|
This has been a very sad month for good government in New York State. The independent investigation into now former Governor Cuomo’s conduct found that he sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of both federal and state laws, and that he even retaliated against one of his accusers.
The conduct that led to the Governor’s resignation was an egregious abuse of power. As we turn the page on this sad chapter in our state’s history, we must take steps to ensure that this never happens again. Along with other good government groups, we’re calling on the state to adopt a package of ethics reforms. You can read more about that in the policy section of this edition of The Reformer.
We look forward to working with Governor Kathy Hochul to ensure our government is held to the highest ethical standards. New Yorkers deserve a government that they can have the utmost confidence in. There is a lot of work to do to restore the trust that has eroded over the years.
Best,
Betsy Gotbaum
Executive Director, Citizens Union/Citizens Union Foundation
|
|
|
|
Advocating for Ethics Reform in Albany
Over the past several decades, we’ve seen too many scandals in Albany. New Yorkers deserve better than a return to “business as usual.” We need real ethics reform, immediately. That’s why we teamed up with Reinvent Albany, Common Cause New York, League of Women Voters of New York and NYPIRG to call for several steps to be taken that will help address the culture of corruption in Albany and restore the public’s trust in government. You can read more here.
|
|
|
2020 Census Data Released
The results of the 2020 Census are out, and New York City’s population growth exceeded expectations. The City’s population reached 8.8 million, a 7.7% increase from 2010 (compared to the 2.1% growth the City saw between 2000 and 2010). Citizens Union sat on the steering committee for New York Counts 2020. These numbers are a testament to the work that coalition did to ensure we had the resources necessary for a fair and accurate Census count.
Thanks to these efforts, the City funded the most comprehensive Census outreach operation in history. As a result, New York City will continue to receive its fair share of federal funding for programs like early childhood education for low-income children, food assistance for needy families, and maintenance for bridges, roads and public transit.
|
|
|
The Latest on Redistricting
Now that the Census data is in, the Independent Redistricting Commission will crunch the numbers and issue a first draft of maps in September. In the past, maps were drawn that split communities and created districts that were not at all compact or equal in size. Several cities were unnecessarily and excessively split between senate districts and many districts in Upstate New York sprawled across several counties without a reasonable justification. Communities of color across the state were disenfranchised and denied adequate representation. This was done for partisan reasons and to benefit incumbent legislators.
Last week, our Policy Director Ben Weinberg testified before the Commission, calling for an independent, fair, transparent process. Districts should be equal in size, allow for New York’s diversity to be reflected in its representation, and not be designed to benefit a particular party or elected official. You can read our testimony here.
|
|
|
Annual Members Meeting with Comptroller Stringer – 9/22
On September 22, Citizens Union will be conducting its Annual Members Meeting. Only active CU members are able to participate to vote in new members of the CU Board of Directors and to hear from our Board Chair and Executive Director on the state of CU and how they can continue to be involved. The event will also feature New York City Comptroller and 2021 Mayoral candidate, Scott Stringer. Comptroller Stringer will speak on the federal relief funding coming to New York City and how it is and will be spent; as well as the oversight and regulations in place to stave off mismanagement of the funds.
Please ensure your membership is up to date by clicking here
and sending us an email! You can renew your membership here. Finally, if you are already a member in good standing, please look for your meeting materials in the coming weeks.
|
|
|
CU’s Gotham Greats Celebration – 10/21
Join us for our annual Gotham Greats event on October 21 at 6:00 PM at The University Club for a cocktail reception and celebration to honor these “Gotham Greats”:
Barry Berke, Co-Chair of the litigation practice at Kramer Levin, board member at many civic organizations, and advisor to numerous government officials.
Lisa Blau, Founding Partner at Able Partners and active in various ‘get-out-the-vote’ efforts in New York City.
Eleanor Randolph, former Editorial Board Member and contributing Editorial writer for The New York Times, and Director of Citizens Union Foundation’s flagship ElectNYC project.
More information is here. Tickets are available here.
Note: Citizens Union and The University Club are committed to full compliance with all NYS Department of Health and CDC guidelines pertaining to a safe environment for in-person gatherings. To ensure the safety of our guests, proof of COVID vaccination will be required. For more information, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email events@citizensunion.org.
|
|
|
