Be part of the action this semester as the PSC works to secure funding for CUNY and our contract through the legislative process. Tell lawmakers of your needs as an educator or CUNY staff member. Sign up and attend a lobby day in your borough or in Albany. Come to a PSC Legislation Committee meeting. Join with your colleagues in the fight for a better life for CUNY students and the whole CUNY community. To find out how to get involved, contact Kate Pfordresher at [email protected].
Early February | PSC Legislative Ad Campaign
Internet banner ads targeting state lawmakers, radio ads in Albany and social media ads targeting voters in key legislative districts will make the case for state investment in CUNY. An earlier PSC ad campaign displayed 6.6 million times in targeted Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Tuesday, February 2, 12:00 pm | Alliance for Quality Education Press Conference / LCA Press Room – Legislative Office Building, Albany
PSC First Vice President Mike Fabricant joins education advocates and community activists to speak at the “Stand Up for Our Kids” event, calling on legislators and the governor to adequately fund public education, from elementary school through college.
Thursday, February 4, 7:00 pm | State of the City Address / Lehman College
Mayor Bill de Blasio will deliver the annual address in which he outlines legislative proposals and policy directions for the upcoming year.
Monday, February 8 | State Budget Hearing / State Capitol, Albany
Joint Higher Education Committee hearing on the governor’s executive budget. PSC President Barbara Bowen is scheduled to testify.
Wednesday, February 10, 6:00 pm |Legislation Committee Meeting / PSC, 61 Broadway, 15th floor
Join union activists to discuss legislative strategy and urge elected officials to support increased funding for CUNY and issues concerning faculty, staff and students. The committee conducts interviews of candidates for political office and makes recommendations for union endorsements. All members are welcome.
Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 14 | Caucus Weekend / Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany
New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators’ Caucus will hold its 45th annual conference, “Restoring Faith & Justice,” where attendees will discuss how to expand and maintain programs that benefit their constituencies. On Saturday, PSC President Barbara Bowen will participate in a panel discussion on higher education opportunity programs at CUNY and SUNY as part of the caucus weekend activities.
Wednesday, February 24 & Thursday, February 25 | Student-Faculty-Staff Higher Education Action Day / State Capitol, Albany
College faculty, staff and students from across the state, including PSC members, will meet with New York lawmakers on Thursday to discuss the need to adequately fund higher education. The PSC, New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), CUNY University Student Senate (USS), New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and United University Professions (UUP) are part of the coalition effort.
March
Early March (Date TBD) | Hearings on the mayor’s preliminary executive budget / City Hall
The New York City Council holds hearings for all city agencies in order to ensure that the budget meets New Yorkers’ priorities. PSC officers will testify before the council’s Higher Education Committee on Mayor de Blasio’s preliminary executive budget. The mayor’s executive budget will be released in April. The council and mayor must agree on a final budget by July 1, the start of the next fiscal year.
Monday, March 7 – Tuesday, March 8 | NYSUT Committee of 100 Lobby Days / State Capitol, Albany
PSC members join NYSUT educators from across the state to lobby state legislators on important issues, including state funding for K-12 and higher education and legislation impacting union members’ interests, such as job security, pensions and health and safety.
Tuesday, March 15, 6:00 p.m. | PSC Legislation Committee / PSC, 61 Broadway, 15th floor
Friday, March 18 – Sunday, March 20 | Somos El Futuro Conference / Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany
Hosted by the New York State Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force, the conference convenes lawmakers, academics, business and labor leaders to engage with key issues to address the needs of the Hispanic population in the state.
April
(Date TBD) | CUNY at the Council / City Hall, 250 Broadway
Together with CUNY’s University Student Senate and the student advocacy organization, New York Public Interest Research Group, PSC members meet with city council members to discuss improving funding for CUNY community colleges and programs, higher education issues and how the council can support the needs of students, faculty and staff.
Tuesday, April 12, 6:00 pm | PSC Legislation Committee / PSC, 61 Broadway, 15th Floor
May
Wednesday, May 18, 6:00 pm | PSC Legislation Committee / PSC, 61 Broadway, 15th Floor
Thursday, May 19 & Friday, May 20 | District Lobbying with the PSC / various district offices
Groups of union members will meet with key elected officials in their district offices. Following up on earlier conversations at the capitol and City Hall, PSCers will press legislators on the importance of adequate higher-education funding and needed legislation to support CUNY faculty, staff and students – and the elected leader’s own constituents.
June
Wednesday, June 8 | PSC Legislation Committee / PSC, 61 Broadway, 15th floor
