December 19, 2024
That’s a Wrap on 2024!
On behalf of NYUUJ, I’d like to thank you for an amazing year. Because of you, we were able to do so many things, including but not limited to:
Hold seminars and meetings on our various focus issues
Rally in Albany to pass specific legislation
Create Issue Teams to connect you more directly to the work
Canvass in Pennsylvania to help UU the vote
Host our first ever in-person Justice Convocation
As we head into 2025, there are a number of ways to get involved in the work, including:
Letting State lawmakers know you support Medical Aid in Dying
Signing the Faith Based Affordable Housing Act Petition
Join a virtual grassroots lobbying event with NY Renews
Attending the Housing Justice for All rent freeze meeting on January 11th
Thank you and see you in 2025!
-Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, Program Manager
Get Ready for the Legislative Session!
PREPARING FOR JANUARY
January marks the beginning of a new legislative session when representatives elected on November 5th will take their seats in Albany. The Senate and Assembly will convene for the first time in 2025 on Wednesday, January 8. The next week, on Tuesday, January 14th, Governor Hochul will deliver her State of the State message. She already announced an “Inflation Refund” as the first of her proposals. By January 21, the Governor will submit her Executive Budget to the Legislature, containing the details of the plans she announces in the State of the State, as well as the budgets for state agencies and the programs they administer.
These events launch an intense period of legislative hearings, analysis, recommendations and negotiation, all with the goal of enacting a budget before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. And this is the time to make our voices are heard on the issues we care about!
Ways to Support MAID This January
FROM THE MAID ISSUE TEAM
Register here for Lobby Days at the Capitol from January through June. When you register, Compassion and Choices will send you details about the event.
Register for January 8 to welcome lawmakers to the 2025 legislative session.
Register for January 14 to deliver literature to lawmakers and march through the Empire State Plaza to bring attention to MAID on the day of the Governor’s State of the State address.
Register for January 28 to attend a moving and informative panel discussion about MAID.
Statue of Liberty over a background of clouds. Text reads ”Protect Abortion and our freedoms. Prop 1. Commit to vote yes!”
Other News
CLIMATE CHANGE MASS MOBILIZATION
2025 will be the first year there is dedicated climate justice revenue in New York State to implement our landmark Climate Law. Join NY Renews at the NYS Capitol January 22nd to mobilize and lobby for the Fund Climate spending agenda, which would put communities at the center of the energy transition.
SIGN UP FOR AN ISSUE TEAM
Looking for a way to come together post-Convocation to work on one of the NYUUJ focus issues? Sign up for an NYUUJ Issue Team! This is a chance for greater involvement and to share your commitment and expertise in a specific justice area.
PAROLE JUSTICE ADVOCACY DAY
Join the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice on January 28th for a parole justice advocacy day in Albany to free our loved ones and make all communities safer. We’ll gather in the NY State Capitol for rallies, creative actions, communal meals, and a press conference. Food & transportation provided.
JOIN THE NYUUJ BOARD
NYUUJ is looking to add members to its board. We’re looking for both clergy and lay leaders with a variety of experiences and skills. No previous board experience is required. While we’re especially looking for folks in Upstate and Western New Yorker, we welcome any interested parties to reach out.
Check out Board member description here