What Did We Win? The New Federal Health Reform Law and How to Talk About It

Orange Room

Turning Around Our Schools and Our Communities Building a Better Education for our Children

Hudson Room

Hey, Government: You Work for Us! Strategies & Skills to Build Our Movement

5:30 - 6:45

Redefining Hope - Circle Discussions

7:15 - 8:15

Dinner

8:15 - ?

After-Hours Party

2010 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - KERHOKSON , NY

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

 

FROM MOMENTUM TO A MOVEMENT BUI UILD LDIN ING G ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

AGENDA TH

SUNDAY , MAY 16 8:00 - 9:00

Breakfast

9:15 - 11:45

Skill Workshop Tracks II

Dutchess Room

What Did We Win? The New Federal Health Reform Law and How to Talk About It

Orange Room

Turning Around Our Schools and Our Communities Building a Better Education for our Children

Hudson Room

Hey, Government: You Work for Us! Strategies & Skills to Build Our Movement

11:45 - 12:15

Check-out of Hotel Rooms

12:15 - 1:00

Lunch Guest Speaker William McNary, President, USAction

1:00 - 2:00

Closing Discussions at Tables

SPON ONSO SORE RED D BY TH THE E PUBLIC POL OLIC ICY Y AN AND D EDUCATION FUND OF NEW Y ORK ORK - WWW.PPEFNY .ORG CO-SP

2010 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - KERHOKSON , NY

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

 

E DHE UA CL A T I O N T H CA R E LEGISL A TI VE

2010 PROGR A M

EDUC A   A TION

Oppose EducationtoCuts: Citizen Action opposesfunding Governor budget proposal cut $1.4 billion in schools andPaterson’s to further 2010-2011 stretch out the phase-in of increased “foundation aid” to ten years. In the 2003 Campaign for Fiscal Equity decision, the court found that the state was unconstitutionally underfunding schools, especially especially in districts with large numbers of low-income children, leading to passage in 2007 of a new funding formula. However, the state has repeatedly delayed providing the promised funding in the reform legislation. Further delay is unacceptable.

Oppose After-School Cuts: Citizen Action opposes proposals by the Governor to cut the Advantage After-School Program from $30.5 million to $17.3 million and other vital after-school funding streams. After-school programs have a track record of providing kids with learning opportunities and keeping them safe after the regular school day. Greater Charter School Accountability: Charter schools were devised as laboratories of innovation to spur improvement of regular public schools. In practice, this has not been the case in New York. Citizen Action, in concert with the Alliance for Quality Education, supports reforms to charter school regulation that increase accountability, transparency, parent and community input, and that reduce the negative fiscal impact on the public school districts with large numbers of charters.

HE A   A LTH C A   A RE

Rein-In High Premium Rates for Health Insurance: New York’s decision in the 1990ss to eliminate the authority of the State Insurance Department (SID) to appro 1990 approve ve health insurance rate increases has been a disaster, disaster, leading to annual double double-digit -digit increases for many consumers. National health care reform will not work if consumers cannot afford to pay their premiums. Citizen Action and Health Care for All New York support legislation to restore SID’s authority to approve rate increases for the small group and individual health insurance markets, as proposed in the Executive Budget. Both organizations also support the proposal for hearings to give the public the opportunity to comment on the impact of rate increases and other issues and to require insurers insurers to devote at least 90% of premium dollars to health care, rather than on big salaries, profits, administration and advertising. The Governor’s proposals are in A9708 and S6608.

Reform the Insurance Markets in NYS to Work for Consumers: We Consumers: We support support these reforms reforms to to the state’s state’s insurance markets markets to enhance the goal of providing quality, affordable health care: 1) merging the direct pay and small group markets (reducing premiums for individuals by more than 35%, while increasing funding for a joint stop-loss pool to avoid price increases for small businesses), 2) evenly splitting the Healthy NY stop-los stop-losss pool (which is rarel rarelyy used) with the underfunded direct-pay pool, and 3) finishing reform of the Managed Care Consumer Bill of Rights. Expand Health Care Coverage and the Quality of Health Care: Citizen Action supports several simple steps to expand coverage and the availability of health heal th care to more New Yorkers. First, renewal of enrollment in public insurance insu rance programs should be every two years rather than one, reducing disruptions for the insured and administrative costs to state government. Second, the Family Health Plus Buy-in Buy-i n program must be improved to bring down rates and to allow greater enrollment. Third, the state should continue to improve accountability for the Bad Debt and Charity Care Pool, which provides $847 million in funding to hospitals for the costs of providing health care for the insured and underinsured. Fourth, the “resource test” should be eliminated for SSI-related Medicaid beneficiaries, as the state has recently done for most public insurance applicants. Finally, undocumented immigrants should be allowed to qualify for Emergency Medicaid in advance of emergency treatment, ensuring providers they will be paid for services and immigrants that they will receive care.

Citizen Action of New York, a membership organization with chapters and affiliates throughout New York State that advocates for  N ew York, social, racial, economic and environmental justice, urges the Governor and the Legislature to take these steps to improve the lives of New Yorkers in 2010. Visit www.citizenactionny.org www.citizen actionny.org for updates to this program and for information on how to get involved! 02/01/10

 

T H E  S T A E  B U D G E T BCO P U FNS L I C  N A C I N G  O F E L C T I O N S UM E R  A ND CI V L  R I G HT S THE ST A   A TE BUDGET

In his 2010-2011 Executive Budget, Governor Paterson proposed critical cuts to education, after-school, health care and other critical human needs programs in order to close a projected $7.4 billion deficit. The magnitude of the cuts proposed is shortshort-sighted, sighted, not only because of the critical need for these programs, but due to the detrimental economic impact of the cuts as we struggle to recover from a severe economic downturn. Citizen  Action is working working with its coalition partners partners to advocate advocate for alternatives alternatives to generate generate additional revenues revenues to to mitigate the impact impact of the proposed cuts, such as a one-time tax on bankers’ cash bonuses and increasing increasing the tax burden on the highest income New Yorkers. We also support steps like further reforms of the Rockefeller Drug Laws that improve the lives of New Yorkers while saving taxpayers money.

PUBLIC FIN A   A NCING OF ELECTIONS

Citizen Action voluntary publicsupports financing of elections, which allows candidates without personal wealth to effectively compete for office without having to raise money from wealthy individuals. Rather than being forced to rely on large donors to pay for their campaigns, candidates are accountable to the public, ending their reliance on large, corporate and lobbyist campaign cash. As a result, elected officials can spend their time talking to voters instead of donors. Given the recent history of ethical violations by state elected offici officials, als, including the conviction of former Senator Majority Leader Joe Bruno for misuse of his office, and the recent Supreme Court decision allowing allow ing unlimited spending on elections by corpor corporations, ations, public financing is necessary to restor restoree confidence in state government, and level the playing field in elections.

CONSUMER A   A ND CI V  VIL RIGHTS

End Prison Gerrymandering: Today in New York, prisoners are counted for purposes of the drawing of election districts where they are incarcerated rather than where they live, even though they are prohibited form voting and generally return to their home communities in an average of 34 months. This practice, known as “prison gerrymandering,” violates the cherished constitutional principle of one person, one vote -- that each person’s vote should count the same through similarly-sized legislative districts. Communities which sadly send a disproportionate share of their residents to prison have less representation in the legislature than they would otherwise have. Citizen Action therefore supports legislation sponsored by Senator Schneiderman and Assemblyman Jeffries (S6725/A9834) to require the State Board of Elections to adjust the U.S. Census counts for congressional, state legislative, and county legislative districts to reflect the residence of incarcerated persons based on the communities where they lived before incarceration. Marriage Equality: While Equality: While most New New Yorkers Yorkers utiliz utilizee marriage marriage as the primary legal device to support their families families and gain access to the literally 2,462 rights and responsibilities that the state and federal governments automatically bestow on married couples, same-sex same- sex couples are prohibited from marrying here in New York York.. Citizen Action will will continue to advocate for marriage marria ge equality legislation, despite its disappointing defeat in the State Senate in 2009. 2009.

 Adopt “Date of Discovery” Discovery” Rule in Medical Malpractice Cases: State law currently requires that victims of medical malpractice bring their case within 2 ½ years of an act of malpractice, even in cases where they had no reason to know of the malpractice. Even in the case where where a test like a mammogram misleads patients to believe they are not injured, patients who don’t bring lawsuits within this period are unable to recover for their injuries. Citizen Action supports legislation legislat ion (S.1729 (S.1729, Schneiderman/A.4627A, Weinstein) that would instead provide that victims may bring legal actions within 2 ½ years of when they knew or should have known of an act of malpractice.

For more information on any of these policy priorities, please contact Bob Cohen, C ohen, Policy Director, Director, at [email protected] or 518.465.4600 x 104

 w w w . c i t i z e n a c t i o n n y . o r g

 

The Public Policy and Education Fund of New York 

27 Years of Victories 1983 - 2010

Citizen Action of New York’s Mission Statement: Citizen Action of New York is building a powerful membership organization for economic, racial, social and environmental justice. We work at the grassroots to give people a sense of their own power. We work organizations in communities throughout York, with to win on key issuesand andcoalitions elect progressive candidates at the New local, state and federal levels. Citizen Action of New York has 20,000 members who work with a staff of 25 from seven offices, located in Long Island, New York City, Albany, Binghamton, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.

In 2010, Citizen Action and PPEF are working for: ● High quality, quality, affordabl affordable e health care for for all. ● A quality public public education education through high-scho high-school ol for all New York’s York’s children. ● End Prison-Bas Prison-Based ed Gerrymand Gerrymandering ering in in New York  ● Fair tax policies policies that require require the wealthy wealthy to pay their their fair share. share. ● Taking big big money out of election electionss and reclaimi reclaiming ng our  democracy through campaign finance reform. ● Invest Investing ing in America’s America’s future by federal federal funding funding of basic human human needs, instead of tax cuts for the rich and corporations. Turn over to read about some of our victories from 1983 through 2010.

w w w . c i t i z e n a c t i o n n y . o r g

 

Education and After-School  Alliance for for Quality Education Education - 2000 2000 to present. As a co-chair of the Alliance for Quality Education, we led the statewide campaign that won landmark legislation providing billions of dollars to public schools in New York, focused on children in high-needs districts. Since then we have won local commitmentss to spend the money on proven educational programs like pre-K, smaller classes and commitment after-school after-scho ol programs. And we have stopped billions in proposed budget cuts. Coalition for After-School Funding - 2000 to 2008. Won tens of millions of dollars in additional state and New York City funding for after-school programs.

Better Health Care Quality, Affordable Health Care – 2010. Citizen Action was central to launching national and state coalitions that helped win the most significant social reform since Social Security was passed in 1965. Hospital Financial Assistance - 2006. Won enactment of legislation that would require hospitals to stop overcharging, and provide discounted rates to low and moderate income people who cannot otherwise afford to pay their hospital bills.  Affordable Health Coverage  Affordable Coverage - 1989 to 1999. Won expansion of health care to more than one million low-income families through Medicaid expansion (1989), Child Health Plus (1991) and Family Health Plus (1999). Managed Care - 1996. Won passage of the Managed Care Bill of Rights to protect consumers from the unfair denial of medical treatment.

Clean Government Clean Money Clean Election Legislation in New York State - 2003 to 2008. Formed a coalition of over  80 organizations in support support of a New York State Clean Money Clean Clean Elections law. Won passage of strong public funding legislation by the Assembly in 2008, and strong support from the Senate Democratic Leader and Conference. Won Dramatic Improvement in New York City’s Campaign Finance laws - 1998. Collected 90,000 signatures to place a Clean Money, Clean Elections initiative on the New York City ballot, leading the City Council to revamp the City’s law to provide a 4 to 1 match of public funds to match small private contributions.

Fair Tax Policy Fair Share Tax Reform - 2009. Won a more progressive New York State income tax and averted the worst cuts to health care, education and other social safety net programs that would fall hardest on people who could bear it the least: low income communities, people of color, immigrant communities, women and children.

Democratic Participation Change New York, Change America. In 2004 Citizen Action volunteers made 650,000 contacts with voters across the country. PPEF volunteers made 176,420 GOTV calls. In 2008, PPEF registere registered d 15,000 voters in NY and mobilized new and infrequent voters to vote. Citizen Action played a key role not  just for President, President, but also State State Senate and and Congress. Congress. Elected Progressive Local Candidates to Office - 1985 to present. Citizen Action recruited Board members and other community leaders to run for office, and developed campaign managers, volunteer coordinators and campaign plans for their campaigns. Citizen Action elected many of our  candidates to city councils, county legislatures and the state legislature across the state, including over ten Citizen Action board members. Won local economic, racial and social justice policies. In cities, towns and counties across the state, we have won many local victories from living wage laws to community development to fair housing. This year, we brought a supermarket to the Northside of Binghamton.

 

How the New

Health Care Law Helps

YOU You can’t be denied health insurance insu rance and your cover covera a ge can’t be capped. Insurance from work will will be better and cheaper. Getting insu Getting insurance rance for individuals and families will be cheaper, and there will be help to pay for it. Small businesses and nonprofits will get financial help to provide insurance. Prescription drugs Prescription d rugs won’t make you go broke.

For More Information On How to Get Health Coverage, Visit:

www.NYConsumerHealth.org PUBLIC POLICY AND EDUCATION FUND OF NEW YORK 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206



518.465.4600



fax-518.465.2890



www.ppefny.org

 

How the New

Health Care Law Helps

YOU

You can’t be denied insurance for a past illness. Children previousl previously y treated treated for diseases like l ike

cancer won’t be able to be denied coverage coverage starting this year and and adults by by 2014. A new special program will be set up this year for adults who can’t get coverage right now. You can’t be dropped and your coverage can’t be capped. Gone are the days when you run

out of coverage if you get cancer, HIV/AIDs or other serious illnesses: lifetime limits will be banned this year and annual limits will be restricted now and eliminated in 2014. If you have coverage through your job, it’s likely to be better and cheaper. When the law

fully kicks in, if your current insurance is too expensive, you’ll be able to buy insurance on your own and get financial help to do it. If you don’t have employer emplo yer coverage, coverage, you’ll be abl e to purchase cheaper c heaper coverage coverage than th an you have today. If you earn up to roughly $88,000 a year (family of four), you’ll get financial

aid to buy coverage: coverage: up to 1.6 million New Yorkers Yorkers will will be helped. Starting in 2014, you will will be able to buy cheaper coverage through “exchanges” - shopping malls for insurance. Exchanges will also set standards to keep insurers honest. Small businesses and non-profits will get financial help to provide insurance for their employees. Small businesses will get tax credits of up to 35% of their insurance premiums

this year, rising to 50% in 2014. And starting in 2014, 2014, small employers will will be able to purchase cheaper insurance through an exchange. Seniors with high enough expenses so that they fall into the “donut hole” will get a $250 rebate check this year. Eventually Eventuall y, all costs will will be cover covered. ed. Co-pays and deductibles will eventuall eventually y be limited for Seniors and others won’t go broke due to high drug costs.

others too. Young people up to 29 have new coverage options. options . Starting this year yea r, due to the new federal

law and a new state law, you can stay on your parent’s health insurance plan if you want. Preventative services will be free. This protection, which starts this year, means you won’t

be stopped from getting necessary services like vaccinations and mammograms because of cost. 05/13/10

For More Information On How to Get Health Coverage, Visit:

www.NYConsumerHealth.org PUBLIC POLICY AND EDUCATION FUND OF NEW YORK 94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206



518.465.4600



fax-518.465.2890



www.ppefny.org

 

 w w w . c i t i z e n a c t i o n n y . o r g

New York State has historically been a leader in providing quality health care coverage to all New Yorkers. However, the cuts to health care in the 2010-11 2010 -11 Executive Executive Budget Proposal will have devastating effects, especially to communities of color and immigrants.  When people can’t get quality quality care, they cannot work; work;  when children children are sick, they they cannot focus in school. school. As a result,, their communities fall farther behind. result  Without health care coverage coverage many many people are forced forced to turn to emergenc emergencyy rooms for treatment t reatment.. Cutting health care funding, including hospital charity care care,, quickly becomes an issue of life or death, not only for the individual, but also their whole community. Some key budget actions are:

• Increase co-payments for the Family Health Plus Employer Buy-In Program • Cuts charity care funds and fails to address the current lack of accountability for use of those funds • Over $772.5 million in health care cuts Better choices could be made that would promote access to quality health care for all New Yorkers.

ON HEALTH CARE H OW   AFFECT  OW  B UDGET  UDGET  C HOICES  HOICES  A

LIZ   FR FROM OM   QUE UEEN ENS S Liz came to the US from Ecuador in 2008. In Ecuador, she finished high school and studied Information Systems. Liz also owned an electronics business and was in charge of administration and accounting, which was her passion. 16 years ago, after having her first child, something went wrong during a surgery and Liz was left disabled in a wheelchair. One of Liz’s life goals was to work in the U.S. She wants to be able to support herself and her family. Because she loves working with numbers and accounting, one of her dreams is to continue to take classes in these areas. She has started to achieve this goal, since she recently completed a course in preparing taxes, and now has a part time job. Liz wants to continue studying and wants to improve her English so she can work in the U.S. She had looked lo oked into having her grades from Ecuador transferred towards a GED here, and is just missing a few documents from Ecuador for this to happen. Then, she is a step closer in attending a college or university in the U.S. Some time ago, Liz went to NY Queens Q ueens Hospital with an emergency. Liz isthree uninsured andis ineligible for anyHer public health father insurance. She has kids and a single mother. children’s provides $1,500 per month and she makes a modest living at her part time job. She uses her money solely for living expenses and supplies for her kids, but Liz’s rent alone is $1,200 per month, which leaves very little for personal expenses, travel, supplies for school, clothing, household and medical needs.  After her her visit to to the hospital, hospital, Liz Liz was was left with with medical bills, bills, totalling $4,023.72.

 Join Citizen Citizen Action Action of New York, York, Make Make the Road New York, York, and others for the release of our new report

 With Make Ma ke the Road New Yor York’s k’s help, Liz was able to apply for hospital charity care money to reduce the bills. Now she is only responsible for $950 of her original bill, which she can pay in low monthly installments. Charity care funding was integral to Liz’s ability to stay financially

Race Matters: Impact of the 2010-11 Budget Proposal  including alternative revenue proposals. LCA Room 130, LOB • Albany, NY Tuesday,, March Tuesday M arch 23rd, 2010 • 10:30 am

afloat. hospital care, she beenLiz able to pay Without her hospital bill -charity and would havewould gonenot intohave default. is happy that hospitals are able to provide charity care and hopes they continue to do so.

Liz is part of Make the Road New York 

 

RACIAL EQUITY :

  HOW DOES THE EXECUTIVE BUDGET M EASURE U P ON

HEALTH CARE

The New York State Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-2011 budget that will be enacted this spring will have a major impact on our state’s economy, our communities, our schools and our social safety net. The final choices will say a great deal about our priorities as a state and whether we are willing to make the choices that will lead to economic recovery recovery for all New Yorkers. Yorkers. As we talk to people across the state, state, we find that New Yorkers Yorkers want a just budget. Despite a deficit of over $8 billion, New Yorkers Yorkers want a budget that lifts up everyone, especially those who are facing hard economic times, that protects communities and families in crisis, and that provides New Yorkers with a path toward economic recovery and a better future.

SOME KEY  E  EXECUTIVE BUDGET ACTIONS: Require insurance companies to get prior appro approval val by the State Insurance Department of any rate increases for small groups and individuals. Require that a minimum of 85% of premium dollars in small group and individual insurance policies be spent on health care rather than other costs, like advertising, administration and profits. Make nearly a billion in cuts to the health care system, including hospitals, nursing  homes, home care, personal care, and “wraparound” coverage coverage under the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program for those with Medicare Part D. Simplify public insurance enrollment, including easier documentation processes and “express lane” enrollment of children in Medicaid and Child Health Plus. eliminate the authority of the State Insurance Department PRIOR APPROVAL: New York’s decision in the 1990s to eliminate (SID) to approve health insurance rate increases has been a disaster, leading to annual double-digit increases for many consumers. Between 2000 and 2009, New Yorkers Yorkers have faced average health insurance premium increases of 97%, while only seeing their wages increase by an average of 14%. These premium p remium increases have resulted in an enormous number of low and moderate income New Yorkers becoming insured, increasing stress on the state’s “safety-net” hospitals and other facilities and leading to quality declines.

HEALTH CARE CUTS: The nearly a billion dollars in proposed health care cuts is excessive, especially in light of the revenue alternatives alternatives that are available to the state. The health care safety net must be protected. An analysis of the impact of each of the health care cuts in the budget should be undertaken under taken by the state, with a significant emphasis on the impacts on racial disparities on health care access and outcomes. At the same time, additional steps must be taken to ensure that funds going to hospitals for the Indigent Care Pool (also known as the Bad Debt and Charity Care Pool) are used for their intended purposes: to cover the costs of the insured and underinsured.

ENROLLMENT SIMPLIFICATION: Many eligible individuals are not enrolled in public health insurance programs, in part due to unreasonable requirements that burden and stigmatize applicants. app licants. The proposed simplifications will reduce racial disparities in health care coverage coverage by making it easier to enroll enroll in existing programs. We encourage the Governor and the Legislature to take further steps to increase participation par ticipation in public insurance programs.

 

BETTER BUDGET CHOICES CAN DECREASE RACIAL DISPARITIES The Executive Budget, which proposes to eliminate the $7.4 $7.4 billion deficit by $1 billion in revenue measures and $5 billion in cuts to state services (the rest is mostly “non-recurring” revenues and revenues from increased tax audits and recoveries), is not not an equitable approach to address the fiscal crisis. crisis. The proposed cuts to education, social services and health care penalize the most vulnerable New Yorkers and are likely to have long-term negative consequences for the economic vitality vitality of our state. state. We must find alternatives. The budget proposes new revenue sources that are sound from the standpoint of fiscal f iscal policy and provide an alternative to even even more drastic cuts. However However,, the Better Choice Budget Campaign, a coalition of over one hundred labor, faith-based, human service and grassroots organizations that collectively represent over one million New Yorkers, Yorkers, the Alliance for Quality Education, an education reform group, and 1199SEIU have each proposed additional revenue measures that would raise billions more to close the state budget deficit.

A SAMPLE OF ADDITIONAL REVENUE OPTIONS: •

create creat e higher higher personal personal income income tax brack brackets ets of tax tax for people with with annual annual incomes incomes exceed exceeding ing $1 milli million on and

• • • • • •

$5 million; refinance refina nce state state debt, takin taking g advantage advantage of lower lower inte interest rest rates ($500 milli million); on); reduce red uce the the use use of price priceyy privat private e consul consultan tants ts ($20 ($200 0 milli million) on);; further furth er reform reform the the Brownfi Brownfield eld clean clean-up -up progr program am (roug (roughly hly $1 $1 billio billion); n); close clo se the the stoc stock k trans transfer fer tax loo loophol phole e ($3.2 ($3.2 bil billio lion); n); close clo se othe otherr corpor corporat ate e loopho loopholes les (ov (over er $200 $200 mill million ion); ); and and institute insti tute a one-time one-time tax tax on banke bankers’ rs’ cash cash bonuses bonuses of over over $50,000 $50,000 ($6-1 ($6-10 0 billion) billion)..

ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS TO THE FISCAL CRISIS: •



Federal Stimulus: Federal Stimulus: the the American American Recov Recovery ery and Reinv Reinvestmen estmentt Act (ARRA) (ARRA) is helpin helping g the state state close roughl roughlyy onethird of its budget gap in the current fiscal year, and saved an estimated 64,000 jobs statewide, but the aid provided under ARRA is expiring. State leaders must join with stakeholders around the nation to convince the Congress to pass a second economic stimulus, or at a minimum, extend vital programs like FMAP (Medicaid), unemployment insurance, and COBRA (health insurance for the unemployed). Reserves: Reserv es: the state state should should use use the $1.5 billio billion n in the Tax Tax Stabilizat Stabilization ion Reserve Reserve Fund Fund and the the State Rainy Rainy Day Day Fund.

The best course is for the Legislature to reject the most serious cuts proposed in the Executive Budget, as it did in 2009-2010, 2009-20 10, when, for example, example, it refused to cut school aid. The final choices made when a state budget is passed will say a great deal about the priorities of our state in tough times, and even more about whether we are willing to make the choices that will lead to economic recovery recovery for all New Yorkers. Yorkers. The Public Policy and Education Fund and Citizen Action of New York will release our final 2010-20 2010-2011 11 budget analysis in March. See our 2009-10 “Race Matters” report at: http://citizenactionny.org/2009/03/race-matters-impact-of-the-2009-10-executive-budget-proposal/719.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT BOB COHEN, 518.465.4600 X 104,

OLICY Y PUBLIC POLIC

AND

94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206



BCOHEN@CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

EDUCATION FUND   OF NEW YORK 518.465.4600



fax-518.465.2890



www.ppefny.org

 

THE FIGHT FOR EDUCATION IN 2010 January 19, 2010

March 17, 2010

March 24, 2010

April 1, 2010

The Governor’s proposed budget, including a $1.4 billion statewide cut to

The Senate adopts a resolution including the Governor’s $1.4 billion cut

The Assembly adopts its own resoution, which includes a slightly smaller

The deadline for the State to adopt a final budget.

public schools, is released.

to public schools.

cut of $800 million to public schools.

The devastating school aid cuts supported by the Governor, Senate and Assembl Assembly y are among the largest in the history of New York York State. These cuts will mean larger la rger class cl ass sizes, sizes , a loss of 15,000 teaching positions, elimination of quality quali ty programs, such as English as a Second Language Languag e and after-school. after-school. And, property taxes for homeowners will increase. Citizen Action of New York and the Alliance for Quality Education support the call ca ll for Wall Str Street to bear its share sh are of the state’s state’s fiscal crisis in i n the form of a temporary two-year Wall Street

Banker’s Bonus Tax. By taxing bonuses totaling $50,000 or more, the state will generate $3-4 billion that could be used to lessen the heavy burden placed on our schoolchildren and homeowners due to the education cuts.

If we do not ask Wall  Street to help stop the pending school budget cutts, ou cu ourr childre chil dren n will b e deprived of the necessary requirem requ ireme ent nts s ne needed eded to succee suc ceed d and they will fall  further behind. In order to keep our children competitive in the 21st Century job market, we

“ 

need the legisl l egisl atu ature re to to prioritize their education. www.aqeny.org

www.citizenactionny.org

” 

-Gerald R. Lotierzo Syracuse Resident

 

 w w w . c i t i z e n a c t i o n n y . o r g

Public Schools are meant to be the great equalizer by providing pro viding every student the chance to succeed, go on to any college and pursue a meaningful career. However, when the executive budget threatens to cut state school aid, it is the neediest school districts that are hurt the most because those districts are unable to levy enough local taxes to make up the district budget. The result is a separate and unequal education system where many communities of color see their classrooms lose teachers and extracurricular activities, and an increase in class size. The 2010-11 Executiv Executivee Budget Proposal threatens the ability of students of color to obtain an equal education. Some key budget actions are:

• Cut $1.4 billion in school aid

ON

EDUCATION H OW   AFFECT  OW  B UDGET  UDGET  C HOICES  HOICES  A

ISRA   M AHAMMED Isra Mahammed is a Syracuse mother of 3. She works two to three different nursing jobs at a time to be able to provide for her family and have enough of a safety net "just in case." Isra's youngest daughter, Naila, 12, is a child with special needs. So far things are going well for Naila who is in an integrated classroom at Danforth Middle School. Isra is especially grateful for Naila's teacher. "When this white suburban woman told me that she would be willing to die for my kid, I just wanted to cry. I know that she meant it. Teachers should be supported for the sacrifices they make." Unfortunately with over $1 billion in proposed cuts to education, both Naila and her teacher are going to be losing, not gaining, support.

• Universal pre-kindergarten funding is frozen

For Syracuse, these cuts will result in losing at least 165 staff and teachers. Isra is concerned that Naila's classroom will lose their teaching aide, Ms. Katuba, who allows Naila to be integrated by working with her on modified reading and other special needs. She allows Naila's teacher to manage the 20 or so students st udents in the classroom. Without Ms.Katuba, Ms.Katuba, Isra thinks Naila would be forced to into a special education class.

• Significant cuts to after-school programs

"That would change her entire experience - her confidence, her self esteem, how she sees herself compared to the other children." Isra is very concerned.

• Freeze increases in “foundation aid” under new 2007 education funding formula

Better choices could be made that would promote quality education for all New York’s kids.

In addition to cuts in staffing, there are rumors flying about one of the junior highs closing its doors completely. completely. "These kids will be flooding the existing schools," says Isra. "What happens to teacher support when suddenly they are facing less staff and more students? What happens to the students?" Isra thinks there are other options, other solutions that involve everyone coming together and making a shared sacrifice.

 Join Citizen Citizen Action Action of New York, York, the Alliance Alliance for Quality Education Education,, and others for the release of our new report

Race Matters: Impact of the 2010-11 Budget Proposal  including alternative revenue proposals. LCA Room 130, LOB • Albany, NY Tuesday,, March Tuesday M arch 23rd, 2010 • 10:30 am

"I would rather take a portion of my paycheck and put it towards the schools than see these cuts." Isra can't imagine why everyone wouldn't feel this way. "Yes I live in the inner city, but even folks who live in the suburbs will be impacted. They use this city for work, for cultural events.  When you take away the public schools, which for people in the city means opportunity for a better life, for hope and self respect, well then people will resort to lawlessness. And that is what this city that we all use will become."

Isra Mahammed is an active member of the  Alliance for Quality Education 

 

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New York’s York’s greatly diverse population fuels our continued innovation and leadership in America. However, the majority of people of color in New York struggle in their pursuit of the  American dream dream in large part due to the choices made made during the state budget process. Our State’s public higher education system has traditionally served as a means for low and moderate income students and students of color to enter the middle class. 73.5% of all CUNY and 20.8% of all SUNY enrollees are students of color. CUNY and SUNY combined educate about three-fifths of all New York college students of color. The 2010-11 Executiv Executivee Budget Proposal threatens the ability of students of color to obtain and continue their educational pursuits. Some of the key budget actions are:

• Cut state aid to SUNY and CUNY by $312 million (academic year basis) • Allow SUNY and CUNY trustees to independently raise tuition, and allow for different tuition by campus and major • Reduce all Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards and eliminate TAP for graduate students Better choices could be made that would promote promote equality of opportunity to all New Yorkers. Yorkers.

 Join Citizen Citizen Action Action of New York, York, the the Coalition for Asian Asian American American Children and Families, and others for the release of our new report

Race Matters: Impact of the 2010-11 Budget Proposal  inluding alternative revenue proposals. LCA Room 130, LOB • Albany, NY Tuesday,, March Tuesday M arch 23rd, 2010 • 10:30 am

ON

HIGHER HIGH ER EDUCA EDUCATION TION H OW  OW  B UDGET  UDGET  C HOICES  HOICES   AFFECT   JIAN LIU I immigrated to the United States with my family in April 2005 from Beijing, China. I attended a public high school in New Yorkk City, where I struggled Yor s truggled as an English Language Learner. Like every immigrant, I have my American Dream too. I dream to receive world-class education and become a math teacher. From the time I  was young, I have been be en greatly influenced by an a n old Chinese saying, “Teachers are engineers of human souls.” Teachers influence whole generations and shape our future society. Behind all great success stories, there are always wonderful stories about teachers. Teachers shape, inspire and motivate other people. Currently, I am enrolled in the Teacher Academy Program at the City College of the City University of New York; while simultaneously pursuing my undergraduate degree with a major in Pure Mathematics and minors in Secondary Math Education and Physics. But, after continued state budget cuts to higher education programs, my scholarship has been reduced by several hundred dollars. Like most other CUNY students, I am struggling to support myself through college - I don't have family to provide me with any financial help for my education. I'm worried that I and many of my fellow students will not be able to graduate in four years because of the rising cost of tuition. I am also worried that with more cuts and reduced resources, my university  won't be able to offer the courses courses that we need to graduate.

 Jian Liu is an active active member of the Coalition Coalition for   Asian American American Children and Families  Families 

 

PUBLIC POLICY

AND

94 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206



EDUCATION FUND OF NEW YORK 518.465.4600



fax-518.465.2890



www.ppefny.org

 End Prison-Based Gerrymandering Gerrymandering THE PROBLEM:

The US Census Bureau counts people in prison as residents of the districts in which they are incarcerated, instead of the communities they came from and are most likely to return. New  York State uses the Census data to draw legislative district lines, inflating i nflating the size, and the power, of some communities at the expense of others.

ONE PERSON, ONE V OTE OTE: This practice is a violation of the New York State Constitution. It says “For the purpose of  voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence, …while confined in any public prison.” A series of Supreme Court decisions in the 1960s determined that legislative districts in the United States must have equal population to ensure the democratic principle of ‘one person, one vote.’

IT’S A BOUT BOUT R ACIAL JUSTICE: In New York, 80% of the people in prison are African American or Latino, and they are incarcerated in districts that are overwhelmingly white. The racial injustice that has plagued  America for centuries continues to exist within New York’s criminal justice system. Prisonbased gerrymandering disproportionately punishes families and communities of color, and reminds us of a time when slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person for the apportionment of the members of the United States House of Representatives.

UPSTATE COUNTIES H AVE SOLVED THE PROBLEM: Thirteen upstate counties have already taken the initiative to correct the Census data, removing the prison population before redistricting to avoid dilution in their districts. Essex County said “Persons incarcerated in state and federal correctional institutions live in a separate environment, do not participate in the life of Essex County and do not affect the social and economic character of the towns… The inclusion of these federal and state correctional facility inmates unfairly dilutes the votes or voting weight of persons residing in other towns within Essex County…”

New York must end prison-based gerrymandering to ensure all communities receive fair and equal representation. For more information, contact us at info@ppefny [email protected]  .org  Public Policy and Education Fund of New York was founded in 1986 to address critical social, economic, racial and environmental issues facing low and moderate income New York State residents.

 

did You kNow: More than

100,000 people are convicted

of a felony every year in New York State .  In 2007 a record of

 115,573 115,573

,

people were

convicted of felony offenses . 

 6 2 , 3 0 0 convited felons are currently  62 on probation

 . 

They can vote   .    .  

12,100 people are released   12,100

Each year,

from parole . They

can vote   .    .  

 

Can Ca n I Register to Vot Vote? e? Y•YES,

IF:

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INCARCERATED FOR A FELONY

•YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR FELONY SENTENCE

•YOU

IF:

•YOU

ARE ON PAROLE & DO NOT

HAVE A CERTIFICATE OF RELIEF

HAVE BEEN ARRESTED

FROM DISABILITIES

BEFORE

•YOU

ARE AWAITING TRIAL IN JAIL

•YOU

ARE ON PAROLE & HAVE A

CERTIFICATE OF RELIEF FROM DISABILITIES

•YOU

HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A

MISDEMEANOR

TO REGISTER

TO VOTE,

CONTACT:

NEW YORK CITY

NEW YORK STATE

888.VOTE.NYC

518.474.6220

HTTP://WWW.VOTE.NYC.NY.US

HTTP://WWW.ELECTIONS.STATE.NY.US

PUBLIC POLI OLICY CY

AND

EDUCATION FUND OF NEW YORK

94 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206 (518) 465.4600 - 40 Worth Street, Suite 802, New York, NY 10013 (212) 523.0180

 W W W   

. P

P E F N Y

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Fair Elections Now: Changing the Face of Democracy Our elections havesociety morphed a nonstop race to whoincan collect the most campaign cash. The small slice of our ableinto to give thousands of see dollars campaign donations gets the access to our elected officials, while the voices of everyday Americans go unheard. The cost of running for office continues to skyrocket, forcing candidates for Congress to spend countless hours dialing for dollars and attending high-priced fundraisers. It doesn’t have to be this way. The Fair Elections Now Act is modeled on successful state programs that have dramatically altered the way elections are run. In these states, people power trumps insider lobbyists and well-heeled interests. Instead of relying on maxed-out bundled checks, candidates qualify to receive a limited public grant and have donations of $100 or less matched on a four-to-one four-to-one basis  The Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1826 & S. 752) will get our elected officials out of the special interest money chase and allow them to do what we elected them to do—focus on addressin addressingg our nation’s challenges.   challenges. Voters support the Fair Elections Now Act by a two-to-one margin (62 to 31 percent), according to recent polling. Support crosses party lines and has strong support from Independ Independent ent voters (63 percent). Americans want change. It’s time to end our pay-to-play political system that puts the interests of Wall Street ahead of Main Street.  

Under the leadership of Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson (D-Conn.), support for the bipartisan Fair Elections Now Act ccontinues ontinues to grow at a rapid rate. The bill has broad, bipartisan and cross-caucus support, with Republicans, Republicans, Blue Dogs, New Democrats, and Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucus members all listed as cosponsors.

How Fair Elections Works The Fair Elections Now Act gives congressional candidat candidates es the option to run for office on small donor contributionss and limited public funds, rather than relying on wealthy bundlers to fill their campaign contribution coffers. Here’s how it works:   Candidates would raise a large number of small contributions from their communities to qualify for a Fair Elections grant. Qualifying contributio contributions ns are limited to $100.   For example, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives would have to collect 1,500 contributions contributio ns from people in their state and raise a total of $50,000 to qualify. Qualifications for Senate candidates vary and are dependent on the number of a state’s Congressional districts.   Once qualified, candidates can continue to collect donations of $100 or less that will be matched on a four-to-one basis, up to a limit.







www.fairelectionsnow.org www.fairelectionsno w.org | info@fairelectio [email protected] nsnow.org

 

Nearly 400 Elected Officials Nationwide Several states across the country have elected hundreds of people with a Fair F air Elections-modeled  program. Almost 400 400 state legislato legislators, rs, judges, and st statewide atewide officials in Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Oregon walk the halls of their state capitols, city halls, and judicial chambers without worrying about where their next campaign check c heck will come from. In Connecticut, percent of of theth state’s General Assembly won with state’s Citizens’ Election  program. Eighty82 Eighty-five -five percent the e Maine legislature and eig eight ht of 10 the statewi statewide de elected officials in Arizona ran and won using their state’s Clean Elections program.

Diverse Coalition Supports The Fair Elections Now Act The Fair Elections Now Act has been endorsed by more than 40 national organizations that represent tens of millions of Americans. These organizations include major labor unions, civil rights, environmental, women’s, and advocacy organizations. More than 200 faith leaders, 50 prominent business leaders, and nearly 100 former members of Congress have sent letters, called members of Congress, or signed on in support of the Fair Elections  Now Act. Organization Endorsements

1Sky | 9to5 | AFSCME | Americans for Campaign Reform | Brennan Center For Justice Campaign for America’s Future | Campus Progress | Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest Change Congress | Chesapeake Climate Action Network Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington | Common Cause | Consumer Watchdog Corporate Accountability International International | Democracy 21 | Democracy Matters | DEMOS Dolores Huerta Foundation | Friends of the Earth | Greenpeace | Healthcare Hea lthcare Now | Hip Hop Caucus League of Conservation Voters | League Le ague of Young Voters Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund | MoveOn.org | NAACP  National Council of the Churches of Chr Christ ist in the US | Nation National al Organization of W Women omen  National Resources Defense Council Council | People for an American American Way | Progress No Now w Progressive Future | Public Campaign | Public Citizen | Rock the Vote | SEIU | Sierra Club | U.S. PIRG USAction | Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations | William C. Velazquez Institute

Get Involved! We need your help to pass the Fair Elections Now Act. A victory in the House and Senate Se nate starts with YOU. Please call, write, and email asking your members of Congress to co-sponsor the Fair Elections  Now Act. If your member of Congress already supports th thee bill, thank th them! em! Contact Jonathan Grindell at jgrindell@citizen at [email protected] actionny.org to  to get involved www.fairelectionsnow.org www.fairelectionsno w.org | info@fairelectio [email protected] nsnow.org

 

 w w w . c i t i z e n a c t i o n n y . o r g

 While New York’s York’s official official unemployment unemployment rate is continuing continuing to rise and statewide is now near 9%, the “real” unemployment rate is: • 27.2% for Black men • 18.8% for Hispanic Women • 18.1% for Black women • 17.4% for Hispanic men • 14.1% for Asian and other men of color • 11% for Asian and other women of color New York has prioritized providing more tax breaks and other public subsidies to large scale private enterprises in the mistaken belief that they will create jobs in low income communities. This choice has cost the state millions of dollars that could be spent on job training programs and community-based solutions.. This year’s bugdet proposal: solutions

• Cuts subsidized job programs by more than two-thirds, from $70 million to $20 million Better choices could be made that would bring new jobs and new opportunities for financial success to all New Yorkers.

 Join Citizen Citizen Action Action of New York, York, the Coalition Coalition for Economic Economic Justice, Justice, and others for the release of our new report

ON

 JOBS H OW   AFFECT  OW  B UDGET  UDGET  C HOICES  HOICES  A

TERRENCE   ROBINSON I was born on the East Side of Buffalo, NY, in 1954 and have lived in this neighborhood for most of my life. I am currently unemployed and have been looking for work since funding ran out last year for the non-profit where I was employed. I have been unable to find many job openings in the Buffalo especially in the non-profit sector.area, Social service agencies have experienced job losses over the past several years due to budget cuts at the state, county, and local levels. The East Side of Buffalo has experienced a disproportionate amount of disinvestment when compared to other areas of the region. The East Side has mostly been neglected and there is little to no financial investment going into East Side neighborhoods to address the conditions people are facing. This is directly a result of federal and state policies that encourage sprawl, rewards disinvestment in inner cities, and is part of a historical trend not to invest in African American neighborhoods. HSBC recently closed a branch in my neighborhood in a commercial sector that has the potential to become viable again. The removal of a financial center is counterproductive to neighborhood development. HSBC’s decision to close this branch affected many people in the community, including my uncle, who is 88 years old. He had conducted his financial business at that location for the last 40 years. He used to be able to walk to do his own banking, but now someone has to drive him across town to the nearest branch. I am aware that HSBC received millions of dollars in IDA funding to create a call center outside of the city. I think it is hypocritical for HSBC to take public subsidies for economic development and close a branch in an area in need of economic development. I remember when the East Side had a vibrant business district with several businesses within walking distance. People could work in the communities  where they they lived and not have have to travel travel out to the suburbs for work. work. This is the kind of economic development we need to create walkable communities and healthy neighborhoods, where people have good jobs and can afford to meet their basic needs. I am concerned about how my unemployment will affect my daughter, who is in college, and how my family will continue to pay our mortgage. Without

Race Matters: Impact of the 2010-11 Budget Proposal  including alternative revenue proposals.

changes to like howme wetodofind econom economic ic development, get harder and harder ha rder for people a good job to supportit awill family and create sustainable communities.

LCA Room 130, LOB • Albany, NY Tuesday,, March Tuesday M arch 23rd, 2010 • 10:30 am

Terrence Robinson is part of the Coalition for Economic Justice 

 

Citizen Action To Endorse Schneiderman For AG Tuesday, May 11,2010

 By David Freedlander

Progressive stalwarts Citizen Action will endorse State Sen. Eric Schneiderman for attorney general Tuesday. The endorsement comes at a critical point in the campaign season, according to Karen Scharff, the group’s executive director. “We looked at the field and we looked at the track record and history of the different candidates. Looking at that, we knew we wanted to endorse Eric,” said Scharff, citing work with Schneiderman on access to health care, environmental  justice and consumer protection.” We have worked closely closely with him and we feel confidant he will be a champion of our issues.” Scharff said that due to the organization’s long-standing ties with Schneiderman, they scrapped their usual candidate-screening panel, with the group’s 20-member board simply casting a unanimous vote for Schneiderman. Citizen Action has 20,000 active members around the state, and sends volunteers to work on endorsed campaigns. They are also a key voting bloc in the Working Families Organization, the affiliated non-profit which drives the endorsement decisions of the Working Families Party. Schneiderman is seeking the WFP support. Scharff said that Citizen Action will be helpful in the primary because of its ability to coordinate with the campaigns of endorsed candidates on how to drive votes going into election day. Schneiderman said that the endorsement of Citizen Action—along with the nods from 32BJ and 1199—have branded him as the “progressive Democrat” in the five-person field as the campaign closes in on the Democratic convention at the end of the month. “I’m a lifelong Democrat,” he said. “And what is clear from my record and my actions is that I’m a progressive Democrat.”

 

Please return this form to Aliza Cord no later than May 15th.

E-Mail [email protected] OR Fax (718)246-3718

WORKING FAMILIES PARTY CONVENTION Saturday, June 5th at 10:00am - Sunday, June 6th at 12:00pm Adams Mark Hotel * 120 Church Street * Buffalo, NY Name: Home Address: Cell Phone: E-Mail: Registration Options*

Home Phone:

Work Phone:

These costs are for events, speakers, and meals during the convention. Hotel room options include Friday & Saturday night stays. PLEASE NOTE: Elected members members of the WFP WF P state committee do not need to pay to attend the meeting if they do not wish to stay at the hotel or join us for any meals. For questions, contact Aliza Cord 718-222-3796 ext 249. 

$150 $15 0 Conventi Convention on Registra Registration tion Only Only - No Hotel Hotel Room Room



$250 $25 0 Conventi Convention on Registra Registration tion & Double Double Occupan Occupancy cy Room  I will share a room with: _________________________   I have no roommate preference.



$350 Convention Convention Registration Registration & Single Single Occupency Occupency Hotel Room

Payment Details: 

Please charge my credit card in the amount of (circle one): $150 $250 $350 CC# Exp:



*Check enclosed in the amount of (circle one): $150 $250 $350

Transportation: Please let us know how you will be traveling to the convention. 

Flying:

We have set-up a discount code with JetBlue. Use code "WFP2010" to get 5% off of their lowest fare for your flight. (There is a JetBlue flight from NYC arriving in Buffalo at 9:00am on June 5th.)



Driving: I will drive or take a bus on my own.



WFP Van: I would like a ride from NYC in a WFP van on Friday, June 4th. There is no additional cost for this option, but we must know by May 28th if you will need a ride.

*If mailing check, please return the completed form via fax or e-mail immediately, and mail check to:  Working Families * attn: Aliza Cord * 2 Nevins Street, 3rd Fl * Brooklyn, NY 11217 

 

FROM MOMENTUM TO A MOVEMENT BUILDING ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

Education and the 2006 Gubernatorial Election In 2005, The Alliance for Quality Education was 6 years old. Led by Citizen Action of New York, the group had been fighting hard to get New York State to prioritize its failing schools and put money into the schools that needed it most by simplifying its funding formula so that classrooms actually were conducive to learning, which meant: • small class sizes • up to date equipment equipment and materials • qualified supported teachers in every every class room • full day pre-kindergarten for every student • extracurricular activities for all students Spending 2005 organizing parents and students to speak to legislators, write letters to the editor, hold town hall meetings and bring hundreds of people across the state to Albany, leaders began looking  ahead to the 2006 Gubernatorial Election. This year Eliot Spitzer was running for Governor as a

progressive Democrat who favored education. The question was: what exactly did that mean and where would it get AQE? With pre-made and handwritten signs, parents and students went everywhere Spitzer was, “bird-dogging” “bird-dogging” him with signs that said “Spitzer for Education,” including a debate at Hofstra University on Long Island between Spitzer and his Democratic Opponent Tom Suozzi. With a flank of education activists holding  signs, Spizter had no choice but to say at the debate that he would fund CFE. Newsday picked up the quote. Citizen Action and AQE leaders then collected all the quotes about CFE and put them into a brochure with the heading: “Eliot Spitzer Will Deliver.” Deliver.” Staying positive, the Executive Director of AQE, Billy Easton, began writing op-eds in newspapers across the state about how Spitzer was education’s hero. In the meantime, Citizen Action registered 4,000 new “education” voters in Syracuse, one of the hottest State Senate elections and a place where Eliot Spitzer was putting a lot of money and attention. After Spitzer won the election in a landslide, we created a plan around the 2006/07 legislative cycle. So that on Governor Spitzer’s well publicized “Day One,” we were ready. While every other group was waiting to see what Eliot Spitizer was going to do, we held a press conference with balloons and posters that each showed a different student’s face, saying “Day One Begins with Me” and then embarked on our “100 Days of Educational Excellence” campaign. When Newsday asked Spitzer’s press person if Spitzer would fulfill his promise to fund CFE, his press person fumbled and replied, “well that was during the campaign, this is now... we’re not sure.” We ran with it and Spitzer had no choice but to promise to fully fund CFE or go back on his word to all the parents and students and the 4,000 newly registered voters who had made him their Education Champion. He held a press conference with us later that winter around his $5.5 Billion CFE proposal and his Contract for Excellence plan to hold districts accountable to how they would spend the new money.

2010 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - KERHOKSON, NY

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

 



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 O P   C  A 

R M  G P  A  A  N I   I    G  C  N Z  H  S  E  I   A   ,  S  N W  S   G  U  E  I   N E   O L  I    C  Y 

M  C   O H D A  E  N L   G F  E   O R

 

FROM MOMENTUM TO A MOVEMENT BUILDING ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

O VERVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLANNING HAT T WE DO BEST WHA

Lead winning winning issue issue campai campaigns gns • Engage people people in politics at all levels levels • Build power power from issues to to elections with a focus focus on mobilizing base voters • Change worldview worldview & the public public debate debate

HOW WE STRENGTHEN O VER THE NEXT DECADE • Inv Invest est in our chapters chapters and affiliates (LIPC & Metro Metro Justice) • Strengthen long term term strategic strategic alliances with with partners • Add more more work work on local local issues • Build to to win bigger game-changing game-changing campaigns campaigns • Project CANY’s CANY’s unique contribution contribution to our members members and in our campaigns

2010 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - KERHOKSON, NY

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

 

FROM MOMENTUM TO A MOVEMENT BUILDING ON HEALTH CARE FOR A BETTER AMERICA

O VERVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLANNING PROJECTS THAT MOVE US TO THIS VISION LEADING WINNING ISSUE CAMPAIGNS

• Strengthen our chapters. • Coordinat Coordinate e with other organizations and networks who have membership or

resources in regions where we don t have a base.

ENGAGE PEOPLE IN POLITICS AT ALL LEVELS • Create local angles to statewide or federal campaigns, i.e., AQE and local platforms, health care and funding for local clinics or school-related health care issues. • Present who we are in a way that makes the organization more accessible to an expanding number of New Yorkers.

BUILD POWER FROM ISSUES TO ELECTIONS WITH A FOCUS ON MOBILIZING BASE  VOTERS

• Build a network of organizations to coordinate coordinate civic engagement work, including  building a shared voter file, also at the local level. • Recruit and run our own slate in a particular par ticular legislative body. body. (This will need to be a multi-year strategy to be successful.) Focus first on our members for the slate.

CHANGE WORLDVIEW &

THE PUBLIC DEBATE

• Craft simple message on overall worldview (including racial justice) that unites our work. Our message evokes an emotional response that is powerful and compelling. • Create simple messages on our issue campaigns on key issues – jobs & taxes, health care, education.

2010 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - KERHOKSON, NY

WWW.CITIZENACTIONNY .ORG

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