Ulster Regional Chamber of Commerce Breakfast

I attended the Chamber Breakfast this morning with featured speaker Congressman Pat Ryan with low expectations of the event and was in awe of the outcome, so thought I should share this with my fellow League members.

First off, the Congressman was repeatedly interrupted by activists supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. He was incredibly gracious and patient with them as the interrupters were escorted one by one from the venue by Secret Service personnel.

Congressman Ryan explained that he knew who these people were and had a number of conversations with them in the past. He went on to outline his concerns about the current state of the House of Representatives and spoke about his positions on many other issues like gun control, border security and the status of the Middle East, calling out by name the leadership of both Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and Gaza, Hamas.

When the floor opened for questions from the audience, he again addressed the war in Gaza with an audience member concerned with what our government is doing to promote a ceasefire. He said he has a 7-point proposal for peace and that will definitely include a 2-state solution and would be happy to share that.

Another audience member stood to discuss a more local issue with healthcare and complimented the Congressman on his unwavering support and assistance to Ellenville Hospital, which has made all the difference to them.

Another audience member brought up the FAFSA program for her college-age children. He did not have an immediate answer and asked her to follow up with his office so they could discuss it further. A staff member gave her a card so she could do that.

There was so much more to this event than I can explain here and I’m sure media will provide more details in the coming days. I had to leave the breakfast for an urgent personal matter even as Congressman Ryan continued to interact with audience members, kindly going far over his expected speaking time.

On the way out I did take a brief moment to speak with Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and Undersheriff Mullen, about coming to the jail for a voter registration/education visit before the Presidential Primary in April. He appreciated the offer and I will follow up with him to do that.

Finally, on my way out of the parking lot, I encountered a large group of protesters that blocked my way so they could get a photo of their group.

Ulster County Sheriffs and Kingston City Police Departments were on hand to ensure smooth passage for the Chamber crowd when the event ended.

This was a spectacular event and I’m so very glad I decided to get up in the dark and brave the bad weather to be there. It has been substantially harder to do so since I’m no longer working but you can be sure I’ll do it again!

I encourage every member to choose a community organization to join and support. Networking opportunities and interesting programming abound in every county.

I chose the UC Regional Chamber partly because their support of our League’s activities is long and excellent. We are part of their annual Candidate Events and hope to continue. LWVMHR is a member of this Chamber and you are welcome to sign up for events with your LWVMHR membership.

I encourage all members to find your own place and reap the benefits of being part of your neighborhood. You’ll be glad you did for so many reasons.

Oh, and don’t forget to wear your League pin as long as your chosen organization is non-partisan.

Respectfully submitted, Cindy Bell

New York Times Article Highlights Important New Laws for 2024:

Schools have to make voter registration forms available

As part of a law intended to teach young people “that their voice matters in the political process,” most schools in New York will be required to provide eligible students with voter registration and preregistration forms during the school year. Preregistration allows 16- and 17-year-olds to ensure they can vote once they turn 18.

The legislation, which lawmakers hope will promote long-term civic engagement after years of abysmal voter turnout among young people, also requires schools to help students fill out the registration forms.

Inmates must be told of their voting rights before release

Those who have been previously convicted of a felony must be notified — both verbally and in writing — before they are released from a state correctional facility that their voting rights will be restored once they get out.

The facility’s chief administrative officer must also provide those who are leaving with a voter registration application and offer assistance in filling it out, should they choose to do so.

AAUW invites NYS LWV Deputy Director to speak about the NYERA

Saturday, March 9 at 10:30AM

Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Rd, Elmsford and via Zoom

Visit https://greenburghlibrary.libcal.com/event/10921598 for inperson or virtual registration.

Come learn about the NYERA Amendment that will be on your ballot this November. SPEAKER Erica Smitka, Deputy Director at the League of Women Voters of New York State, will speak about what this amendment to the NY State Constitution means and how important it is for every New Yorker.

Black Church Coalition Names Voting Among Priorities

"The Christian Century" magazine reports that The Conference of National Black Churches is partnering with The National Action Network in a new joint get-out-the-vote initiative that will train clergy and organizers this year.

Special Thanks Are In Order for These Folks and Businesses That Help Us Do Our Work!

Anthos USA (match via Beveridge)
Auchincloss, Stuart and Susan
Beinkafner, Kathie
Bell, Cindy and Don
Brice, Christine and Frank
Buckley, Alison
Cane, Lee
Carroll, Matt
Casatuta, Fay
Cernos, Christina
Charwat, Ellie and Martin
Chase, Helen
Chin, Betty
Colclough, Sally
Doty, Lisa
Fallert, Johanna
Frazier, Cecily and Mike
Gardiner, Kevin and Eric Beveridge
Giannascoli, David
Handel, Shirley Havnaer, Adriana and Doug
Huntley, Phyllis
Menking, Kirsten
Redmond, Mary
Scherer, Nora
Sellers, Margaret and Vic Melville
Smith, Jane Simkin
Thompson, Dare and Doug
Tyler, Daisy
Waslyn,Gloria/Ulster
Co.Women's Network
Weissman, Alicia
Whitecliff Winery/Yancey Migliore