PEP, April 2008: Albany Caucus Weekend. Power to the workforce

Paterson new governor

David A. Paterson was sworn in as governor of New York State March 17 after Eliot Spitzer resigned March 12.
Paterson, who figured prominently at the February caucus weekend, was elected the state’s 74th lieutenant governor in 2006.
He represented Harlem for two decades in the state Senate, where he became the Democrats’ minority leader. He championed labor, stem cell research, alternative energy, reducing domestic violence and providing equal opportunities for businesses owned by women and people of color.
Paterson, the fourth African American governor in U.S. history, lives in Harlem. He graduated from Columbia University and earned a law degree from Hofstra Law School.
“He has always been a good friend of this union and the labor movement,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts.

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

As the largest labor contingent attending the 37th annual New York State Black, Puerto Rican and Asian Legislators caucus in Albany Feb. 15 through 17, DC 37 activists helped lawmakers better understand the issues all New Yorkers face.

“Empowering a united workforce,” the caucus theme, was emphasized in workshops, plenary sessions and events throughout the weekend.

With Democrats holding most of the top state offices and control of the Senate just one seat away, the Legislature’s readiness to partner with labor to improve public services and the economy was evident.

“We have come a long way from the days when we faced a $400 million budget cut under Pataki,” said DC 37 Political Director Wanda Williams. “We fought long and hard for restorations. Now we have leadership in Albany that understands our needs.”

Friends in Albany
Although state lawmakers face tough budgetary decisions and declining revenues, the current administration has kept education, housing, health care and the state’s economy as its top priorities. Williams said restorations of $32 million to the budget in 2007, and $40 million this year, show that New York lawmakers are supporting public services.

“It is important that we are here in Albany, the seat of the government, where decisions about our future and our children’s futures are made,” said DC 37 Treasurer Maf Misbah Uddin, who also is Local 1407 president. “And it is equally important that the lawmakers see us, see our numbers, and hear from us.”

Local 436 President Judith Arroyo, Local 1549 2nd Vice President Ralph Palladino, activist Carmen Flores, Research and Negotiations Assistant Director Moira Dolan and Williams were panelists and moderators at workshops on the state budget, health care and public hospitals, education, privatization, and immigration. Kings County Civil Court Judge John Stanley, an attorney formerly with DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Service, spoke at the housing workshop on behalf of DC 37.

“When DC 37 takes a position on a cause or an issue, it benefits all New Yorkers,” said state Comptroller Thomas DeNapoli.

Political leaders at the caucus honored DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts; DC 37 President Veronica Montgomery-Costa, who is also Local 372 president; Local 299 President Jackie Rowe-Adams; and Williams to mark their ongoing contributions to improving public services and the quality of life of all New Yorkers. They also presented Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriquez with a Trail blazer Award for his work to politically empower people of color.

“This is our time to focus on our legislative agenda,” Roberts told members and city and state legislators at the union’s reception in Albany. “Politicians who work with us are our friends. If they do not help us, we let them know by not supporting them,” Roberts said.