Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 28, 2024 at 6:42 PM

Education Equity Deadline Approaching: Submit Your Written Comment by September 6

Hi John, We need you to submit your written comments to the Rockefeller Institute on the Foundation Aid formula update before the September 6 deadline. Last we heard, only about 200 submissions had been r…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 23, 2024 at 12:17 PM

From Black August to Action: Confronting Systemic Inequities By Embracing Abolition Democracy

Hi John, This month, as we continue to observe Black August and watch the spectacle of the Democratic National Convention unfold, we are reminded of the deep work still needed to achieve equity across every facet of life. While our work focuses on public education, the racial …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 21, 2024 at 6:02 PM

Deadline Approaching - Submit Your Written Testimony on Foundation Aid

Hi John, Last week the Rockefeller Institute wrapped up its in-person hearings, but it isn’t too late to make your voice heard! You can still submit your written testimony until September 6. Use our resou…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 16, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Black August IG Live this Sunday on East Ramapo’s School Funding Crisis

Hi John, As we continue our observance of Black August - a time to honor the legacy of those who fought for justice and freedom, and to reflect on the ongoing struggles ahead - we focus on a pressing issue embodying our commitment to educational equity in New York State: t…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 13, 2024 at 9:21 PM

Last Call! Final In-Person Foundation Aid Hearing Tomorrow

Hi John,   The final in-person Foundation Aid hearing takes place in the Capital Region tomorrow, August 14, at Guilderland High School. This is your last opportunity to participate in person. Whether you…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 9, 2024 at 2:59 PM

Reflecting on Elain Brown’s Vision this Black August

Hi John, As we enter the second week of Black August, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for justice and freedom before us. At AQE, this month is a call to action, urging us to transform our schools and communities with the same resolve that has shaped t…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 7, 2024 at 9:10 PM

Reminder - Join Tomorrow’s Foundation Aid Hearing or Submit Your Comments Online

Hi John,   Tomorrow, August 8, the second-to-last Foundation Aid hearing in this review process will take place at Laurens Central School in Central New York. Your involvement - whether by attending in-pe…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

August 1, 2024 at 3:55 PM

Honoring the Fight for Liberation and Education Justice this Black August

Hi John, We invite you to join us throughout this month commemorating Black August, a time to honor the legacy of those who fought for freedom and justice before us. Embracing the spirit of Black August, we aim to cultivate what Black August cofounder Mama Ayanna Mashama ca…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 29, 2024 at 8:03 PM

Reminder - Foundation Aid Hearing on Long Island Tomorrow!

Hi John, Tomorrow’s Foundation Aid hearing will take place on Long Island, July 30, at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale. Whether you’re able to attend in person or comment in writing, we strongly encourage you to participate in these hearings to ensure your voi…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 26, 2024 at 5:04 PM

Upcoming Foundation Aid Hearings Need Your Input

Hi John, Next week’s Foundation Aid hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 30, at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School in Farmingdale. We encourage you to participate and share your testimony to ensure your voice is heard in this important process. If you plan to attend in-person…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 24, 2024 at 1:16 PM

Testify at Buffalo's Foundation Aid Hearing Tomorrow

Hi John, This week’s Foundation Aid hearing is happening tomorrow, Thursday, July 25, at North Park Community School in Buffalo. We encourage you to participate and give testimony to make sure your voice is heard in this crucial process. If you plan to attend in-person, yo…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 23, 2024 at 5:43 PM

Urge Governor Hochul to Sign the Minimum Earnings Child Care Bill

Hi John, There are three child care bills awaiting the Governor’s signature to become law. We’ve already written to you about the first two, known as the Decoupling and Presumptive Eligibility bills. Today, we’re focusing on the third one: the Minimum Earnings bill. The Min…

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  Kaiser, AQE's NYC Community Organizer · [email protected]

July 20, 2024 at 2:02 PM

Participate in the Next Foundation Aid Hearing Near You

Hi John, I’m excited to join AQE as the new NYC Community Organizer and am thrilled to be working alongside you in the fight for justice and equity in our public schools. The next hearing in the Foundation Aid review process will be in Buffalo on July 25 at North Park Comm…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 18, 2024 at 4:42 PM

Presumptive Eligibility Bill Waits on Governor Hochul

Hi John, There is another critical piece of legislation that would help break down barriers to child care assistance for families, currently awaiting Governor Hochul’s signature. The presumptive eligibility bill will allow families to access child care assistance while they…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 15, 2024 at 7:45 PM

Share Your Story: NYC Hearing on Foundation Aid Funding Tomorrow

Hi John, The first hearing in the Foundation Aid review process kicks off tomorrow, July 16, at the High School of Fashion Industries in NYC. We encourage you to participate and give testimony, to ensure that your voice is heard in this process so that we can ensure a more …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 12, 2024 at 2:01 PM

Speak Up For Equity in the Foundation Aid Hearings

Hi John, Thank you to everyone who joined us for this week’s Foundation Aid school funding prep sessions. For those who couldn’t attend, we’re glad to have you here now. Your participation in this process is vital in ensuring that our kids and schools receive the resources …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 10, 2024 at 8:06 PM

Last Reminder: Foundation Aid Prep Sessions Begin Tonight

Hi John, This is a final reminder about our virtual prep sessions for the Foundation Aid school funding hearings beginning tonight! Statewide session: Today, July 10 from 6-7pm. Register here. NYC session (Spanish interpretation available): Thursday, July 11 from 7-8pm. R…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 9, 2024 at 5:18 PM

Reminder: Foundation Aid Prep Sessions This Week

Hi John, This is a quick reminder about our upcoming virtual prep sessions for the Foundation Aid school funding hearings. Don't miss this opportunity to prepare and make your voice heard! Statewide session: Wednesday, July 10 from 6-7pm. Register here. NYC session (Spani…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 3, 2024 at 1:50 PM

Speak Up for Our Schools: Join Our Testimony Prep Sessions

Hi John, The Foundation Aid school funding hearings are fast approaching! Join one of our prep sessions to find out what you need to know to be part of this process, so you’re ready to make your voice heard. Many hearings will be happening far from our high-need communities,…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 2, 2024 at 1:21 PM

Decoupling Child Care Bill in Governor Hochul’s Hands

Hi John, We want to keep you informed about a crucial piece of legislation awaiting Governor Hochul’s decision: S.8152A/A.8878. This bill, which has passed both the New York State Senate and Assembly, aims to decouple child care assistance from parents’ work hours, making i…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

July 1, 2024 at 2:01 PM

Get Prepped to Advocate for School Funding

Hi John, Foundation Aid school funding hearings are fast approaching! Join one of our prep sessions to find out what you need to know to be part of this process, so you’re ready to make your voice heard. Many hearings will be happening far from our high-need communities, lik…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 30, 2024 at 12:03 AM

Congratulations to Our Ed Warrior and Early Ed Warrior Graduates!

Hi John, ? Today marks a significant milestone for our AQE community as we celebrate the Ed Warrior and Early Ed Warrior graduation ceremonies! We applaud the dedication of our graduates who have invested months of hard work. …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 27, 2024 at 6:36 PM

Join Our Foundation Aid Testimony Prep Sessions

Hi John, The Foundation Aid school funding hearings are fast approaching! Join one of our prep sessions to find out what you need to know to be part of this process, so you’re ready to make your voice heard. Many hearings will be happening far from our high-need communities,…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 26, 2024 at 2:32 PM

Jamaal Bowman’s Fight for Justice: Our Struggle for Equity Continues

Hi John, Today we express our deep appreciation for the campaign that Congressman Jamaal Bowman and his team ran, one centered in love, equity, and a vision for a better future for all of us. Jamaal and his team fought valiantly for the future of Black and brown communities,…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 24, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Primary Election Day Tomorrow! Re-Elect Congressman Bowman

Hi John, Tomorrow, June 25, is primary day and your support for Congressman Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th Congressional District is crucial. Regardless of where you live, your voice can have a significant impact. In tomorrow’s primary election in New York we’re voting fo…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 18, 2024 at 9:26 PM

Rockefeller's Foundation Aid study: Sign up to make your voice heard!

Hi John, Back in April, Governor Hochul chose the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at SUNY to conduct a $2 million study on New York State’s Foundation Aid school funding formula, as part of the state budget. The Foundation Aid study process officially kicked off …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

June 4, 2024 at 9:36 PM

Last week of legislative session! Support critical child care bills today!

Hi John, This is the final week of New York State’s legislative session, and we need your advocacy to make sure that every child and working family in New York has access to quality child care. Momentum is building around two crucial bills: A.4099-A/S.4667-A: Would provide…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

May 23, 2024 at 8:50 PM

Push for Critical Child Care Legislation Today

Hi John, Right now, our elected state representatives need to fight for two crucial bills: A.4099-A/S.4667-A and A.8878/S.8152. These bills are essential for ensuring every child in New York has access to a quality education, from early childhood through their school years. …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM

RESCHEDULED: Join us for a Budget Debrief - April 25 @ 6PM

  Hi John, ? Eager to delve into the details of this year's state budget negotiations? Join us for a budget debrief on Thursday, April 25, where we'll dissect its major takeaways. As the final budget only …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

April 16, 2024 at 7:08 PM

The Fight Isn’t Over Yet

Hi John, Last night, Governor Hochul announced the details of an alleged budget agreement reached with state leaders. Her announcement was sparse on details on education and failed to address child care altogether. As we await further information, it’s evident that our fight…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 12, 2024 at 9:22 PM

Join us for a Budget Debrief: April 18 @ 6PM

  Hi John, ? Eager to delve into the details of this year's state budget negotiations? Join us for a budget debrief on Thursday, April 18, where we'll dissect its major takeaways. During the debrief, we'll…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 11, 2024 at 6:44 PM

No Rollbacks, Only Roll Calls: Demand Equity in Albany!

  Hi John,   We’re at a critical moment in our fight for equity and justice across New York State. This past Monday, we rallied up in Albany with the Invest In Our New York campaign when we heard that the …

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 10, 2024 at 12:32 PM

Marking Eid al-Fitr: A Call to Action for Justice and Liberation

  Hi John,   Today, Muslims here in New York and across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, at the end of the holy month of Ramadan where they fast from sunup to sund…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley + Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

April 5, 2024 at 5:58 PM

Advocate for Educational Equity + Housing Justice

Hi John, Budget negotiations are now well into overtime, and housing has emerged as the major stumbling block to a deal. Right now lawmakers are considering rolling back key wins to prevent rent hikes and tenant harassment in exchange for a watered down "good cause" law. Ove…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

April 4, 2024 at 9:28 PM

Budget Deadline Today: Use Our Online Toolkit + Have Your Say!

  Hi John,   As we approach the final hours before the extended budget deadline, the urgency behind our collective actions is becoming increasingly critical. Governor Hochul's budget proposal fell far shor…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 3, 2024 at 9:12 PM

Online Toolkit: Call for Investments in Child Care Today!

  Hi John,   The clock is ticking with just one day left until the extended budget deadline! It's crucial that we keep the pressure on our state legislators to secure essential funding for New York's child…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

April 2, 2024 at 10:27 PM

Online Toolkit: Stand Up For Our Schools

  Hi John,   With just two days remaining until the extended budget deadline, we find ourselves, yet again, in a situation where Governor Hochul has failed to deliver a timely budget that adequately addres…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

April 1, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Online Toolkit: Stand up for kids today!

  Hi John,   Today — the day of the New York State budget deadline — we're marching alongside families and children to Governor Hochul’s office in New York City to demand that she prioritize our kids over …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

March 26, 2024 at 9:41 PM

Demand a Just Budget for Our Schools

Hi John, Today, along with the Invest in Our New York campaign, we’re up in Albany telling the Governor, State Assembly, and State Senate that it’s time to pass a just budget that taxes the ultra-rich and invests in our public schools, our child care workforce, and our worki…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

March 22, 2024 at 8:10 PM

NY's child care workers need a permanent $500m investment

Hi John, Even though the Senate and Assembly proposals did not include the $1.2 billion that child care providers needed, they still provide $500 million that is critical for New York’s families and providers. But for that funding to be a meaningful step on the path to univers…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 20, 2024 at 10:19 PM

Time is Running Out: Advocate for School Funding Now!

Hi John, As budget negotiations heat up, we’re rallying behind Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie as they champion our kids and their public schools. Both chambers’ proposals protected school funding from the Governor’s harmful cuts in their one house budget…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

March 18, 2024 at 5:18 PM

Phone Bank tomorrow for education equity and universal child care

  Hello John, ? Join us tomorrow at 4:30 pm a phone bank to New York voters as we work together to advocate for more equitable educational funding and universal child care in New York!? Join U…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 15, 2024 at 3:28 PM

Tell State Leaders to hold the line on public schools!

  Hi John,   Earlier this week, the State Senate and Assembly released their own budget proposals, fully rejecting Governor Hochul’s proposed cuts and harmful changes to the Foundation Aid formula. Unlike …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

March 12, 2024 at 3:29 PM

Take a Stand on Equal Pay Day: Demand Fair Wages for Child Care Workers

Hi John, This morning, we are working through the details of the Senate’s one house budget proposal, and still analyzing the proposal from the Assembly. So far this is clear: State Legislators recognize that the Governor’s executive budget proposal does not invest enough fun…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

March 8, 2024 at 4:37 PM

Time Sensitive Action: Push for $1.2B for Child Care in One House Budgets

Hi John, The governor’s budget proposal falls short in providing the funding needed to adequately support child care providers and the families they serve. Now more than ever, families and child care educators are relying on Albany to respond. This response must prioritize a…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 7, 2024 at 3:42 PM

Time-Sensitive Action: $2B Needed to Save At Risk NY School Programs

Hi John, Did you know that students across New York are at risk of losing essential services and programs as federal COVID-era funding comes to an end in June, unless New York State steps up? The urgency is clear - our schools desperately need the state budget to include $2 …

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

March 2, 2024 at 1:01 PM

Tuesday Phone Bank for Education Equity and Universal Child Care

  Hello John,   Join us every Tuesday at 4:30pm throughout the month of March, beginning March 4th, for this phone bank to New York voters as we work together to advocate for more equitable educational fun…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari · [email protected]

March 1, 2024 at 4:29 PM

Massive School Funding Threats! Take Action Today

Hi John, As the threat of severe cuts looms in the governor’s budget proposal, we urgently need to come together to influence the fate of statewide school funding. This week, New York legislative leaders - Senate Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, and their colleagues -…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

February 28, 2024 at 9:47 PM

NY’s child care educators must earn a thriving wage

Hi John, Families and child care educators are counting on Albany to address the ongoing crisis in child care and provider wages in this year’s budget — and that means raising the wages for the child care workforce. But we’re running out of time. Right now, New York’s legisla…

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  Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari & Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

February 14, 2024 at 1:43 PM

Send Legislators a Love Letter for Public Education in 2024

  Hello John,   As we write to you, advocates in Albany are demanding more progressive tax policies for increased funding to public education and other essential services. Email your state legislator now c…

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