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

April 18, 2025 at 6:43 PM

Hochul's Delays are Coming at the Expense of Our Kids

Key decisions about funding child care, education, housing, and other essential services remain unresolved, and instead of moving towards finalizing the state budget, Governor Hochul is pushing a change to election law that would benefit her politically. Email Governor Hochul …

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

April 15, 2025 at 12:44 PM

Politics are Stalling Our State Budget - Here’s What You Can Do

While families across New York wait for critical funding decisions on child care, education, housing, and other essential services, Governor Hochul is holding up the state budget process to push a political maneuver that would benefit her own reelection campaign. Email Governo…

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

April 1, 2025 at 7:53 PM

The budget’s still not here… guess it’s not an April Fools’ joke!

  Hi John,   Today is our state budget’s due date, but there is no budget. The governor has sent a budget extender to the legislature to pass that to keep the state operating until Thursday. Our child care…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

March 31, 2025 at 8:33 PM

One day until the budget deadline — take 3 actions for child care today!

  Hi John,   Time is running out—we have just one day left until the budget deadline. We need to keep the pressure on state legislators to secure at least $500 million in funding for the Child Care Assista…

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

March 26, 2025 at 6:44 PM

Take Action for Public Education and Child Care Funding TODAY!

This afternoon, we’re in Albany advocating for two critical issues that will shape the future of New York’s children and families. If you couldn’t join us at the state capitol today, don’t worry - you can still make a huge impact from wherever you are! School Funding - Protec…

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

March 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM

NY's leaders must act NOW so families don't lose child care assistance

Thousands of families stand to lose access to child care assistance Hi John, Without additional funding for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP also known as child care vouchers) in this year’s state budget, thousands of families stand to lose access to child care assistan…

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

March 24, 2025 at 7:42 PM

Make 3 Calls to Demand Child Care Funding for all New Yorkers

Join ESCCC’s Call Relay today - Monday, March 24. We need your help making three quick calls to New York State leadership, urging them to fund the child care workforce and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Even if the scheduled call times have passed, you can still ca…

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

March 21, 2025 at 4:53 PM

Protect Our Schools - Reject Trump’s Attacks on the Department of Education

By now, you’ve likely heard about Trump’s Executive Order to close the Department of Education. This is a direct attack on our children, our schools, and our communities, but Congress - not the president - determines which agencies remain open or are shut down. This administra…

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

March 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM

Tell Your Leaders to Stand Up for Child Care in the Final Budget

Right now, our state leaders hold the future of child care in their hands. Without immediate funding, many children will lose access to affordable care, and educators – the vast majority of whom are women of color – will continue to struggle in poverty. Our state’s leadership …

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

March 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM

Phone Bank With Us Tomorrow For Child Care This Equal Pay Day

Tomorrow is Equal Pay Day and we need your help to make sure that child care educators are more fairly compensated across New York State. While the state Senate proposed $500 million to better support this essential workforce, the Governor’s budget proposal included $0 in inve…

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

March 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Time is running out to raise wages of NY's child care workforce

  Hi John,   Families and child care educators are counting on Albany to take action in this year’s budget to address the ongoing crisis in child care and provider wages—starting with raising wages for the…

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

March 6, 2025 at 8:42 PM

Don’t Allow the DOE to Be Dismantled

Any minute now, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The President does not have the power to unilaterally eliminate federal agencies - only Congress has that authority. But with Congress under Republican …

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

March 4, 2025 at 9:50 PM

Before Budgets Are Set, Speak Up For School Communities

As threats to public education intensify at the federal level - with Linda McMahon now confirmed to lead the Department of Education, and on track to underfund our schools and dismantle the Department itself - our state leaders must respond quickly to protect funding supportin…

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

February 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM

Invest In Our New York - Tax the Rich, Fund Our Future!

Yesterday we were in Albany for Invest in Our New York Advocacy Day, demanding that Governor Hochul and the legislature act now to ensure that millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. For weeks, New Yorkers have waited for leadershi…

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

February 24, 2025 at 1:18 PM

Standing Up for New Yorkers - Join Us in Thanking AG Letitia James

For the past six weeks, New Yorkers have been in dire need of a voice in leadership who would let us know they are fighting for us, instead of letting us live in fear because of their deafening silence. Children have missed school, families are avoiding hospitals, businesses h…

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

February 21, 2025 at 9:02 PM

Join Us in Thanking AG Letitia James for True Leadership

For the past six weeks, New Yorkers have been in dire need of a voice in leadership who would let us know they are fighting for us, instead of letting us live in fear because of their deafening silence. Children have missed school, families are avoiding hospitals, businesses h…

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

February 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM

Public Schools Are Under Attack - Stand Up! Fight Back!

Equity in public education in America has never been freely given - it’s something communities have fought for, defended, and strengthened for generations. That fight continues today as public schools and early childhood education programs face relentless attacks at every leve…

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

February 14, 2025 at 6:07 PM

Congress, send Linda McMahon home, not to the Department of Ed!

  Hi John, Linda McMahon began her confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education yesterday. Her nomination is a direct threat to our public schools, particularly those serving our Black, brown, and low-…

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

February 13, 2025 at 4:21 PM

Tell Congress: Send Linda McMahon home, not to the Department of Ed!

Hi John, Today, Linda McMahon begins her confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education. Her nomination is a direct threat to our public schools, particularly those serving our Black, brown, and low-income students. Tell Congress to send Linda McMahon home, not to the Depar…

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

February 7, 2025 at 9:17 PM

We’ve been busy fighting for New York’s children

Hi John,   It’s been very busy in the last couple of weeks in the AQE world. Advocacy days, hearings, press events… there’s been a lot happening. From taking our message directly to polic…

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

February 4, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Kicking Off AQE Advocacy Day - Black History Month in Action

Hi John, Right now, hundreds of students, parents, educators, and advocates are on their way to the State Capitol for AQE’s annual Advocacy Day, from cities across New York — Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Rochester, New York City. As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize …

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

January 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM

NY's budget must not jeapordize the wellbeing of some students

Hi John, This week when Governor Hochul released her state budget proposal for the coming year, she said she wanted to invest in making the lives of families and children a little better. But a little bit better just isn't good enough. It does not meet the needs of New York f…

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

January 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM

RSVP Today for Child Care Advocacy Day on January 28!

  Hi John,   On January 28, we’re headed to Albany for Child Care Advocacy Day and we need you to join us. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of ear…

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

January 20, 2025 at 12:47 PM

This MLK Day, We Push for More: For Education, Child Care, and a Stronger Economic Future for All

  Hi John,   As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy today, we face a reality where an incoming administration threatens many of the gains he fought for, especia…

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

January 17, 2025 at 3:45 PM

Governor Hochul Sets the Tone - Now It’s Our Turn to Make Our Needs Heard

  Hi John,   Every year, New York’s governor delivers the State of the State address. This speech isn’t just a political tradition - it’s a roadmap for the state’s budge…

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

January 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM

Step Up for Education - Advocacy Day is February 4

  Hi John,   As we are going into an uncertain and even hostile federal public education context, state and local leaders must step up to protect and invest in the futur…

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

January 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Why Fair Taxes are Key to New York's Education and Child Care Goals

  Hi John,   The year ahead is one filled with uncertainty and opportunity. Our leaders in New York must create the conditions necessary for every child to thrive, while…

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

January 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM

Fighting for Education Justice in 2025 - We Need You

  Hi John,   We’re looking ahead, as we have a real chance to change the future of public education in New York. With a new administration coming in, we need to make sur…

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

January 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM

Let’s Make 2025 the Year We Invest in Every Child’s Future

  Hi John,   Happy New Year! In 2025, we have the chance to transform early childhood education and child care in New York, ensuring every child gets the strong start th…

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

December 30, 2024 at 11:29 PM

Your Support Powers Our Movement…Let’s Build On It In 2025!

  Hi John,   As we close out 2024, AQE is reflecting on all that you’ve helped us accomplish for New York’s children and families:  advocating for full funding for our…

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

December 18, 2024 at 5:23 PM

Governor Hochul Failed Us - But We're Not Giving Up On Child Care

  Hi John,   Thank you for everything you’ve done this year. Your voice, together with the leadership of strong legislators, helped enact the Presumptive Eligibility Bil…

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

December 13, 2024 at 8:01 PM

AQE Moved to Bluesky - Here’s Why!

  Hi John,   We know many of you have engaged with us on X/Twitter for years, so if you’ve missed us there this last month, here’s why: we've moved to Bluesky!   With cr…

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

December 11, 2024 at 1:42 PM

First Mom of New York, but Child Care is Last?

  Hi John,   Governor Hochul has had months to sign critical child care bills that would make life easier for many working families across New York State. But here we ar…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 9, 2024 at 7:16 PM

Tell Governor Hochul: Sign the Child Care Bills!

In the final days of the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature passed three important bills that would make child care easier to access for thousands of families across New York State. Now, with 2024 …

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 6, 2024 at 8:59 PM

Our Kids Deserve Better! Reject Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education

This Thursday, December 5 Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education is a major threat to our nation's public schools, especially its Black, brown, and lower-income students. McM…

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

December 3, 2024 at 8:54 PM

Invest In the Future of New York’s Students By Supporting AQE’s Advocacy Today!

Hi John,   This Giving Tuesday, let’s remember the power of community in creating lasting change. Amid the many messages you may be receiving today, take a moment to see how your contribution can make a r…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 1:49 PM

Take Action: Call Governor Hochul on December 5

This Thursday! This Thursday, December 5, the Empire State Campaign for Child Care is organizing a call relay to Governor Hochul’s office, and we're getting the word out to make sure we have a strong, unif…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

December 2, 2024 at 7:37 PM

Call Relay Governor Hochul to Support These Critical Child Care Bills

This Thursday, December 5 This Thursday, December 5, we’re sponsoring a call relay to Governor Hochul’s office — and we need your voice! We’re urging her to sign presumptive eligibility, decoupling, and th…

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

November 26, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Thank You for Being Part of Our Celebration and This Movement!

  Hi John,   Thank you for being part of this year’s Champions of Education celebration! Your support filled us with hope for the future of education across New York State and will contin…

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  Alliance for Quality Education · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 7:20 PM

STATEMENT: Turning Challenges Into Change: Fully Funding Our Children's Future in New York

PRESS STATEMENT Turning Challenges Into Change: Fully Funding Our Children's Future in New York NEW YORK, N.Y. (November 21, 2024) – In response to the general election results, the Alliance for Quality E…

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

November 13, 2024 at 7:04 PM

Tomorrow: Join us in Celebration of AQE's Champions of Education

November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,   We're just ONE DAY away from the BIG day of AQE's …

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

November 8, 2024 at 6:34 PM

Honoree Highlight: New York City Parent Advocates, Adriana Alicea, Tracy Jordan, & Tajh Sutton

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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

November 5, 2024 at 7:05 PM

Vote Today for Our Schools, Our Kids, Our Future

Hi John,   If you haven’t voted yet, get to the polls by 9PM today and take action for our schools and children’s future. Here’s how you can make a difference: Vote Working Families Party on Row D…

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

October 31, 2024 at 11:06 PM

Honoree Highlight: The Legacy of Norm Fruchter

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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

October 29, 2024 at 8:12 PM

Early Voting Is Here, New York!

Hi John, Early voting has begun! If you're eligible, plan to vote early on or before Sunday, November 3, when early voting ends, to avoid any possibility of long lines on Election Day, November 5. This election is crucial not just for the presidency, but also for local and stat…

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

October 25, 2024 at 5:32 PM

Honoree Spotlight: NYC Council Members Speaker Adrienne Adams and Education Chair Rita Joseph

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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

October 22, 2024 at 4:21 PM

Vote Early New York!

Hi John, As we approach election day, let’s gear up to vote for a more equitable New York! Check out this voting guide from our friends at the Working Families party, spotlighting endorsed legislators, who align with the values of New York’s working families. In short: #VoteW…

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

October 18, 2024 at 5:47 PM

Honoree Spotlight: Senator Shelley Mayer

You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   Hi John,…

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

October 10, 2024 at 12:35 PM

Join Us As We Honor New York’s Public Education Trailblazers!

November 14 in NYC You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM  DCTV Firehouse 87 Lafayette St New York City REGISTER NOW   …

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  Marina Marcou-O'Malley · [email protected]

October 8, 2024 at 12:18 PM

Take Action: Shape the Future of Child Care in 2025

Hi John, As federal funding that boosted child care recently may not be renewed, millions of children and families may be at risk of losing access to essential care. Families are facing rising costs, and early educators continue to struggle with low wages. Join us in urging…

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