THREAD: Today, as we’ve done every Saturday for almost a year, organizers from across the state gathered to build power and deliver a New York State where all can prosper. Today emotions were particularly high. #BudgetJustice /1

This week the @NYSenDems & @NYSA_Majority ended another seemingly ad-hoc week of session WITHOUT addressing the devastating financial impact that #COVID19 is having on our state. #BudgetJustice revenue bills weren’t even discussed! Why you ask? /2

. @NYGovCuomo @AndreaSCousins & @CarlHeastie all say we’re waiting for Federal Relief before they decide to act. For the Governor, he’s made his plans clear. Regardless of what comes from DC, massive budget cuts, not taxes on the wealthy are coming. /3

On the other hand @AndreaSCousins & @CarlHeastie have left the potential to raise revenue on the table but still want to wait. Wait for Mitch McConnell? Wait for Donald Trump? The Federal Governemnt isn’t going to solve our problems. But our state leaders can! #BudgetJustice /4

But this isn’t even the full story. Prior to #COVID19 NY ranked #1 in inequality. We needed new revenue prior to #COVID19! And the @NYSenDems and @NYSA_Majority know it. For years the budget has been balanced on the backs of poor, Black, and Brown New Yorkers. #BudgetJustice /5

And for years the @NYSenDems & @NYSA_Majority have blamed the budget process. They claim their lack of constitutional powers have hindered them to deliver on their promises. Enter @SenatorBiaggi and @DickGottfried.... #BudgetJustice /6

. @SenatorBiaggi & @DickGottfried introduced the #BudgetEquityAct to grant the state legislature balanced power with the Executive in the budget process. No brainer right? Bad Budgets = Not Enough Power. More Power = Better Budgets. @NYSenDems @NYSA_Majority words, not ours! /7

And yet, session has passed & no #BudgetEquityAct. No vote was called out of fear of retribution from the Governor. If the Governor is to be feared for creating a more representative democracy, maybe his interests aren’t with the people of NY after all? /8

Electing Democrats in November up and down the ticket is one of the most urgent tasks we have. But make no mistake, it will not alone solve the systemic inequities our communities are facing. Which is why we fight so hard to hold our current electeds to account here in NY. /9

If our current Dem majorities in NY won’t deliver #BudgetJustice, we know what to do: we will build more power. Thrilled to be in coalition with @strongforall @NYWFP @nycDSA @IndivisibleTeam groups and many more. If the @NYSenDems & @NYSA_Majority won’t do the work, we will! /end