Our Legislative Priorities:

1. Solutions Not Suspensions (S1040/A5691)
This bill aims to reform school discipline policies by reducing suspensions and encouraging restorative justice practices. We believe every child deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, and this bill ensures that discipline doesn't contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline.

2. Child & Family Wellbeing Fund (A2801/S2821B)
This fund will provide essential resources to families, helping them navigate and access the support systems they need. By investing in child and family well-being, we can prevent crises before they start and address the root causes of family separation.

3. Strengthening New York Paid Medical Leave (A4053B/S2821B)
Paid medical leave is critical to ensuring families have the time and financial security to care for loved ones during illness. We are advocating for stronger, more comprehensive paid leave policies to protect working families across the state.

4. Fare-Free Transit
Access to transportation is essential for families to thrive. We are supporting efforts to make public transit fare-free, ensuring that no one is barred from accessing jobs, education, and essential services due to lack of transportation.

Supporting Coalition Campaigns:

As part of broader coalition efforts, we are also signed on to support the following important initiatives:

- NY MRWG (New York Mandated Reporting Working Group): is a collaboration created to develop policy solutions that address the devastating harm mandated reporting laws inflict on NY families and communities

- Repeal CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act): Fighting against laws that unjustly separate families, especially BIPOC families, under the guise of child protection.

- Fair & Timely Parole / Elderly Parole (S307/A162): We believe in second chances. These bills will provide fair parole hearings for incarcerated individuals, and grant hearings to those who are elderly(55 or older) after 15 years, recognizing the power of rehabilitation and transformation.

- New Deal 4 Youth: The New Deal for Youth is a federal platform of bills designed to support young people by addressing key issues like education, employment, mental health, and racial justice, ensuring equitable opportunities and resources for their future success.

In Development (Priority Campaigns):

- Removing Police from CPS Investigations
Police presence in child welfare investigations can create unnecessary trauma for families, particularly BIPOC families. We are developing a campaign to push for the removal of police from these investigations and advocate for community-based alternatives.

- Look Deeper Campaign
seeks to reform the criminal justice system by addressing concerns over disproportionate prosecutorial control in grand jury proceedings, which often result in manipulated evidence and excessive charges.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

- Clean Hands (A1853/S6769)
This bill prohibits landlords from evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent if the building is in violation of building codes, requiring rent to be paid into a court-maintained interest-bearing account if the violation is disputed.

- Family Miranda Act (S901/A1980)
Just as individuals have rights when interacting with law enforcement, families should be informed of their rights when dealing with Child Protective Services (CPS). This bill ensures families are fully aware of their rights and can protect themselves from unnecessary interventions.

Recent Victories We Celebrate:

- 988 Crisis Hotline
A new, easier-to-remember crisis hotline number for mental health emergencies has been passed, ensuring that individuals in need of help can quickly access support without relying on law enforcement.

- Hidden Foster Care (S5897/A2176)
This bill shines a light on the "hidden foster care" system, where children are informally placed with relatives or others without the legal protections of formal foster care. This law ensures transparency and rights for families.

- Clean Slate (S7551A/A1029C)
We celebrate the passing of Clean Slate, which seals criminal records for individuals who have served their time, allowing them a fair chance to rebuild their lives without the constant burden of a criminal record.

- Good Cause Eviction (A4454/S305)
This law protects tenants from unjust evictions, ensuring that families are not uprooted from their homes without a legitimate reason.