Did you know that fundraising for the November Congressional elections has already reached $1.2 BILLION? That’s far ahead of the last mid-term election. And who have members of Congress been taking campaign money from? The same old corporate interests as in the past – only more so.

Just a couple of examples: New York Senator Chuck Schumer has already raised over $62 million for his campaign, more than a quarter of which comes from people in the finance, insurance and real estate industries. And representing New York in the House of Representatives, Congressman Michael McMahon has already raised almost $2 million, with investment giant Goldman Sachs as his largest contributor.

Unfortunately, according to an article in the recent Mother Jones, “business rules the political money game,” with business-related contributors giving 74% of the money in the 2008 election. And this year will be even worse, with the Supreme Court decision that lets corporations give unlimited amounts to sponsor ads and influence the elections.

The Good News!

So what can we do? We need to fight back by changing the way campaigns are financed. We need to get the big corporate-based money out of our representatives campaign coffers so that they can listen to our voices, not the interests of their big funders.

The Fair Elections Now Act does just that. With over 160 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and national organizations including the NAACP, Sierra Club, National Council of Churches, Brennan Center for Justice, National Organization for Women and many more, the chance to deepen our democracy is real.

We need government of by and for the people, not of bought and paid for by corporations. Call or write your member of Congress today to say you want them to support and vote for “Fair Elections.”

The race for New York’s next Attorney General is close, and we need to help make sure Eric Schneiderman wins!

We’ve set up a system to let you make calls to other New Yorkers to tell them about Eric and his lifelong, progressive crusade to make New York a better place to work and live.

Sign up to make calls for Eric Schneiderman now!

Citing his progressive record in support of social, radical and economic justice, Citizen Action of New York, a statewide, grassroots organization with over 20,000 members, announced its endorsement of Adriano Espaillat for NYS Senate in the 31^st District.

“Adriano has a proven ability to lead,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York.  “We look forward to working with him as a progressive champion in the fight for fair taxes, quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and fair elections.  For nearly 30 years, Citizen Action of New York’s members have fought to bring social, racial and economic justice to our communities across the State- Adriano has a distinguished record fighting for these justices in the Assembly and we know he will continue to be a forward-thinking advocate for equality in the Senate, who will work to protect our communities, before protecting big money interests and their lobbyists.”

“I am honored to have Citizen Action’s endorsement,” said Adriano.  “I have spent my career fighting to improve our communities and ensure that all persons are protected by the same civil rights and social justices.  I have always been an advocate for immigrants’ rights, same-sex marriage equality, tenant protections, affordable health care, fair taxes and quality education.  Citizen Action of New York is a fantastic organization that I know will offer invaluable support for these causes while I am in the Senate.”

Citizen Action of New York has already endorsed Eric Schneiderman for New York State Attorney General.

Adriano has also earned the support of numerous other labor union, elected officials and district leaders like, SEIU Local 32BJ, SEIU 1199 United Healthcare Workers East, NYSUT/UFT/PSC, the Working Families Party, CWA Local 1180, Gay and Lesbian Independent Democrats, Community Free Democrats, Congressmen Charles Rangel and Eliot Engel, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Former Bronx Borough President and 2005 Democratic nominee for Mayor Fernando Ferrer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, NYC Comptroller John Liu, Senators Tom Duane, Bill Perkins, Jose Peralta and Eric Schneiderman, Assembly Members Jeffrey Dinowitz, Herman “Denny” Farrell Jr. and Linda Rosenthal, Council Members: Ydanis Rodriguez; Melissa Mark Viverito, Oliver Koppell, Inez Dickens and Julissa Ferreras. 

Adriano Espaillat is one of New York State’s leading voices on immigration reform, tenants rights, urban education and economic development. As State Senator Adriano will fight for reforms that will restore the public’s confidence in our state government, bring resources to our public schools, protect tenants and assist small businesses in our communities.  

New York City:

Congress:

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (CD14)

State Senate:

Senator Bill Perkins (SD30)
Adriano Espaillat (SD31)
Gustavo Rivera (SD33)

Capital District:

State Senate:

Senator Neil Breslin (SD46)

Western New York:

State Senate:

Senator Antoine Thompson (SD60)
Tim Kennedy (SD58)

State Assembly:

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (AD144)

“Citizen Action of New York’s members have fought for 27 years to bring social, racial and economic justice to our communities across New York,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Each of the candidates and incumbents we’ve endorsed have proven their ability to lead, and we look forward to working with them as progressive champions in the fight for fair taxes, quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and fair elections.”

“We’re proud to endorse this slate of candidates to be our representatives in Albany and in Washington,” said Té Revesz, member of the Board of Directors of Citizen Action of New York. “Our state and our nation are facing trying times. These progressive leaders will work for the best interests of all New Yorkers.”

“We need our representatives in Albany to fight for what our communities need: quality education for our kids, an expansion of health care resources, and a tax policy that doesn’t balance the budget on the backs of working families,” said Dr. Satasha Green-Stephen, Chair of the Western New York Chapter of Citizen Action of New York. “This progressive slate of candidates will work to protect our communities, before protecting big money interests and their lobbyists.”

Citizen Action of New York has already endorsed Eric Schneiderman for New York State Attorney General.

For Immediate Release: August 25, 2010

Citizen Action Announces Endorsements for 2010 Primary

Today, Citizen Action of New York, a statewide, grassroots organization with over 20,000 members, announced it’s choices for candidates in the 2010 primary. All candidates were endorsed unanimously by Citizen Action’s Board of Directors for their positions and records in support of social, racial and economic justice.

New York City:

Congress:

Rep. Carolyn Maloney (CD14)

State Senate:

Senator Bill Perkins (SD30)

Adriano Espaillat (SD31)

Gustavo Rivera (SD33)

Capital District:

State Senate:

Senator Neil Breslin (SD46)

Western New York:

State Senate:

Tim Kennedy (SD58)

Senator Antoine Thompson (SD60)

State Assembly:

Assemblymember Sam Hoyt (AD144)

“Citizen Action of New York’s members have fought for 27 years to bring social, racial and economic justice to our communities across New York,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York. “Each of the candidates and incumbents we’ve endorsed have proven their ability to lead, and we look forward to working with them as progressive champions in the fight for fair taxes, quality education, affordable and accessible health care, and fair elections.”

“We’re proud to endorse this slate of candidates to be our representatives in Albany and in Washington,” said Té Revesz, member of the Board of Directors of Citizen Action of New York. “Our state and our nation are facing trying times. These progressive leaders will work for the best interests of all New Yorkers.”

“We need our representatives in Albany to fight for what our communities need: quality education for our kids, an expansion of health care resources, and a tax policy that doesn’t balance the budget on the backs of working families,” said Dr. Satasha Green-Stephen, Chair of the Western New York Chapter of Citizen Action of New York. “This progressive slate of candidates will work to protect our communities, before protecting big money interests and their lobbyists.”

This is Citizen Action’s first round of state legislative endorsements. Endorsements for other races will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Citizen Action of New York has already endorsed Eric Schneiderman for New York State Attorney General.

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The New York Times published an insightful write-up of how they came to also endorse Eric. Please visit Eric’s campaign site for more information.

Eric Schneiderman is a lifelong progressive Democrat who has spent his whole life fighting for justice: Equal justice regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or identity; Independent justice Without regard to political or special interests; and Progressive justice that takes an activist approach to protecting everyday New Yorkers.

Leading Reformer

• Eric has been a leader in fighting corruption and abuse in state government. He sponsored and passed the first significant ethics overhaul our state has seen in decades.
• As Attorney General, he will continue his work to root out political corruption and will ensure that there are public integrity officers working in every regional office of the Attorney General.

Progressive Champion for Justice

• As founder and co-chair of Legislators Against Illegal Guns, Eric has led a national campaign for rational and effective gun laws.
• A lifelong activist in the pro-choice movement, Eric has fought for women’s reproductive freedom, passing the Clinic Access Bill and the Women’s Health and Wellness Act.
• Eric has sponsored and passed groundbreaking reforms, including the repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws and landmark hate crimes legislation, and is a leader in the fight to enact marriage equality in New York.

Fighter for All New Yorkers As Attorney General, Eric will:

• Promote a smart-on-crime agenda to keep our streets safe and our communities whole.
• Stand up to powerful special interests such as health insurance companies, banks, and other corporate institutions that don’t play by the rules.
• Protect consumers against businesses that engage in crooked and fraudulent schemes.
• Take an activist approach to protecting the civil rights and civil liberties of ALL New Yorkers.

Gustavo Rivera will once again bring dignity and faith to the constituents of the 33rd District and to New York State.  He worked in several capacities and states to build the local frameworks needed to elect President Obama.  He has also worked for Senator Gillibrand and the New York Senate’s Majority Office, and he has also managed several local campaigns.  In sum, Gustavo is a progressive with experience at all levels of government.

Gustavo has earned the trust of his colleagues and is winning a growing list of endorsements from other seasoned progressives and reformers.  We need true and honest representatives – ones who’ll stand up to corruption wherever they may be.  Our representatives shouldn’t use their offices to enrich themselves with money or with power.

We’ve seen several victories this past legislative session – victories like the end to prison-based gerrymandering.  As we continue to advocate for quality health care, quality education, fair elections, jobs for our community, and a fair tax system, Gustavo will work with us.

With Gustavo Rivera as the 33rd District’s Senator, we’ll once again see government work for the public good.

Please take a look at Gustavo’s website if you’d like to get involved with his campaign.

For Immediate Release: August 23, 2010

Citizen Action Endorses Gustavo Rivera for State Senate

Bronx, NY – Citizen Action of New York, a statewide, grassroots organization that fights for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, today announced their support of Gustavo Rivera for State Senate in the 33rd Senatorial District.

“Gustavo Rivera will put the people of New York first. He will fight for the same things so many of our members care about: quality education, affordable health care, and promoting racial justice,” said Té Revesz, a member of Citizen Action of New York’s Board of Directors. “We are proud to get behind his candidacy and will do everything we can to elect him to the State Senate.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Citizen Action of New York,” said Rivera. “The members of this organization know we need real leadership in Albany. This endorsement is another sign of momentum for our campaign and more evidence that the people want real change.”

“Citizen Action of New York wants to accomplish big changes and helping defeat Pedro Espada and electing a true progressive like Gustavo Rivera is an important step,” said Marc Landis, chair of Citizen Action’s New York City chapter. “That makes the September 14th primary in the 33rd Senate District one of the most important contests in the state.”

Rivera’s campaign is also endorsed by elected officials including Former Bronx Borough President Freddy Ferrrer, Bronx Council Members Fernando Cabrera ,Oliver Koppell, Annabel Palma; Borough President Scott Stringer, Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell and Council Members Margaret Chin, Daniel Dromm, Daniel Garodnick, Robert Jackson Brad Lander, Jessica Lappin, Melissa Mark-Viverito and Jumaane Williams; labor unions including AFL-CIO, 1199 SEIU, SEIU 32BJ, Communication Workers of America Local 1180, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, Freelancers Union, Hotel and Motel Trades Council and Organization of Staff Analysts; democratic clubs including 504 Democratic Club, Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, Jim Owles Democratic Club and Stonewall Democratic Club; and progressive groups including the New Roosevelt Initiative and the Working Families Party.

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Local Health Care Activists, Small Business Owners Thank Senator Breslin and State Leaders for New Consumer Protection Law

Passage of “Prior Approval” Will Help Control Skyrocketing Insurance Rates

Albany, NY – Local residents, small business owners, and health care advocacy organizations today joined State Senator Neil Breslin, chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, to announce the passage of a new consumer protection law that gives the State Insurance Department the authority to reject or modify insurance premium rate increases if the increase is unreasonable, excessive, or unfairly discriminatory

In the late 1990s, as part of a push toward deregulation during the Pataki Administration, this system of regulation, known as “prior approval,” was phased out. Because of this, over the past decade health insurance premiums have risen 81%, while real wages only increased by 11%.

“Earlier this year, Congress and the President passed historic health care reform that has already helped thousands of people in America gain greater access to coverage. Thanks to Senator Breslin and New York State government, New Yorkers will now have even further protections to block insurance companies from taking advantage of health care consumers,” said Chris Scoville, Capital District Organizer for Citizen Action of New York. “Senator Breslin’s leadership on this legislation that will help families and small businesses across New York shows that he is squarely on the side of New Yorkers.”

“For too long New York families and small businesses have been faced with the nightmare of choosing between out-of-control premiums or forgoing health insurance. By restoring prior approval, we are bringing smart and responsible regulation to the health insurance industry,” Senator Neil D. Breslin (D-Delmar), Chair of the Insurance Committee and sponsor of the bill said. “The cost of health insurance for New Yorkers has increased at unprecedented levels in recent years. Health insurance premiums rose 81% between 2000-2007, while real wages only increased by 11% in that same time period, meaning that families and businesses across the state are spending more and more of their household budgets on health insurance. This bill restores oversight powers to the State Insurance Department and requires prior approval for any insurance company that wants to raise premiums. I thank Citizen Action for all of their support on this vital legislation.”

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations, Individuals and families who buy coverage on their own, and seniors and people with disabilities who buy Medigap policies will all see a direct benefit from the passage of this legislation.

Insurers in New York will also now have higher requirements of how much of their premium income they must spend on paying claims. 82 cents of every dollar they collect must now go toward paying for care, a level even higher than what the federal government will soon require under the new health care law.

“We applaud the Legislature and the Governor for taking this important step in re-regulating health insurance premium increases. Consumers have been facing out-of-control premium hikes, despite slow wage growth and other household budget pressures. Prior approval will allow the State to keep premium increases in check until federal health reform is fully implemented,” said Carrie Tracy of Health Care for All New York.

“For too long, too many New Yorkers have been priced out of the health insurance market by rates that continued to rise as wages remained static, making access to cancer screenings and treatment out of reach for many families,” said Sherry Tomasky, Regional Advocacy Director, American Cancer Society of NY & NJ. “Granting the state insurance department oversight of rate increases guards consumers against excessive rate hikes and helps to ensure that any hikes are in line with the actual cost of care. Thank you to Senator Breslin for his leadership and commitment to this issue. Along with our coalition partners in Health Care For All New York (HCFANY), the American Cancer Society is proud to have advocated for this issue on behalf of cancer survivors in the Capital District and across New York.”

“Paying for health care is one of the biggest barriers to success I face as a small business owner,” said Elena Giglio, owner of Elena’s Italian Cafe in Albany. “We work hard every day to make ends meet, and it’s not fair that health insurance companies take advantage of hard working New Yorkers. Thanks to this new law, small businesses will be protected from skyrocketing health insurance rates.”

“As a resident of Albany, I’d like to thank my Senator, Senator Breslin, for ensuring that this critical consumer protection bill was passed and signed into law,” said Beverly Padgett. “I’ve been uninsured and have suffered because I wasn’t able to afford health coverage. I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what I did. Because of this new law, more people will be able to afford health coverage and stay healthy.”

For more information on Citizen Action of New York, visit http://citizenactionny.org. For more information on Health Care for All New York, visit http://hcfany.org.

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When Governor Paterson signs the bill, New York will join Maryland and Delaware as the only states to reallocate people in prison back to their home communities for the purpose of drawing legislative district lines.

For too long prison-based gerrymandering not only left incarcerated people in New York State to be used as a means to hog undue partisan power, but also left too many New York communities with a diluted share of representation in their government – a direct violation of the democratic principle of ‘one person, one vote.’ Today, democracy was restored to New York.

Through sponsoring this legislation, Senator Eric Schneiderman and Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries have proven themselves as true progressive champions who have an unfettered commitment to the best interests of all New Yorkers. And, we look forward to working to ensure that Eric Schneiderman is New York’s next Attorney General.

Each and every email sent, phone call dialed, legislative visit made, and donation you gave made an impact on today’s remarkable success. Along with representatives and members from the broad coalition of over 70 statewide organizations that made up the Coalition to End Prison-Based Gerrymandering in New York, your support and presence is what kept this legislation on the minds of each and every legislator in New York State.

When New York State draws new district lines in 2012, you will know that those lines will be drawn more accurately than ever before – that all communities in New York will get the representation they deserve.

When those who say that the voices of Every Street have no power, and that the likes of Wall Street have completely corrupted our political way of life, tell them about this victory. Tell them about this victory and the rally of New Yorkers behind it who organized themselves into an effective voice and ensured ‘one person, one vote’ be restored in New York.

Our government belongs to each of us equally. Now, in delegating legislative representation, we’ve ensured that each and every vote will have its equal force.

Thanks for all you continue to do,

Karen Scharff
Executive Director
Citizen Action of New York