Tag: Political Action

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Featured News

Oneonta UUP Delegation in Albany Advocate for Stronger Investment in SUNY

UUP Oneonta Advocacy Day Representatives: Penina Kamina, Ethan Fox, Jessie Simpauco, Shirley Clark, Anthony Nichols, and Marvin Rodriguez

by Shirley A. Clark
UUP Oneonta Chapter
President

Despite the date shifting to March 17 due to winter storm Hernando, the Oneonta UUP Chapter still turned out to be a strong group of members committed to advocating for investment in SUNY. A dedicated team of SUNY Oneonta faculty and professionals traveled to Albany for Advocacy Day, joining colleagues from across the state to push for meaningful funding for public higher education. Representing SUNY Oneonta were Ethan Fox, Penina Kamina, Anthony Nichols, Jessie Simpauco, Shirley Clark, and Marvin Rodriguez, each lending their voice to a unified call for a stronger, more equitable SUNY. Our team had the opportunity to speak directly with Assemblyman Brian Miller and advocate for our SUNY budget priorities. Ethan Fox stepped forward to make a video with a strong message to Governor Hochul: Tax the Rich! Meanwhile, Anthony and Marvin went on to distribute literature containing our requests to Legislatures inside the Capitol Building. Our district Senator, Peter Oberacker, unfortunately was not present at this meeting, so we followed up with an e-mail request outlining the UUPs Budget priorities for SUNY.

UUP Oneonta Advocacy Day Representatives: Penina Kamina, Ethan Fox, Jessie Simpauco, Shirley Clark, Anthony Nichols, and Marvin Rodriguez
UUP Oneonta Advocacy Day Representatives: Penina Kamina, Ethan Fox, Jessie Simpauco, Shirley Clark, Anthony Nichols, and Marvin Rodriguez.
UUP Oneonta President Shirley Clark with NYS Assemblyman Brian Miller at Advocacy Day
UUP Oneonta President Shirley Clark with NYS Assemblyman Brian Miller at Advocacy Day.
UUP Statewide President Fred Kowal gives an inspirational speech
UUP Statewide President Fred Kowal gives an inspirational speech.
UUP Oneonta Advocacy Day Representatives: Ethan Fox, Jessie Simpauco, Anthony Nichols, and Marvin Rodriguez enjoying the presentation.
UUP Oneonta Advocacy Day Representatives: Ethan Fox, Jessie Simpauco, Anthony Nichols, and Marvin Rodriguez enjoying the presentation.
UUP Oneonta Chapter President Shirley Clark and Academic Delegate Penina Kamina
UUP Oneonta Chapter President Shirley Clark and Academic Delegate Penina Kamina.

Key Budget Priorities Presented by the Delegation

Campus Operating Aid

  • $141.8 million total, including:
    • $100 million in system‑wide operating support
    • $41.8 million in targeted aid to close structural deficits at the most fiscally stressed SUNY Campuses ESF, Buffalo State, Fredonia, and Potsdam. This funding is essential to stabilizing campuses, protecting academic programs, and preventing further cuts.

Full‑Time Faculty & Professionals

  • $53 million to expand and retain full‑time faculty and professional staff across all 29 state‑operated campuses This investment would help reverse years of staffing erosion and ensure students receive the high‑quality education they deserve.

SUNY Teaching Hospitals

  • Full coverage of employee fringe benefits and debt service costs for Downstate, Upstate, and Stony Brook for $75 million.
  • Requesting $82 million for Debt Service Costs.
  • Approve Executive Budget item maintaining Capital Funding Reappropriations. $750 million for Downstate and $450 million for Upstate Medical Centers.
  • Protection from federal Medicaid cuts. These measures would safeguard the hospitals’ ability to provide care, train medical professionals, and serve vulnerable communities.

Educational Opportunity Programs

  • $20 million increase for EOP
  • $5 million for Pre‑Medical EOP
  • Enactment of MHEOP (S.2046/A.3607) with $5 million in funding
  • These programs remain vital pathways for first‑generation and economically disadvantaged students.

NY Opportunity Promise Scholarship

  • Expansion to all SUNY campuses offering associate degrees in high‑demand fields Currently, the scholarship is limited to community colleges, leaving many SUNY students without access to this opportunity.

SUNY Research Fund

  • Creation of a state‑sponsored fund to offset frozen federal NIH/NSF grants This would protect faculty research independence and ensure SUNY remains competitive in securing and sustaining research talent.

A Unified Message for a Stronger SUNY

The SUNY Oneonta delegation’s presence in Albany underscored a simple truth: New York’s public universities are indispensable, but they cannot thrive without meaningful state partnership. Our commitment and strong turnout for Oneonta UUP on Advocacy Day reflects a shared assurance to strengthening SUNY; not just for today’s students, but for generations to come.

For a downloadable, printable version of this article please click here or see below:

3-19-26 Advocacy Day ArticleDownload »
Categories
Events

No Kings 3.0 Info

Event poster for No Kings 3 on Saturday, March 28th. Further details in the post.

This post will be updated with new information regarding the 3rd No Kings rallies as it is released by local organizers.

RSVP for the March 28th No Kings 3.0 rally here:

RSVP HERE »

On March 28, communities across the nation will unite for No Kings Day, a day of action dedicated to defending the freedoms that uphold our democracy. This is a peaceful, people-powered movement calling for a future where every voice is heard, every idea can be expressed, and every individual can live and work with dignity and freedom. Together, we can ensure that our academic institutions and communities remain places of open inquiry, debate, and freedom of thought.

This day is about standing firm for the values that unite us. In a time when diverse ideas and perspectives are increasingly under attack, we stand firm in our belief that the freedom to speak, teach, research and learn without fear of retribution is essential to the integrity of our democracy and our institutions of higher learning.

We invite you to participate by attending an event or amplifying the message online. If you are planning on joining an event – please register with UUP HERE and we will register you with the No Kings location of your choosing. If you have already registered directly with the official No Kings Day event, please also register through this UUP registration link. Registering with UUP will ensure that we can coordinate, share signs, and support one another at these actions.  

If you are speaking at an event and would like talking points, please reach out to UUP Communications Director, Mike Lisi (mlisi@uupmail.org).

Key Tools and Resources:

We have the power and are claiming it together. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.

What began in 2025 as a single day of defiance has become a sustained national resistance to tyranny, spreading from small towns to city centers and across every community determined to defend democracy. Our peaceful movement is bigger than ever.

When our families are under attack and costs are pushing people to the brink, silence is not an option. We will defend ourselves and our communities against this administration’s unjust and cruel acts of violence.

On March 28th, rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it. Join us.

A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

Categories
Articles

ICE and the Crisis of Our Times: UUPers Participate in Indivisible Alliance

by Bill Simons, Secretary

Photos contributed by Ethan Fox, Rob Compton, and Nancy Simons

People at a rally
Of the people, by the people, for the people!

These are not ordinary times. In conjunction with the leaders of other unions, State UUP President Fred Kowal underlines the seriousness of the situation in America 2026:

“Most disturbing has been the use of deadly force by federal law enforcement, chiefly by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including the recent murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Victims include those killed while in custody at internment camps as well as those peacefully protesting or simply witnessing ICE agents conducting their ‘operations.’ The power of the state to kill is not one that can or should ever be used indiscriminately. Yet, that is what is happening in our country right now.”

Source: UUP

The terms and conditions of UUP employees do not exist within the vacuum of an imagined ivory tower. SUNY Upstate Medical University employee and UUP member Alcibiades Lazaro Ramierez González was seized and spent time in ICE detainment. ICE is present in Otsego County, and the incumbent local sheriff has committed to collaboration with ICE. At SUNY Oneonta, there are employees and students vulnerable to ICE seizure. In addition, diversity curriculum and federal funding are under threat from policies of the current presidential administration, as other institutions can attest. To those who counsel that activism on campus and community will only energize the opposition, recall the words of Nazi critic Martin Niemöller:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Nearly 30 years as a union officer, 16 of them as chapter president, have shown me that silence is a far greater danger than activism.

The words of Kowal and other union leaders are unequivocal: “Unions have always been at the forefront of the struggle against authoritarian regimes. It is time for organized labor to take the necessary steps toward escalating widespread resistance against this one… academic unions have an obligation to our members, our campus workplaces, the students we teach and the communities where we live and work to speak out, to organize and to take a stand.”

State UUP continues to support and collaborate on No Kings rallies sponsored by the Indivisible movement. It defines itself by word and deed:

“Indivisible is a nationwide movement of millions of people working to stop the rise of authoritarianism in the United States and to demand a real democracy. We believe that politics is too important to leave up to the politicians – it requires all of us to get on the field.” 

About | Indivisible

Locally, Virginia Kennedy, a UUP member who donned the union shirt during the local No Kings rally, is the group leader of Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible.

Antonio Delgado and Virginia Kennedy greet each other
Cooperstown/Oneonta Indivisible leader Virginia Kennedy, left, with Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado.

Those of us, including UUP Oneonta Political Action Leader Ethan Fox, our late Treasurer Rich Tyler and his wife/partner and UUP leader of multiple portfolios Loraine DEI Officer Penina Kamina, Vice President for Professionals Jesse Simpauco, Professional Delegate Anthony Nichols, President Shirley Clark, Acting Vice President for Academics Rob Compton,Secretary Bill Simons, Health/Safety Officer Ron Bishop, former Grievance Officer Paul Conway, former Academic Delegate Gina Keel, Todd Evan, Matt Murphy, Chilton Reyolds and his TLTC team, Matt and Michelle Hendley, Miguel Leon, and Joe Ingrassia, can attest to the impact of Indivisible events. Virginia’s exceptional motivational leadership are on display at organizational meetings, sessions with government officials and candidates, rallies, documentary filming, and food drives.

Rob Compton, Bill Simons, and Ethan Fox at a recent rally
Union swag: UUP there—Rob, Bill, Ethan.
People at a recent rally
Generations united!

Be there for the UUP-supported Indivisible No King 3.0 Rally at noon, Saturday, March 28th on the Oneonta field next to Foothills. Registration information will come from Ethan. The democracy you save may be your own.

People at a recent rally
Undaunted by the cold

Download a print copy of the article below!

Bill Simons Indivisible Article February 2026Download »

You can also see more information and register for No Kings 3.0 in Oneonta by clicking the button below:

Register here »
Categories
Political Action

Fix Tier 6 Resources

Fix Tier Six logo

Sign the following petition from the NYS AFL-CIO to demand the governor Fix Tier 6!

SIGN THE PETITION »

You can also sign NYSUT’s petition at their Member Action Center below:

NYSUT: FIX TIER 6 petition »

NYSUT – Fix Tier 6

Fix Tier 6 »

NYSUT – All About ERS Tier 6

ALL ABOUT ERS TIER 6 »

New York State & Local Retirement System Tier 6 Info

NYSLRS TIER 6 INFO »

SUNY Optional Retirement Program

SUNY Optional Retirement Program »

ORP Tier Comparisons

OPR Tier Comparisons »
Categories
Political Action

No Kings Actions + Eyes on ICE

A No Kings graphic instructing the viewer to attend the ICE training before coming to the next No Kings rally on March 28th

Dear Colleagues,

The No Kings Coalition has launched rolling rapid-response trainings leading up to the next nationwide mobilization on March 28th. As a partner, we’re sharing opportunities to plug in immediately. We had a tremendous turnout for the last No Kings Action all across New York. We’re aiming for even more people engaged in the battle to save our democracy.

Additionally, I invite you to join the next Eyes on ICE: Document and Record training on February 5th at 8 PM! This comprehensive training will provide concrete tools to protect our communities and push back against abuse by federal agents. RSVP HERE for link:

RSVP HERE »

As we build toward the March 28th mass mobilization, now is the moment to train, organize, and strengthen our networks. Please share this opportunity widely and encourage others to get involved. Engage your colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors on how to be active in this fight.

We will share more information on how to connect with the March 28th actions through UUP soon. If you have additional actions or coalition resources to share, send them to Mary Becker, UUP Organizing & Outreach Administrative Assistant (mbecker@uupmail.org), and we will help amplify them.

Save the date: March 28. Join the training. Act now.

Categories
Political Action

National Day of Action in Solidarity with Minneapolis

UUP Rapid Responder Sign Up. Stay informed. Take action. bit.ly/UUPRapidResponders

Dear Colleagues,

I’m sure that you are as concerned as I am regarding the events in Minneapolis and elsewhere over the past several weeks. We are certainly in an era which presents deep dangers to our democracy. Government agents have been given free reign to assault and detain people in our country without cause or justification. Most notably, we have witnessed the murder of an innocent woman by ICE agents who will not be held accountable for their actions. 

UUP stands for democracy and the rule of law. With these principles under assault, we have joined with other unions in condemning the actions of the Trump Regime and specifically ICE. As part of our resistance, we are sharing with you important information concerning ways that those of you who would like to can join in actions of peaceful resistance.

This Friday, January 23, please join me in showing solidarity with the Minneapolis AFL-CIO’s call for a general strike in Minnesota to oppose intensified ICE raids and to stand with immigrant workers and families everywhere.

On Friday, we encourage you to wear blue as a symbolic step of solidarity and share photos and videos on social media. We also encourage you to attend a local ICE OUT rally or march — details for Albany and NYC actions are below, and you can find other events here.

ICE OUT Rallies »

ICE Out for Good: Stand with Minneapolis
Where: North End of Union Square, NYC (4:30 PM step-off)
When: January 23 @ 4 PM

More information can be found via PSC here.

See more here »

ICE OUT of ALBANY!
Where: NYS Capitol Building, State Street, Albany, NY 12210
When: January 23, 4 PM – 6 PM

More information can be found via Mobilize here.

RSVP and more info »

If you plan to attend a rally outside of Albany or NYC, please share event info with Mary Becker at, mbecker@uupmail.org so we can help connect, coordinate, and amplify efforts. Additionally, as events unfold, as actions are scheduled, please share them with Mary Becker so that we can then provide all of us with the opportunity to take part.

These are deeply troubling times but we can create hope by our common resistance to the oppression that has been let loose in our nation.

In solidarity,

Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D.
President
United University Professions

HELU Resources

toolkit »
Banners & Signs »
Categories
Political Action

Sign Up Today – Learn About Advocacy Day Workshop (1/13 and 1/21)

Pocket watch buried in sand

If you have ever considered raising your voice to advocate for our work, our campuses, our hospitals, and our students, now is the time. Registration is open for UUP’s Advocacy Day in February, and we need as many members to attend as possible. Strong attendance at our Advocacy Days — which we certainly had last session — along with member actions throughout the legislative session demonstrates our union power, which is critically important this year. Join Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Bekkie Bryan and Pamela Malone for Learn About Advocacy, a workshop for all members to learn why advocacy is important, what actions we take, and how to prepare. If you are new to advocacy or are a seasoned advocate, come learn how together we can make our union as strong as we can be.

This workshop is meant to answer any questions you have about UUP’s advocacy efforts—attendance at this workshop is not a requirement to register for Advocacy Day.  But, it sure would make the experience more positive and impactful!

Register Here for the Learn About Advocacy Virtual Workshop on January 13 at noon and January 21 at 6pm.

Register Here »

Register Here for Advocacy Day on February 24.

Advocacy DAy 2026 Registration »

In Solidarity,

Fred

Categories
Political Action

Volunteer and Donate to our Stock the Halls Food Drive!

On December 6th, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs. 

We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.

📅 When: Saturday, December 6
📍 Locations & Times: There are three ways you can participate and donate…

  1. Large Donations (Bags & Full Boxes):
  2. Individual Items (“Fill the Crates”):
  3. Along the Parade Route:
    • Time: 3:30 PM
  1. Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.

Make a day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.

A comprehensive list of food items needed and accepted for donation at the Oneonta Veteran's Outreach Ceneter

Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!

Categories
Political Action

Labor Feeds NY: Actions Against Hunger in Nov. & Dec.

Labor Feeds NY: A Week of Action Against Hunger From November 15-23, union members across New York State will be donating food, funds and their time to help support New Yorkers in need.

November 15-23

This November, more than 3 million New Yorkers are facing a hunger crisis. Between the rising costs of groceries and the disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, working families across New York are at risk. The union movement will not stand by while our neighbors go hungry.

That’s why unions across New York are joining together for a statewide Week of Action. Labor Feeds New York: November 15th-23rd, 2025.

During this week, local labor federations, central labor councils and union members are encouraged to:

  • Feed – Donate non-perishable food to local pantries and school-based food programs.
  • Give – Contribute funds to hunger relief organizations making a difference in your community.
  • Serve – Volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, and community meal sites.

Every act of solidarity, large or small, can help make a difference for families in need this fall. 

Labor Feeds NY Donation locations »

Republished from: https://nysaflcio.org/laborfeedsny

December 2025

This holiday season, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs.

We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.

📅 When: Saturday, December 6

📍 Locations & Times: There are three ways you can participate and donate…

  1. Large Donations (Bags & Full Boxes):
  2. Individual Items (“Fill the Crates”):
  3. Along the Parade Route:
    • Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.

Make a Day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.

Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!

Categories
Political Action

Standing in solidarity with UUP member detained by ICE

Immigrant Rights are Workers' RIght! Rally on Monday November 10, 5:00PM at the Syracuse Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse Come stand with our fellow union members who were recently detained by ICE. Bring Alex and Yan Home! Sponsored by UUP CSEA Greater Syracuse Labor Council

Republished from: https://uupinfo.org/communications/uupdate/251103.php

What follows is a message from Upstate Medical University Chapter President Mindy Heath, who has been working with the family of Upstate Chapter member Alex Gonzalez since he and CSEA member Yan Vazquez were detained by ICE agents Oct. 29 and sent to federal detention facility in Batavia, Genesee County.

It is unclear why the men were detained; ICE agents grabbed the men before their scheduled immigration hearing in Syracuse. A hearing on their detention is scheduled for Nov. 17 in Batavia.

“Two of our union siblings, Alex Gonzalez and Yan Vazquez, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Oct. 29 and were sent to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

“The pair, dedicated employees in the Environmental Services Department at Upstate Medical University and proud members of UUP and CSEA respectively, now face an uncertain future. They are Cuban refugees who came to America to seek asylum.

“Recently married, Alex and Yan are homeowners in North Syracuse and are building a life together. They are good neighbors and a part of the community, as they navigate the complex path to U.S. citizenship. They were detained unexpectedly when they showed up for a scheduled immigration hearing in Mattydale in Onondaga County. They were detained before their hearing.

“ICE has made a habit of abducting immigrants seeking legal pathways to citizenship at immigration hearings, which are held in federal buildings. The sudden apprehensions of Alex and Yan have left their families and supporters bewildered, as there appears to be no justification for taking them into custody.

“State and local elected officials and community leaders have rallied around Alex and Yan and their families, emphasizing the importance of due process and the need for answers and transparency.

“On Nov. 1, Gov. Kathy Hochul met with the families of the men. She condemned ICE’s actions, telling Syracuse.com “This is a very treacherous time in our society, when individuals who lived here for years and are high-functioning members of our community working at SUNY Upstate are the ones who are defined as the worst of the worst.”

“The families also met with state senators Chris Ryan and Rachel May, who offered words of kindness and support while condemning the unjust removal of honest, hard-working individuals pursuing a legal pathway to citizenship. This kind of engagement from our leaders is a testament to the collective commitment to justice and compassion within our community, and we offer our sincere thanks for their time and support!

“The strength of union solidarity is shining brightly during this challenging time. Colleagues from UUP and CSEA have come together, along with our local union brothers and sisters in the Greater Syracuse Labor Council and Area Labor Federation communities, demonstrating unwavering support for Alex and Yan.

“Union members understand that the fight for justice extends beyond the workplace; it encompasses the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially those who have risked everything for a better life. Our unions are built on a foundation of solidarity, and we stand with Alex and Yan and will not rest until they are reunited with their families and can return to their important work at Upstate Medical University.

“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Alex and Yan are not just employees; they are vital members of our community. Their contributions extend beyond their jobs; they are friends, neighbors, and family. The impact of their absence is palpable.

“Family members have been able to visit with both men in the Batavia detention center. They report that Alex and Yan are being treated well and conditions at the facility are clean. Still, the fear family members have for their safety—and their futures—is intense.

“A hearing for Yan is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17; family members believe this will be a joint hearing for both men. The hearing will be held at 4250 Federal Drive, Room F108, in Batavia before Judge James McCarthy.

“As we stand with Alex and Yan, our goal remains clear: to secure their release, ensure they receive due process, and bring them back to their families and the community they love. Together, we will continue to advocate for their rights and the rights of all those who seek refuge and a better life in our great country.

“In these times of uncertainty, let us remember that our commitment to justice and humanity must prevail. Alex and Yan’s story is not just about their individual experiences; it reflects the broader struggle for dignity and respect for all immigrants. As a community, we must remain vigilant and united, ensuring that their journey toward citizenship continues without further obstacles.

“Stay tuned for ways to help show your support! Rallies are being planned to raise up our voices in solidarity with our union siblings, supporters throughout the community, and the families of Alex and Yan.”

A UUP/CSEA-endorsed rally for Alex and Yan is happening Monday, November 10 at 5:00 PM at the Syracuse Federal Building (100 South Clinton St, Syracuse, NY)!

Please consider joining your UUP colleagues and showing up in solidarity:

Immigrant Rights are Workers' RIght! Rally on Monday November 10, 5:00PM at the Syracuse Federal Building, 100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse Come stand with our fellow union members who were recently detained by ICE. Bring Alex and Yan Home! Sponsored by UUP CSEA Greater Syracuse Labor Council