The League of Women Voters of the United States encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League is proud to be nonpartisan, neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties at any level of government, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.
The League of Women Voters of Utica-Rome Metro Area serves the people of Utica, Rome, Herkimer and the surrounding areas of Upstate NY.
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One Person One Vote
This week marks the ratification of the 17th amendment, allowing voters to directly elect our Senators to a six year term. Direct election of our representatives is key to a successful democracy, which is why the League is working long term to abolish the Electoral College! Read more here and learn how you can take action.
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Action Alert!
As we noted in previous Legislative Updates, Governor Hochul is seeking to weaken and delay key provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The climate law set specific goals for curtailing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions: 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, and 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The legislation required the state to issue regulations that would lead to meeting the CLPCA’s emissions goals by 2024.
The Governor has proposed pushing back the deadline for issuing emissions regulations to the end of 2030 (a roughly seven-year delay) and changing the methodology used to count greenhouse gas emissions. This week we sent a letter to the Governor and Legislative Leaders asking them not to make any changes to this legislation. Read the letter here.
Take action and to tell Governor Hochul to defend New York State's climate law.
Call Governor Hochul at 518-474-8390
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm calling on behalf of the League of Women Voters of [LOCAL LEAGUE] to urge Governor Hochul to uphold the goals of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Delaying or weakening the law will saddle New Yorkers with unnecessary fossil fuel costs and will further push our planet into a climate crisis. I urge the Governor to reject any legislation or policy that retreats from the CLCPA's commitments