Public Employee Press

Activists gear up for Albany

Union activists and leadership gathered at the 18th annual DC 37 Grassroots Lobbying Institute on April 26 at union headquarters. The activists prepared for their annual trip to Albany on May 6 for a day of lobbying on issues important to members.

The Saturday meeting included an orientation session where the activists were briefed on the issues that make up the union's legislative priorities and that will be addressed in Albany. At the top of the union's list is strengthening the civil service system by amending the one-and-three rules. Robin Roach, General Counsel of the DC 37 Legal Dept., Evelyn Seinfeld, Director of the Research and Negotiations Dept. and Local 1549 member Roberta Burse gave a review of the historical significance of the civil service system and the importance of the Long Beach decision, which is forcing municipalities to reduce their provisional workforce.

Charters are about the money

There was also a discussion on public education and closing the inequality gap through affordable housing. Noah Gotbaum, Vice President of the Community Education Council participated in the discussion and blasted the rise of charter schools. "Charter schools are the latest privatization scheme," said Gotbaum. "This is not about the kids -it's about the money."

Housing activist and Executive Director of the Tenants PAC Michael McKee, emphasized the need to organize and fight for a rent freeze. "Just because Bill de Blasio is in favor of a rent freeze doesn't mean that it will happen," he warned.

Public Advocate Letitia James paid a surprise visit and encouraged the activists to be "specific about your requests when you speak to your legislators."

The keynote speaker for the afternoon was Comptroller Scott Stringer, who thanked the union for its continued support and promised that he would do an audit of the New York City Housing Authority "from top to bottom."

— Alfredo Alvarado