From CNY Solidarity Coalition
Next Meeting: 3/12/23 CNY Solidarity Coalition In-Person Meeting, Bishop Harrison Center
3 PM- 5 PM. Note the return to our 3 PM start during Daylight Savings Time
Facebook: https://fb.me/e/2b3CSwDoR
Please come, attend a session with one of our committees, then hear updates from all the committees!
New members and all interested people are welcome to come and learn about our efforts.
Agenda:
3:00 Opening, Announcements
3:15: Committee Breakout Meetings
4:15: Full group session: Committee Reports.
5:00 Closing
3/26/23: (Tentative) Zoom meeting 3 PM
Our current plan for meetings, dependent on health warnings:
- One in-person meeting per month.
- An additional Zoom meeting each month will likely be scheduled, depending on issues.
- Meetings will start at 3 PM beginning 3/12, followed by in-person Committee Meetings when scheduled.
- In case of inclement weather or other issues, a notification/Zoom link by 10 AM on the day of the meeting
- Please wear a mask, and practice reasonable social distancing.
ARTICLES OF THE WEEK:
How Would Micron’s Electricity-Hogging Plant Here Live With NY’s War On Fossil Fuels?
“Micron Technology’s planned semiconductor fabrication plant in Clay would consume more electricity than the entire state of Vermont… 640 million kilowatt-hours a month, more than enough for 1 million average New York homes.” Read it on Syracuse.com
And here’s a comment from a well- informed friend: “So Micron will need 380 wind turbines and 3,282 kW (5.3 acres) of solar capacity to meet its electricity demand.”
Activists Set Sights On House Republicans In Biden-Won Districts
Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, talks with Rachel Maddow about the strategies his organization is recommending to return control of the House to Democrats, beginning with electoral challenges to 18 House Republicans in districts that voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Watch it Here
This lecture took place last week at Maxwell. If you missed it, it is now available on Youtube.
How the Ultra-Rich Avoid Taxes, and Why It Matters for Our Democracy
Friday, March 3 | 4 PM EDT | Maxwell Auditorium. Campbell Public Affairs Institute
Jesse Eisinger is a senior editor and reporter at ProPublica. He was a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, covering markets and finance. Author of “The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives.”
ProPublica’s ‘Secret IRS Files’ Unveil How Richest Americans Avoid Income Tax
ProPublica obtained private tax data from America’s 25 wealthiest individuals, which revealed exactly how those people manage, through legal means, to pay far less income tax than most Americans — and sometimes, none at all.
The U.S. Should Deter — Not Provoke — Beijing Over Taiwan. Here’s How.
“Given the enormous costs and uncertain trajectory of such a conflict, everyone must lower the temperature — even if they foresee decades of U.S.-China competition ahead.” Read it in https://www.washingtonpost.com
Humanity’s Worst Pastime
With that yearly budget climbing toward a trillion dollars (or more) annually, it’s easy to conclude that, at least when it comes to our military, nothing succeeds like failure. Read it in https://www.laprogressive.com/
ACTION ALERTS:
How can we support the Invest in Our NY (IONY) campaign?
Millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations have benefited from a rigged system that prioritizes their profits over the well-being of working New Yorkers. We can raise over $40 billion in public funds for public investments by transforming our tax system and raising taxes only on NY’s richest.
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Call and/or email your NYS Legislators: Find them and their contact info on our website Here
Tell them to make the Corporate Tax Bill permanent:
(S1980-Hoylman/Kelles/Shrestha) In 2021, as a result of our advocacy, the state added a new corporate tax bracket for businesses making over $5 million per year. This tax has generated in hundreds of millions of additional public dollars.. Unfortunately, this corporate tax is set to sunset in 2023. The Corporate Tax Bill will make the 2021 reforms permanent and increase taxes on corporate profits of over $2.5 million per year.
1. Sign the IONY petition at https://www.investinourny.org
2. Do some reading to familiarize yourself with the IONY platform and related issues. Start with the three documents at the bottom of the IONY page: https://www.investinourny.org. Continue with the articles from our 2/21 CNY Solidarity newsletter.
3. Consider a Letter to the Editor after doing some of the suggested reading.
Please call your Senator and Assembly Members to support fully funding New York’s newly established small donor matching public finance program. This is essential both for NY and to set the tone for Schumer and Jeffries as we work to make sure a strong program is included in federal democracy reform.
Senator Rachel May is a strong proponent (and on this list:) and still always good for them to get calls to affirm their support. Calls to all our Assembly members and Senators are helpful!
Senate: 866-702-3122
Assemblywoman Hunter at 518-455-5383
Assemblyman Magnarelli at 518-455-4826
Assemblyman Stirpe at 518-455-4505
Also find their contact info any time on our website Here
Have your representatives heard from you on how much you want affordable housing in your community and across the state? The Housing Justice for All campaign has this easy email tool to do just that. They have a lobby day of action on Tuesday, March 14th; More info: email Andrea@metcouncilonhousing.org.
CNY Solidarity Coalition Needs Some Help With Our Facebook Postings!
We will provide training and support. Just an hour or two a week would really help!
Please respond to cnysolidarity@gmail.com
Senator Rachel May Accepting Applications for Youth Advisory Board Here
For 2023, the Youth Advisory Board’s primary focus is on Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism legislation and policy issues. Board members will get hands-on experience while planning and implementing two events relating to these topics: the State of the Youth Rally and a Climate Justice Rally.
Syracuse Cultural Workers Seeks Jill of All Trades More Info Here
SCW is a peace and justice publisher selling retail and wholesale. SCW’s 12 person staff is caring, creative, hardworking and committed. If you are a person of integrity looking for a challenge, apply now.
Help for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey
Two of the most reputable organizations doing this work: www.oxfam.org www.doctorswithoutborders.org
EVENTS/ACTIONS CALENDAR
Worker Solidarity Day of Action
March 8th – Albany, NY
Workers and allies: Join us for a day of action in Albany to advocate for the Unemployment Bridge Program and Raise Up NY campaigns!
In 2023, we are holding New York lawmakers responsible for the treatment of workers across the state.
The WCCNY will gather in Albany on March 1st with the Raise Up NY Coalition.
Transportation will be provided from Syracuse for the mass mobilization to Albany on 3/1 and 3/8.
Interested in attending? Please contact: Mina Aguilar, maguilar@workerscentercny.org, (315) 218-5708 ex. 5
Lobby Day To Pass the Unemployment Bridge Program!
Wednesday, March 8th, Unchained is heading to Albany for the Unemployment Bridge Program! It will provide six months of financial support for those recently released from prison as they seek employment in addition to funding other excluded workers such as immigrant workers, cash laborers, and more.
We invite you to come with us to rally for the passing of this bill and join us in meeting legislators to discuss how monumental this safety net would be to the lives of incarcerated people and those recently in re-entry!
- 10:00-10:30 AM–Arrive in Albany. (In Syracuse we are planning on leaving around 8:00 AM)
- 11:00 AM–Joint rally at the State Capitol with Raise Up NY campaign
- 12:00 PM(ish)–Lunch (provided)
- Afternoon–Meeting with legislators to discuss the Unemployment Bridge Program
- 4:00 PM–Leave Albany (Return to Syracuse by 7:00 PM)
It’s a long day full of walking (indoors), so bring your walking shoes! We will also be wearing our Unchained t-shirts which will be provided if you do not have one.
Please contact Alyeska Dronsfield, Unchained, alyeska@weareunchained.org to coordinate travel arrangements.
Small Donor Public Financing: A Tool for Empowering New Yorkers in the Age of Citizens United
March 9 | 12 PM, The Rockefeller Institute, 411 State Street Albany, NY 12203
Co-hosted by the League of Women Voters New York State, the Rockefeller Institute of Government, and the Brennan Center for Justice. How public financing fits into the post-Citizens United landscape and how the reform amplifies the voices of everyday New Yorkers in our elections and government.
Click HERE to Register for the Zoom Webinar Click Here to Register to Attend in-Person
Kick Fossil Fuels out of Buildings
March 9,14,15,22
The fossil fuel industry is flooding the air waves and social media with ads full of disinformation meant to scare people from taking climate action. The truth is that fossil fuel use in buildings is GETTING MORE COSTLY for our pocketbooks, for our health, and for the planet. Join us to push the Legislature, particularly the Assembly, to enact vital new laws to save New Yorkers money, fight childhood asthma, create jobs in clean energy, and slash climate emissions:
Get prepped and pumped with these online actions:
March 9: Renewable Heat Now Power Hour (Virtual Training on bill package)
March 14: Virtual Lobby Day for NY HEAT with Renewable Heat Now
March 15: Line the Halls Training (Virtual)
March 22: Then, join us in Albany to send our message to Kick Fossil Fuels out of Buildings. To get more details, transportation information, and to sign up for the DAY OF ACTION: Line the Halls in Albany. Lunch provided.
Participating organizations: AGREE NY, American Institute of Architects New York, EarthJustice, Food & Water Watch, New York Communities for Change, New Yorkers for Clean Power, NYPIRG, Renewable Heat Now, Rewiring America, Sane Energy Project, WEACT for Environmental Justice
Uplift Syracuse General Meeting
Thursday, March 9 5:30 – 6:30pm EST
Location: OneGroup, 706 N Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13204 https://www.facebook.com/upliftsyracuse
We will address our priorities for 2023 – with your input. And we have a lot of local issues to consider: -the upcoming zoning vote -our county executive closing a prison single handedly – and doing a bad job!
Climate Change: Impacts and Faith Based Response
Friday, March 10, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, ET
GreeningUSA’s Next Virtual Green Bag Lunch!
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5cd2mvcr
This session addresses several aspects of Climate Change:
Faith Based Response: Theresa May, Associate Director, Catechesis, Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse where she has served since 2000. She is also a key member of the Diocesan Caring for Our Common Home Task Force as well as at St. Augustine’s parish in Baldwinsville. She feels genuinely blessed to be a part of God’s creation and future generations as the mother of 3, grandmother of 4 with 2 great granddaughters!
Science: Dr. Lawrence Tanner, Professor, Environmental Science Systems at Le Moyne College in Syracuse. He also serves as Director of the Center for the Study of Environmental Change at LeMoyne which serves as a node for the coordination of educational, research and outreach activities related to the environmental effects of Earth’s changing climate. By supporting the study and understanding of these effects in the local and global environment, the Center promotes a more just and sustainable society.
Small Business Entrepreneurship Class.
By Jubilee Homes & Tap Roots Fields
Sat, March 11 AND Sat. March 18, 2023, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Jubilee Homes 119 South Avenue Syracuse, NY 13204=
Would you like to start or grow your own business? If you are a current small business owner or if you want to start a business, this 2-day class is a must! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3xVWKfB
World BEYOND War 3rd Annual Virtual Film Festival
March 11-25Info/Register
This year’s theme of “Celebrating Stories of Nonviolence” explores the efficacy of nonviolent action, from Gandhi’s Salt March, to ending war in Liberia, to civil discourse and healing in Montana. Featuring live Q&A on Zoom with special guests, including Ela Gandhi, David Hartsough, Garett Reppenhagen, and more.
1 ticket gets you access to all 3 films & panel discussions. Watch the film on your own, then attend each
panel discussion: 3/11, 3/18, 3/25. More: https://worldbeyondwar.org
Syracuse DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) General Meeting
March 12, 2023. Social: 3:30-4:00 Meeting: 4:00pm-5:30pm
Where: ArtRage Gallery and online on Zoom
We’ll look forward at our upcoming campaigns and projects and invite members to discuss how we can best accomplish the goals we set for ourselves this year in the convention. RSVP HERE! Agenda here!
Housing Justice for All #OurHomesOurPower Albany Day of Action, 3/14 -. RSVP here!
Housing Justice For All is collaborating with Citizen Action of NY, PUSH, Vocal, and many other groups all over NY state on March 14th in Albany for Housing Justice Take Over Day.
NY Health Act Lobby Day – Campaign for New York Health,
Tuesday, March 14th on Zoom Register Here by Wednesday March 8 @ NOON.
Physicians for a National Health Program – NY Metro Chapter, Students for a National Health Program, Residency Program in Social Medicine at Montefiore, New York State Nurses Association, Campaign for New York Health, and advocates across the state for our annual Lobby Day for the New York Health Act to provide comprehensive, universal healthcare to ALL New Yorkers!
We have a short series of training events (March 7, March 9, @ 7:30 PM) to support participants in preparation for their lobby visits and to help us build power and momentum. Register Here
Save the Dates
Election Day for Villages
March 21
If you live in the villages of Baldwinsville, Fabius, Fayetteville, Jordan, Manlius, or Skaneateles, make sure you have a plan to vote on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023. Elections vary per village. Questions?, contact your village clerk.
More information: http://www.ongov.net/elections/Village-Elections.html
Syracuse Citizen Review Board (CRB): Acknowledging 30 Years!
April 5, 2023
10:30 AM Assembly @ Dunbar Center and Hopps Memorial Church
11:oo AM March to City Hall
12:00 PM Speakers: City Hall Steps
5:30 PM @ Nancy Cantor Warehouse: Reception; Discussion of the CRB’s past, Present, and Future
Nonviolent Action from Civil Rights to Climate Justice
April 13, 6-7:30pm. Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, Bird Library at SU, Room 114.
Activist and author George Lakey discusses his work with the Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), a mostly youth-led coalition, which he co-founded to pursue ecojustice at the intersections of race, class, queerness, and the climate crisis. Series info: https://envirostorycny.com/
Climate Justice Nonviolent Direct Action Training
April 14, 9am-12pm. Community Folk Art Center (CFAC), 805 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210
Civil rights leader and author George Lakey works with community leaders and university students, faculty, and staff to think carefully about how they can craft nonviolent social change campaigns to be inclusive, powerful, and successful. Open to the public, but space is limited. Please register by Friday, April 7, 2023. Series info: https://envirostorycny.com/
Election Day: November 7, 2023 County, town, and village elections. More information can be found on the NY State Board of Elections page and at the Onondaga County Board of Elections Primaries will be in June.
ONGOING EVENTS:
Looking For Flexible — No Meeting, No Committee — Opportunity To Oppose War And Oppression And Work For Peace And Social Justice?
We call it STREET HEAT: an easy, uncomplicated way –in solidarity with a handful of others — to stand up and out for what we stand for. Greeting passing traffic at rush hour with hand-held signs, we want to get them thinking about the day’s crucial issues.
First Tuesday Of The Month…4 to 4:45 p.m.: Killer drones
Hancock AFB (home of the 174th Attack Wing of the NYS National Guard), 6000 East Molloy Rd.
across from the main gate. Park on the south shoulder.
Every Friday…4 to 4:45 p.m.
West sidewalk of the broad intersection of Erie Blvd East & East Genesee St. in De Witt (across from the Fire Dept.)
For years our focus has been on solidarity with the people of Palestine; while the invasion of Ukraine persists, we also address that tragedy.
Our current stalwart team: Julienne, Les, Leslie, Geoff, Ed, Ann, Peter…. To learn more: Ed or Ann 315 478 4571
CNY Solidarity Coalition
Check out our Website and our Instagram.
Sign up for this newsletter Here
Twitter: @CNYSolidarity and @IndivisibleNY24
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cnysolidarity/ and
www.facebook.com/groups/IndivisibleNY24
Mail/Donations Address:
CNY Solidarity Coalition, P.O. Box 6137, Teall Post Office, 226 Teall Ave., Syracuse NY 13217
To contribute: Donate Here through PayPal. Or send checks to mailing address above
Our Committees: To sign up for each of the committee mailing lists, contact the person listed.
Indivisible Onondaga County (Formerly Indivisible NY24): Contact: Deborah Rose: dcurryrose@gmail.com
Climate Justice: Contact: Dick Kornbluth dick@dickkornbluth.com
SLAT (State/Local Action Team) Contact: Peter McCarthy – pmccar1100@gmail.com
Beyond War and Militarism. A joint committee of CNY Solidarity Coalition and the Syracuse Peace Council. Contact: Ron Van Norstrand: ron@vannorstrandlaw.com
CNY Solidarity Coalition contributes regularly to local progressive organizations: Syracuse Peace Council, National Action Network, and Urban Jobs Coalition, as well as to our mailing list provider, RiseUp. We also make occasional donations as needed to other local groups. We depend on our supporters’ contributions for this.
To contribute: Donate Here through PayPal. Or send checks to the mailing address above.
Peter McCarthy
Coordinating Committee
CNY Solidarity Coalition