Time Range For Action Alert:
Dec 10 2020 to Jan 10 2021In February of 2020, the League submitted testimony advocating for funding for the Commission to accomplish its intended goals. We highlighted the cost factors associated with the new Commission including staff, mapping software, and travel for the Commissioners and their Executive Directors. The state appropriated $750,000 for the Commission through the Department of State's budget but these funds still have not been released.
The Commission has started its work by hiring Co-Executive Directors and holding regular meetings to set its goals and agenda.At its most recent meeting, Commissioner Martins stated that the Commission was more than 8 months behind because of the delay in the release of this funding.
This is a gross injustice to democracy and the people of New York State. Without these funds, the public has no way to participate in this redistricting process as the Commission has no way to hire staff to undertake major projects including creating a public website, collaborating and meeting with organizations representing diverse communities throughout the state, and scheduling the 12 public meetings set to be held in the coming year.
The Commission has sent several letters to the Governor, Legislative Leaders, and Division of Budget and still these funds have not been released.
Take Action!
Act now! Call Governor Cuomo's office and urge him to release these funds so the Commission can start its critical work.
Call (518) 474-8390
Or send an email through the Governor's website here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
Call/Email Script
Hello,
I am calling/emailing to urge Governor Cuomo to order the Department of State to immediately release $750,000 in funding appropriated to the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission so that they can begin their critical work.
New York's first Independent Redistricting Commission has begun preparing to draw legislative lines based on 2020 census data by holding regular meetings and hiring Co-Executive Directors. However, without access to this funding the Commission has no way to pay their staff, set up a public website, or plan for the constitutionally mandated 12 public hearings set to take place in 2021.
Because of this delay in funding the Commission is now more than 8 months behind their planned schedule. I urge the Governor to ensure these funds are released immediately.
