A MESSAGE FROM RURAL & MIGRANT MINISTRY

August 4, 2010

Dear Justice for Farmworkers Partners,
 
Last night, the NYS Senate finally brought the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act to the Senate floor for a debate and vote, and we lost by a vote of 28 YES's and 31 NO's.  I will not pretend that this is not a huge disappointment that stings, but it is not the end of our journey. 
 
HERE IS HOW THINGS UNFOLDED:

Speaking to the measure were Senator Esapada, who gave an excellent and passionate speech, and Sen. Schneiderman, who gave a speech that was befitting of a statesman (quoting Thomas Jefferson).  Further support came from Onorato, Perkins, and Serrano

Those speaking against included: Senators Saland, Mazaiarz, Young, Aubertine, Alesi, Volker, Bonacic, Owen Johnson, Larkin, Ranzenhofer, Little, Nozzolio.

WHAT WAS INSPIRING:

The eloquence and passion of those who spoke to the bill, and their ability to get it to the floor after fifteen years

The courage of three Republicans: Robach, Padavan and Marcellino to vote for the bill (in spite of tremendous pressure)

All of you who joined together to help the voice of the farmworkers be heard.
 
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
 
First, I hope that you will take the chance to thank our Albany folk who worked so hard to move this process. We were led by our Legislative Coordinator - Mr. Jordan Wells and our lead lobbyists: Richard Winsten of Meyers Suozzi, English and Klein along with NYSUT, the NYS Catholic Conference and the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

Please also give great thanks to the Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State and also to the staff of Rural & Migrant Ministry.

The next step is please call your Senator - and either thank her or him for the yes vote, or express your disappointment with a no vote.

And from there, we will figure out the next steps.  It is important to remember that with only two Senators switching from NO to YES, the bill would have been on the way to the Governor for signing. 

Last Updated: 08/04/2010
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State