Invest In Our New York - Tax the Rich, Fund Our Future!

Yesterday we were in Albany for Invest in Our New York Advocacy Day, demanding that Governor Hochul and the legislature act now to ensure that millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. For weeks, New Yorkers have waited for leadership to act as schools brace for cuts and families face impossible choices. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is charging full speed ahead with policies threatening billions in federal funding that our communities rely on. As Sarah Besson, a mother from NYC and one of AQE's Ed Warriors pointed out at yesterday's rally, "the working person contributes 33% of their income to taxes… [while] the wealthy pay only a fraction of that rate." The burden for funding our education and child care systems falls squarely on middle- and lower-income New Yorkers who continue to support a system that too often fails to meet their needs. Sarah Besson (left) speaks up as families and advocates rally for fully funded and equitable public education and child care funding in this year's NYS budget. One urgent crisis facing New York's working families is the child care shortage. New York has surpassed its pre-pandemic capacity for the first time, yet many families still struggle to find care. Why? Because child care workers are being pushed out by poverty wages (earning less than 96 per cent of people in all occupations statewide) with many family-based providers making below minimum wage. Without fair wages, educators are leaving for better-paying jobs, leaving families to pay the price. New York must invest in its child care workforce. A $1.2 billion permanent child care workforce compensation fund would allow providers to offer competitive wages, keep programs open, and ensure families can access care. Instead of balancing the state budget on the backs of working families and underpaid child care educators, our leaders must close loopholes for the ultra-wealthy and fully fund public education, child care, and the services that keep our communities strong. Take action today! 1. Call Governor Hochul at (518) 474-8390 "Hello, my name is [your name] and I'm a resident of [your home district]. I'm calling to urge Governor Hochul to pass the Invest in Our New York package of bill. Our schools, child care system, and vital public programs are on the line, and we cannot afford more cuts. It's time to make sure that millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share." 2. Send an email to your state legislators and tell them New York's working families and students need a transformational state budget this year! 3. Speak up on Bluesky! Use or adapt these sample messages to uplift your voice: @govkathyhochul.bsky.social it's time to make sure our state's millionaires, billionaires, and highly profitable corporations pay their fair share. Fully fund our schools and make #NYSUniversalChildCare a reality. @investinourny.bsky.social! New York's future depends on strong public services. Tax the rich, invest in our schools, and move our state towards #NYSUniversalChildCare @govkathyhochul.bsky.social. #InvestInOurNewYork to build a future that works for all of us. Corporate profits are soaring while our communities face what amount to cuts. @govkathyhochul.bsky.social, prioritize working New Yorkers over billionaires and truly @investinourny.bsky.social by funding #NYSUniversalChildCare and our public schools. Whether or not you were able to join us in Albany yesterday, your actions today will send a clear message: New Yorkers will continue fighting for a fairer tax system that invests in the well-being of us all. In solidarity, Marina Marcou-O'Malley & Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Alliance for Quality Education, please click here.