EcoSocialists Push Public Power

Augie Faller tells Theresa Alt how the EcoSocialist Working Group of Ithaca DSA is in a statewide coalition to push a NYS bill that would let the State generate power and supply it to customers. Another bill would ensure that this Power Authority is democratically run. It would move quickly to renewables, caring for the planet and the people rather than profit. Jason Cortell tells about existing municipal power systems such as in the Village of Groton, his home. The Working Group also will help people facing shutoffs. Recorded March 31, 2021.

Bronx Hunts Point Workers Win

René Rojas interviews Alex Hastings. Hunts Point is the biggest fruit and vegetable market in the country. Workers there struck over $1/hour and won. New York City DSA supported by joining the picket line and bringing needed supplies. Other workplaces too are organizing. The Biden administration and Democratic majorities may present opportunities for better labor legislation like the PRO Act and a better NLRB. Recorded February 5, 2021.

Taxing the Rich

Maribel Tineo interviews Jeremy Cohan about the campaign to levy higher taxes on the rich and especially on the super-rich in New York State’s budget. The increased revenue is necessary to achieve everything we want the state to do. People love the idea. The campaign is also a chance to build socialist power. Recorded January 17, 2021.

Tax the Rich

Tax fairness activist John Paraskevopoulos tells Theresa Alt about New York City DSA’s Tax the Rich campaign and the broader statewide coalition Invest in Our NY. The campaign aims to tax high incomes with a state income tax that is higher for the very rich and to tax investment income the same as wages. It would tax wealth by taxing inheritances as well as extending the property tax to property other than people’s homes. It would put more taxes on Wall Street. Recorded January 8, 2021.

ICE Gets Nasty: Immigrants in Danger

Patricia Rodriguez of the Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition tells David Foote about ICE detention at Batavia near Buffalo. It has long been an unpleasant place, especially since COVID-19. However, ICE has recently used trickery to deport detainees surreptitiously. Only intervention from outside activists can win releases. Recorded December 21, 2020.

First Steps to Rent Control

Rebecca Garrard tells David Foote about New York State housing laws. New York City tenants had won protections long ago, but only in 2019 were upstate cities allowed to opt in to ETPA to win limits on rent increases, though only for buildings with six or more units built before 1974. It was a great step forward, but yet more laws are needed to protect tenants. Recorded December 8, 2020.

New York Health: Inside View

Maribel Tineo talks about the importance of passing the New York Health Act. She interviews Scott Marsland, a registered nurse, who talks about the interest nurses and all healthcare workers have in passing that bill. He has seen first hand the strengths of US healthcare, e.g. in trauma medicine, but also the weaknesses in primary care. Recorded October 23, 2020.