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Hundreds of protesters gathered in Albany today, chanting “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes.”
However, Legislative leadership remains steadfast in their support for Israel, disregarding a bill proposed by Democratic-Socialist lawmakers to crack down on charities funding what they believe are Israeli war crimes.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza dividing Democrats, the majority of Jewish legislators in New York are standing firm in their support for Israel, refusing to entertain bills critical of the regime.
Assemblymember Amy Paulin emphasized the unity among colleagues in the face of divisive issues, stating that discussions regarding opposition to Israel are rare within the conference.
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and state Sen. Jabari Brisport hosted a rally for a bill aimed at ending New York funding for Israeli settler violence, receiving support from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
While some Democrats express support for the cause but hesitate to back the bill, the proposed legislation faces significant opposition from leaders like Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
In a separate event, New York Building Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera acknowledged challenges in persuading some union members to support President Joe Biden in the upcoming election, citing unique circumstances surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency.
As New York boasts one of the highest unionized workforces in the nation, organized labor holds significant political leverage in the state, potentially influencing the presidential race.
Despite Trump’s efforts to appeal to working-class voters, labor leaders like LaBarbera have endorsed Biden, aiming to maintain support from a key demographic that has been targeted by Trump’s political movement.
He also stopped by a union construction site in Manhattan last month. Union leaders are gearing up for a persuasion campaign aimed at undecided voters. LaBarbera highlighted Biden’s achievements, such as infrastructure spending and pension protections, in an effort to sway voters. Despite some members remaining unconvinced about Biden, LaBarbera emphasized the positive impact the president has had on organized labor. The strained relationship between New York Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council was highlighted when his aide walked out of a hearing on expanding the council’s powers. The mayor’s administration initially refused to testify on the bill, which would give the council more authority over mayoral appointments. Despite challenges, Assembly Member Paulin remains committed to passing legislation addressing issues related to Molineux evidence in sex crime cases. Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins stated that no action would be taken against Senator Parker following allegations of him shoving an advocate. The job market in New York is showing signs of recovery, while Mayor Adams considers revoking Sean “Diddy” Combs’ key to the city amid allegations. The impact of congestion pricing on reducing greenhouse emissions in the state remains uncertain. Please rewrite this sentence.
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