Organizers estimate that well over, 2,100 union activists converged on Albany yesterday. Click here for a YNN news broadcast of yesterday's event.
The event drew a crowd level that many longtime inhabitants said was unprecedented. As well as AFSCME and CSEA members, groups thronging the Capitol complex included statewide contingents of library supporters, tourism professionals and advocates from the New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Human Services Network.
CSEA President Danny Donohue, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous were among the featured speakers at the program before the meetings.
By lunchtime, the line waiting to pass the security gates at the north end of the Empire State Plaza concourse stretched to the underground entrance to The Egg. And, up on the street level, there was more action in West Capitol Park. Groups under the umbrella name of GrowingTogetherNY coalition -- a progressive response to the pro-business Committee to Save New York -- attracted roughly 300 people calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to reduce cuts to education, libraries and other programs.
Bess Watts, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 president said she wasn't very happy about the wait in line at the security check points and the lack of attention in welcoming us at our very own statehouse. She lamented that her group was late for their appointment with Senator Maziarz. She said, "The number of people at the capitol today is riduculous-- the facility and the number of security police can not handle all the people here. Mr. Cuomo said in his inaugaural speech that he wanted to open up government, and then he laid off tour guides and secuity personnel at the Empire State Plaza and created an access problem. So much for vision."
The takeaway from Lobby Day is always a discussion for debate. It is important to realize that a good showing of union support at these events is necessary and very demanding. However, by not showing up, you could give state legislators and your detractors the ammunition they need not to fund or support your cause when push comes to shove. Establishing a one-on-one relationship with your representative is essential for union advocates. Watts and the other CSEA members who attended yesterday's trip all said the same thing. The lobbying experince is, "One of the those things we must do to keep our lawmakers accountable."
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| photo: Ove Overmyer |
Albany, N.Y.-- Hundreds of CSEA activists participated in AFSCME Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 1 at the state Capitol in Albany, where they met with their state senators and Assemblymembers and urged the lawmakers to oppose the governor's proposed state budget cuts and oppose cutting income taxes on wealthy New Yorkers.
Organizers estimate that well over, 2,100 union activists converged on Albany yesterday. Click here for a YNN news broadcast of yesterday's event.
The event drew a crowd level that many longtime inhabitants said was unprecedented. As well as AFSCME and CSEA members, groups thronging the Capitol complex included statewide contingents of library supporters, tourism professionals and advocates from the New York State Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Human Services Network.
CSEA President Danny Donohue, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Republican Deputy Senate Majority Leader Tom Libous were among the featured speakers at the program before the meetings.
Bess Watts, CSEA Monroe County Local 828 president said she wasn't very happy about the wait in line at the security check points and the lack of attention in welcoming us at our very own statehouse. She lamented that her group was late for their appointment with Senator Maziarz. She said, "The number of people at the capitol today is riduculous-- the facility and the number of security police can not handle all the people here. Mr. Cuomo said in his inaugaural speech that he wanted to open up government, and then he laid off tour guides and secuity personnel at the Empire State Plaza and created an access problem. So much for vision."
The takeaway from Lobby Day is always a discussion for debate. It is important to realize that a good showing of union support at these events is necessary and very demanding. However, by not showing up, you could give state legislators and your detractors the ammunition they need not to fund or support your cause when push comes to shove. Establishing a one-on-one relationship with your representative is essential for union advocates. Watts and the other CSEA members who attended yesterday's trip all said the same thing. The lobbying experince is, "One of the those things we must do to keep our lawmakers accountable."
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| Some of the CSEA WNY Region 6 contingent at AFSCME Lobby Day in Albany, N.Y. on March 1, 2011. (photo: Bess Watts) |
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