Nonprofit U: Assemblymember Pat Fahy and Kate Breslin on Advocacy in Age of COVID-19

Nonprofit U: Assemblymember Pat Fahy and Kate Breslin on Advocacy in Age of COVID-19

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Kate Breslin and the NYS Assemblymember Patricia Fahy presented a webinar with SUNY Albany Nonprofit U on Advocacy in the Age of COVID-19. They discussed the interaction between public policy, advocacy and nonprofit organizations, including how nonprofits influence—and are influenced by—public decision-making. While this workshop was not solely COVID related, they discussed current affairs and issues that affect today’s policy environment, as well as the total impact of COVID-19 on the Capital Region’s nonprofit entities.

Assemblymember Fahy noted this hopefully short term health crisis, which has caused an upheaval in every aspect of our lives, heightens the importance of advocacy. The economic devastation we are facing is likely to be long term and economic disparities are bound to continue.Thirty-nine percent of those earning under $40K are now unemployed or furloughed and people of color and the less educated have been the hardest hit. Those who are making the policy decisions are not nearly as impacted as those who are paying the price.

Ms. Breslin added how, in light of current events, Schuyler Center has pivoted and reassessed policy priorities. New York needs assistance from the federal government because the state won’t be able to fund all the needs on its own. This recession is likely to last a long time, and New York State is in desperate need of money from the federal government for people who are covered by Medicaid, who need child care subsidies, and/or are working in the child welfare system.

Kate and Assemblymember Fahy both stressed how public policy can either make the ground fertile for opportunity or contribute to its desolation. Our power is in our strength in numbers—our collective voice and ability to convince policymakers about what is right and needed. It is the job of advocates to shine a light on issues often overlooked, and work to build bridges across systems that need alignment.

View the slideshow presentation here.[/vc_column_text]

Our own Dede Hill on WCNY’s Connect NY

Our own Dede Hill on WCNY’s Connect NY

WCNY Connect NYDede Hill, Schuyler Center’s Director of Policy, along with a team of experts (and our close partners), Jasmine Gripper of the Alliance for Quality Education, Dr. Jeff Kaczorowski of The Children’s Agenda, and Kalin Scott of Helgerson Solutions Group, talk with Susan Arbetter about the critical importance of effective public policy supporting young children in their First 1000 Days. June 20, 2019

Click on the image below to watch!

Schuyler Center Featured on the New York Daily News

Schuyler Center Featured on the New York Daily News

At a time when New York’s economy seems to be thriving, many working families are still struggling to make ends meet. At Schuyler Center, we fight daily for policies that enable families to reduce poverty and achieve economic security, and are thrilled to see our work highlighted by the New York Daily News.

On Thursday, May 30th, Schuyler Center, along with The Children’s Agenda, the United Way of New York State and the Fiscal Policy Institute, called on legislators to expand and strengthen New York’s working family tax credits. We were joined by Senator Kevin Parker, Assemblymember Ellen C. Jaffee, Assistant Assembly Speaker Felix Ortiz, and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who encouraged others to stand up for New York’s struggling families.

Poverty – even short stints – can cause lifelong harm to children in all aspects of their lives. That’s why we’re so glad to see our call for the passage of robust tax laws gain momentum in the news. Please read and share this article, in which our own President and CEO, Kate Breslin, was quoted, speaking about the need for change:

“With the economy humming and unemployment at record lows, there is simply no excuse for child poverty that exceeds 20% overall, and nearly 30% among children of color,” she said. “And most children in poverty have parents who are working. New York’s young adults are struggling to gain their footing in the workforce. Working family tax credits make the paychecks of working New Yorkers stretch so they can move themselves and their children out of poverty.”

You can also view a short video of the event on Twitter.

Schuyler Center, along with The Children’s Agenda, the United Way of New York State and the Fiscal Policy Institute, called on legislators to expand and strengthen New York’s working family tax credits

Photo credit to the Fiscal Policy Institute

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