Civics education is integral to the future of our democracy and is a current priority for the LWVR because of the strong connection between civically educated voters and a representative, engaged democracy.  

At the present time in Yonkers, LWVR is working with teachers to encourage students to participate in a comprehensive optional civics education curriculum.  This will  bring a heightened knowledge of the formal system of government in NYS and the US.  In addition the course will give the students  a better understanding of the forces that can change the balance of power, and to develop an improved understanding of how to be an active citizen.  

While this is currently ongoing in Yonkers, in the future the curriculum will be available to all high schools in the Rivertowns.  

SUCCESSFUL LOBBYING BY THE LWVNY AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY GROUPS!

Pollinators are vital members of healthy ecosystems and our food supply chain. Protecting them by limiting toxins that pose adverse effects and health risks is an important step forward in our work to stop poisoning the environment and create a healthier New York.
This Act bans the neonic coatings on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, and lawn and garden uses (with an exception for invasive species treatments). Neonics are linked to massive bee and bird losses that impact food production, contaminate New York water and soil, and create human health concerns, especially with recent testing showing rising levels of neonics in 95+% of pregnant women from New York and four other states.  We thank all who lobbied for passage of this bill, and thank our NYS bi-partisan legislators who voted for its passage!

Former NYC Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney spoke to the LWV-NYS Convention attendees about her work on the national Equal Rights Amendment. She spoke of the history of its passage and ratification, and emphasized the need to still advocate for acceptance of the ratification and certification of the amendment. For more information on this nationwide effort, and to sign the petition, go to:  sign4era.org

The New York State Legislature has successfully passed the Clean Slate Act, which will enable the automatic sealing of misdemeanor convictions after three years and felony convictions after eight years for New Yorkers who have completed their probation/parole, have not had a subsequent conviction, and do not have pending charges.

Sex offenses and non-drug Class A felonies are not included.

Governor Hochul’s signature is the final step needed for New York to lead the nation with the strongest clean slate legislation yet to ensure individuals are not perpetually punished and can participate meaningfully in society.

At our recent annual LWVR meeting we heard summary reports of what we have accomplished this past year, and also some of the plans we have for next year. 
We were delighted to hear a wonderful speaker, historian and Emmy award-winning journalist A’lelia Bundles, the great-great granddaughter of Madam CJ Walker. She presented a fascinating history and slideshow of her famous ancestor, daughter of sharecroppers, who became the most renowned African-AmerIcan entrepreneur in the early 20th century. While living in her magnificent Irvington mansion, Madam Walker became well known as a philanthropist, as well as an influential civil rights and women’s rights activist.