Reminder: Sign Up For Virtual NY Science Funding Town Hall With Elected Officials!
After delivering an Open Letter signed by over 1,300 researchers to the governor’s office, we now have another opportunity to pressure elected officials to fund the Empire Biomedical Research Institute (EBRI). EBRI is a state-based funding mechanism similar to the NIH that would be funded with $500 million in the first year, followed by $6 billion over the next ten years.
The best way we can show our support for EBRI is by attending our virtual town hall this Friday, January 9th at 12pm. Strong attendance will show state electeds that this is an important issue for researchers across the state. RSVP here to get the Zoom link!
If you haven’t yet, you can also contact your representatives directly to let them know you support the initiative. Please follow instructions in this document to do so. You can also like and follow the campaign on Social Media (we are on X, Bluesky, and Instagram).
Governor Hochul will announce her budget next week, and the more of us who participate in the Town Hall and other actions, the more likely it is that the Governor will include state funding for science in her budget. Reach out if you have any questions!
Growing 4100 Committee
Following our discussion at the last membership meeting regarding a resolution on growing Local 4100, we will be holding the first “Growing 4100” Committee meeting on Thursday, January 8, at 6 pm. This committee will focus on how our local can continue to grow by supporting new organizing efforts, strengthening connections across units, and building collective power among research workers.
The deadline to express interest in joining the committee has been extended. If you’re interested in joining the committee and helping shape the future of Local 4100, please reply to this email by Thursday, January 8, at 6pm.
Best,
Joe Powell, Postdoc Associate in Medicine
WCMPU Organizing Committee