Hi friends,
There are tons of events for learning about the mayoral candidates, so I am not even going to mention them all, consequential though the election will be. Bike NYC hosted in-depth conversations with six candidates on Monday night, and I expect they will post a recording soon if you want to hear candidates talk about bike infrastructure, sustainability, and sharing public space for greater accessibility. [Note: Kathryn Garcia was very well-received in our apartment.]
I am pitching tomorrow night’s Youth Mayoral Forum, hosted by Teens Take Charge, because it will be a conversation about educational equity shaped by the most important stakeholders.
Register here to attend the Youth Mayoral Forum at 5 PM on Thursday.
On behalf of young people, you may wish to contact the president to let him know that he should keep his promise to move away from standardized tests.
Please write to Biden to tell him why he should end federally mandated statewide educational testing. This is a ready-made action.
Senator Michael Gianaris introduced legislation this week that would enable the state to purchase commercial properties in order to convert them to affordable housing. Gianaris’s bill, S5257, is an amendment of the private housing finance law and differs from a related proposal by the Governor because it specifies that its purpose is to provide housing for low-income households and people experiencing homelessness.
Paulette Soltani, political director of the housing advocacy group Vocal-NY, said her group supports Mr. Gianaris’ bill because it gives priority to homeless New Yorkers.
“The legislature has a unique opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the lives of people who have long been ignored by Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio,” Ms. Soltani said in a statement.
The bill has the support of the Hotel Trades Council union, whose members recognize the need for affordable units, a union official said.
The bill is not facing opposition from the Real Estate Board of New York (as of this writing).
Urge your State Senator to support the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act.
Have a great day!
with love,
L