Newsletter for the Movement for Economic, Climate, and Racial Justice

There is no better time than now to deliver justice and equity to New Yorkers. But with the state budget now three weeks overdue, it is clear that state leadership and special business interests aren’t aware of the urgency of the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis that is burdening working families every single day. Our coalitions aren’t twiddling our thumbs as legislators drag their feet. Raise Up NY is working relentlessly across the state for a $21.25 minimum wage that is tied to inflation. NY Renews is demanding an unprecedented investment in climate justice with the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package. With popular support for progressive policies across the board, it is clear that business interests are the ones hindering a better future for New Yorkers. It will take people power to reclaim equity and justice, especially when it’s long overdue.

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We’re hiring! ALIGN has open positions for an Operations Manager and Climate & Labor Organizer. Apply now.

One-click tool to tell NYS Legislators: We Need Cap and Invest for Climate Justice in the NYS Budget!

Together, we can win a stronger, more resilient New York in 2023. Please consider donating to ALIGN so we can continue building coalitions fighting for economic, climate, and racial justice.

A Major Victory to Save NY’s Climate Law

In a powerful show of force, the NY Renews coalition successfully stopped a fossil-fuel backed bill that would have devestating consequences for NY’s Climate Law. The proposal would have been disastrous for clean air and green jobs, permitting the combustion of natural gas and other fuels and undermining our nation-leading climate mandates. Thanks to advocates like you, we lobbied, rallied, and sent 1770 letters to key NY lawmakers to say no to this industry-led attack. We know that fossil fuel interests are planning their next move as we speak, and the coalition is ready to fight back.

Now, we’re locked in to pass the Climate, Jobs & Justice Package (CJJP), which would keep costs low for New Yorkers as we transition to a renewable energy economy by taxing the rich and making corporate polluters pay for a just transition. In an op-ed by ALIGN and UAW Region 9A, we outline how the CJJP gives us an opportunity to prioritize workers in our climate plan and create career-oriented union jobs to build New York's sustainable future. By attaching strong labor standards to funding pools like the Climate and Community Protection Fund, and passing legislation like the Build Public Renewables Act, we can win a healthier, more sustainable, union-strong New York.

New York is ready for $21.25

As the final budget is negotiated, our movement to #RaiseTheWage is strong. Our Raise Up NY coalition is fighting for nothing short of a $21.25 minimum wage and making its presence known in New York: 

• 150+ workers across the state rallied in Albany after winning support in the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets and as the NYS legislature approached the April 1st budget deadline.
• 50 small businesses in Buffalo advocated for raising the minimum wage, which will put money in the pockets of low-wage workers who need it and will spend it, juicing the economy. Another 250+ small businesses across the state have also signed onto the proposal.
• Rochester showed out with legislators, workers, and union representatives to call for an end to poverty wages.
• In New York City, Attorney General Tish James joined 10+ labor unions to rally for a $21.25 minimum wage: “It's time we address the felt need of New Yorkers. It's time that we pay them respect. And the best way to do that is to raise the wage to $21.25 and link it to inflation." 

Our steady pressure is  building momentum for the proposal in the NYS legislature: 30 NYS Senators and 57 Assemblymembers are standing with 80% of New Yorkers who want a $21.25 minimum wage that automatically increases with inflation. There’s clear popular support for the proposal. Now it’s up to Governor Kathy Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to join the call to #RaiseTheWage in the final budget. New York is ready.

ALIGN and UAW 9A Op-ed in Times-Union: New York can tackle climate challenges while bolstering union jobs

Politico: The minimum wage fight that will define the decade

NY Times: N.Y. Governor Walks Back Push to ‘Weaken’ Climate Law After Uproar

NY Daily News: AG James joins unions calling for boosting New York’s minimum wage in budget

City and State NY: Opinion: It’s time for New York to lead by example and decarbonize state facilities

NY Daily News: Gov. Hochul facing pushback over push to include methane metric change in budget

City and State NY: Opinion: We need a $21.25 minimum wage

NY Daily News: N.Y.ers deserve a real raise: The state minimum wage wage should be increased to $21.25 and then indexed to keep up with inflation

Updates from ALIGN's Board of Directors

Retail Wholesale Department Store Union and DC37 endorsed extending health coverage to undocumented New Yorkers in a letter sent to Governor Kathy Hochul. 

NYC Central Labor Council - Join the Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) for their annual Workers’ Memorial Day 4/28 event to honor those who have died or suffered injuries or illnesses while on the job.

Teamsters Joint Council 16 - Immigrant workers are leading the longest strike in the U.S. against United Metro, an oil company owned by former mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis.

Make the Road NY is part of Housing Justice for All, a statewide coalition fighting for Good Cause Eviction Protections and the Housing Assistance Voucher Program (HAVP) to keep families housed, stop unjust evictions, and help tenants fight back against rent hikes and unsafe conditions. Ask your representatives to pass Good Cause and HAVP in the budget today.

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