On behalf of the Labor-Religion Coalition, I want to express huge thanks to everyone that donated, participated in, or fundraised on our behalf for #GivingTuesday! Thanks to your support we were able to raise nearly $2,000, and we are well on our way to meeting our goal of $10,000 by the end of the year. Your contributions will go a long way in helping us to meet our goals in 2023, which include a van tour to deepen our understanding of the issues impacting New York’s most vulnerable communities and continuing to advocate for Campaign for NY Health and End Medical Debt Campaign. Again, thank you—your support plays an enormous role in making this work sustainable for the Labor-Religion Coalition. If you weren't able to make a donation earlier this week, you still can here! Additionally, below you’ll find notes on a few of the Labor-Religion Coalition’s upcoming events. We hope to see you there! In solidarity, Rev. E. West McNeill Executive Director
Upcoming End Medical Debt Forums Between 2015 and 2020, non-profit hospitals in New York State sued over 53,000 patients. Our hospitals are required to offer financial assistance but instead choose to take patients to court, despite receiving over $1 billion in tax support each year. As a result, there’s a growing campaign in New York State to #EndMedicalDebt by growing the power of patients and passing laws that would protect us from predatory hospital billing. To learn more about the campaign—or to get involved— join the Labor-Religion Coalition and our Coalition partners at these upcoming #EndMedicalDebt Forums in December: Tuesday, Dec 6, Albany 5:15pm - Rally and Press Conference (Corner of S Manning and New Scotland Ave) 6:30pm - Community Forum (Bethany Reformed Church, 760 New Scotland Ave) Register here. Thursday, Dec 8, Syracuse 5-7pm - Community Forum (Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S Salina St, Syracuse) Register here. Tuesday, Dec 13, Virtual 6:30pm - Online Forum Register here.
Save the Date: Religion in a Time of Crisis—February 13, 2023
On Monday, February 13, you’re invited to join faith leaders, both lay and clergy, from across New York State for a day-long convening where we will explore the possibilities and challenges of confronting the multiple crises our communities are facing! In particular, we will reflect on the rise of Christian Nationalism and our response to it, ways to connect programs that meet immediate needs to organizing and movement building, and how strengthening connections across our state can help us break down the divisions that weaken our movement.
Sign this letter to Governor Hochul!
New York is the most unequal state in the nation. A new report from the Fiscal Policy Institute shows that ultra-rich New Yorkers (those with wealth over $30 million) hold a staggering $6.7 trillion in wealth. Meanwhile, 8.6 million New Yorkers are poor or low-income. Inequality has cost too much and has hurt too many in New York State: when wealth concentrates at the top, it depresses economic activity and has an outsized influence over government decision-makers. Now is the time to center the needs of those impacted by poverty and demand a policy agenda that benefits everybody. We need a policy agenda that addresses the lives, struggles, agency and insights of the 8.6 million poor and low-income New Yorkers and our allies. Sign this letter to Governor Hochul and join your voice with the poor and dispossessed of New York State to lead a moral revolution of values, and stay tuned for our upcoming report on poverty in New York State, and Poor People's State of the State events!
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