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<h2>Yates County Democratic Headquarters Now Open!</h2>Join us for the 2024 election as we work to support Democratic candidates and elect Kamala Harris as President. — We are open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm and on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Stop by to learn more about our candidates and the Yates County Dems, pick up a Harris campaign sign or bumper sticker, join our postcarding campaigns, or to volunteer to staff HQ.

<h2>Write Postcards to Voters WED., AUGUST 21st</h2>Join us at YCDC HQ on Wednesday, Aug 21, to send postcards to Yates County voters!Want to help elect Kamala Harris and Democrats running for state office? We are running several postcarding campaigns for the 2024 election to support our candidates and to get out the vote in Yates County. Stop by YCDC HQ on WED., AUGUST 21 FROM 10AM-4PM to label and stamp postcards, or to pick up a set to prepare at home. We will provide refreshments and pizza to fuel our efforts. Take action today!

<h2>Gov. Tim Walz Selected as Kamala Harris' Running Mate</h2>Together, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are moving our country forward and fighting for working families. Let's win this!As Governor, Tim Walz cut taxes for working families, lowered the cost of insulin and eliminated junk fees, and protected women’s right to choose. That experience makes him the ideal running mate for Kamala Harris, who has taken on the big banks, led the fight for reproductive freedom, and stood with our allies against Putin’s aggression during her time as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President.

<h4>TAKE ACTION FOR VICE PRESIDENT and PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE KAMALA HARRIS!</h4><h4>Democrats have united around Kamala Harris as our candidate for President.</h4>President Biden and Vice President Harris have made extraordinary progress since they took office, getting to work right away to deliver for hardworking American families. Since then, they’ve continued to pass historic legislation and policies that benefit every American — and they’ll keep fighting for the democracy and fundamental freedoms that we deserve.Today, Vice President Harris is running to ensure four more years of progress for the American people.

<h2>Thank You, President Biden!</h2>Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign for president. First and foremost, we all owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for the unparalleled progress he has delivered over the last four years. He has been one of the most effective and consequential Presidents to ever lead our nation. Joe represents the best of America--patriotism, dedication, compassion, empathy, and an unshakable faith in the potential of the American people. Thanks, President Biden, for always working to make things better for all Americans!

<h2>YCDC Key Issues: Local Media Revisited</h2>The second YCDC Key Issues event of the month continues our focus on the importance of local media.&nbsp; Several years ago, our community almost lost the&nbsp;Chronicle-Express, which would have contributed to the distressing national trend of declining news sources.&nbsp; We were fortunate that our paper was saved, but what is the state of local media today?&nbsp; What challenges do they continue to face?&nbsp; Has their role changed since the last public forum on this topic?&nbsp; We will be joined by John Christensen of the&nbsp;Chronicle-Express,&nbsp;Mike Cutillo of the&nbsp;Finger Lakes Times, and Robin Blair of WYLF radio.

<h2>Calling All Democrats</h2>Friday March 20th - Friday March 27thWe will be working on petitions and postcarding in the Community Room @ Penn Yan Public Library from 10am - 12pm

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<h2>John Sigmon, Italy Town Council</h2>John Sigmon and his wife Danielle have resided in Italy for nearly 2 decades. After serving on the Town of Italy Assessment Review Board,&nbsp;John is looking forward to representing Italy on the Town Council. John is a proven leader, best-selling author, and executive coach with extensive experience in organizational strategy, change leadership, and community engagement. As a former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, John brings valuable expertise to budgeting, finance, and personnel challenges. He is committed to fostering inclusive decision-making and ensuring that Italy remains a thriving, connected community for all residents.Learn more about John at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/17C7soHEnm/">https://www.facebook.com/share/17C7soHEnm/</a>&nbsp;

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Elections 2025

So much is happening right now. Stay informed about the latest local, state, and national election 2026 news.

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<h2>Every Year is an Election Year!</h2>We have several candidates running for town councils and the County Legislature in Yates County. Please support your fellow Democrats--vote this November 4. Click on the link below to learn more about our candidates.

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<h2>Local Offices to be Elected in 2025</h2>For information about Offices up for November County-wide General Election, see the Yates County Board of Elections at <a href="https://www.yatescountyny.gov/312/Local-Offices-to-Be-Elected">local offices.</a>

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<h2>The Yates County Democratic Committee</h2><h3>Working for a community of equal justice, economic and social </h3><h3>opportunity, personal freedom, and shared responsibility.</h3><img src="https://run.imgix.net/d1a53ec8-199d-46b0-a174-f6779c9b8af7/cf3708dd-3e0f-4b14-8b43-50266b2cf800/cf3708dd-3e0f-4b14-8b43-50266b2cf800.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C480%2C640&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">OUR MISSION IS TO ELECT DEMOCRATS, BUILD THE PARTY, AND PROMOTE DEMOCRATIC IDEALS. Our Committee operates year round recruiting and supporting local candidates, collecting petition signatures, writing postcards to voters, and other direct outreach. We sponsor events, maintain an election headquarters during federal election years, hold fundraisers, and communicate directly with voters. We represent YOU in Yates County.We are dedicated Democrats working together to make Yates County a place where all residents can thrive.<h4></h4>

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<h2>Yates County Board Of Elections Polling Locations</h2>Visit the Yates County Board of Elections website to find your polling location .<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.yatescounty.org/324/Where-Do-I-Vote">https://www.yatescounty.org/324/Where-Do-I-Vote</a>

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<h2>Run for local office in 2025!</h2>We are always looking for our next candidate!&nbsp;If you have considered running for elected office, we’re eager to hear from you. Local elections impact our lives. Our job is to lower the barrier to entry for candidates and provide support - from election law, to getting on the ballot, to tactical and strategic support, to managing campaigns, fundraising, messaging and everything in between.&nbsp;We all know the political realities of Yates County.&nbsp;Although 45% of registered voters are Republicans and the other voters are pretty evenly split between Democrats and unaffiliated voters, the Republican Party overwhelmingly controls the county and town governments.Please realize that:<ul><li>In 2023, 47 candidates ran for Town Races. Forty-three were unopposed, meaning 92% of the candidates knew they would be elected before voting began. Three Democrats ran, and all were elected.</li></ul><ul><li>Also, In 2023, a Democrat and an Independent were elected to the County Legislature, which had only Republican members for the previous 14 years.</li></ul><ul><li>Local Governments make essential decisions. For example, last November, the Town of Benton doubled the water rates in four water districts. At its January meeting, the Town of Milo denied a proposal to annex a 72-acre parcel to the Village of Penn Yan, which would have provided land for a 500-unit housing development. Neither Benton nor Milo has a Democrat on their Town Board.</li></ul>We are looking for Democratic candidates for&nbsp;this year’s election.&nbsp;Although the election is in November, candidates can only circulate petitions for these seats between February 25 and April 3. &nbsp;The YCDC will help every candidate at every step of their campaign.This year, each of the nine towns in Yates County will have two board members up for election. Supervisors will be elected for Barrington, Benton, Italy, Jerusalem, Potter, and Torrey. Additionally, Town Clerks will be on the November ballot in Barrington, Italy, Potter, Middlesex, Milo, and Torrey.At the County level, Legislative District #1 (Italy, Jerusalem, and Middlesex) has four Legislator seats up for election, and Legislative District #2 (Benton, Potter, and Torrey) has three. The District Attorney, County Coroner, and County Treasurer are also up for election this year.The current County Treasurer has announced that she will not run for another term. The Treasurer sets her office hours. This year, she&nbsp;is in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 to 3:00 and by appointment. The new Treasurer can change those hours. I am including information on the powers and duties of our Treasurer.We want to provide you with the tools you need to run a great campaign, get out the vote and win. Reach out and let us help.

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Join us! As a committee member you’re more than a volunteer. You are a duly elected representative of an election district, at the entry level of Democratic Party governance. Yes, you have real power.&nbsp;Power to help elect democrats - you identify, interview, endorse and nominate town and county candidates, carry petitions and provide campaign support, hold fundraising events and forums, pass resolutions on issues of importance, build the party and expand diversity, help select judges and state committee representatives, and manage committee websites, social media and newsletters.Please contact us to discuss your interests and learn more about the process of joining your local committee!

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<h2>Darius Lind, NYS Supreme Court, 7th District</h2><h4>From his work as an Assistant Public Defender and Supervising Attorney at Legal Assistance of Western New York to presiding over life-changing decisions as a Court Attorney Referee, Darius has a well-rounded understanding of the challenges litigants face and how the system can better serve them.</h4><h4>Learn more about Darius at https://lindforjudge.com</h4>

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<h2>Robert Miller, Torrey Town Council</h2>"After retiring from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, I moved to the Town of Torrey in 2016. I am currently vice chairman of the town Planning Board and chairman of the town Water Committee.&nbsp;"<h2>Teresa Hoban, Milo Town Council</h2>Teresa Hoban grew up in Penn Yan and graduated from Penn Yan Academy. She attended SUNY Farmingdale and the University of Georgia, earning degrees in agricultural business and agricultural economics, respectively. Hoban worked in the poultry industry for Perdue, and during her time there, she obtained her MBA before deciding to attend Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. She is still a practicing chiropractor with an office in Downtown Penn Yan and also owns Hoban's Spirits. Hoban serves as the chair of the Downtown Business Council, which organizes events like the Wing Walk, Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, and, most recently, Cruisin' Night. She is also a Trustee of the Village of Penn Yan.&nbsp;

<h2>Klaas Martens, Yates County Legislature, District 2</h2>"I’m a life long farmer and resident of Yates county.&nbsp; I have served on the Yates county Soil and Water District BOD for 30 years.&nbsp; I work with Cornell University on organic farming and soil health research.&nbsp; I advise at the Cornell Engineering School on solar and agrivoltaic work.&nbsp; I’m on the BOD of the American Farmland Trust.&nbsp; I’m a former board member of the Farm Foundation and the Organic Farming Research Foundation.&nbsp; I served as an advisor to the Rodale Institute and am a frequent speaker at conferences nationally and internationally. "<h2>Peter Martini, Torrey Town Supervisor</h2>Peter Martini is a grape grower for his family’s vineyards and winery and has lived in Torrey for most of his life. He serves on the Torrey Town Board and currently holds the position of Supervisor. Peter believes that these roles are important ways to give back to the community he calls home.&nbsp;

<h2>Bylaws Title Goes here</h2>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<h3>Section 1</h3>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<h4>Sub-section A</h4>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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Born and raised in the hills of the Genesee Valley, Alissa Ellman is a proud New Yorker, veteran, mother, and public servant.Alissa grew up barefoot in Houghton, NY, a town with six stop signs. Before she could vote she had taken an oath to defend the United States, and spent years serving overseas, giving back to the country she loves.

Throughout her career, Diana Kastenbaum has focused on building businesses, strengthening communities, and fighting for the neighbors and families of rural New York.Born and raised in Batavia, she understands the values that make our communities strong: hard work, looking out for each other, and never forgetting where you come from.

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<h5>Photo credits</h5>Some photos © Copyright 1997-2023 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://andyarthur.org/">Andy</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://andyarthur.org/">Arthur.org</a>, please share using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/">Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.</a>

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<h2>Judicial Elections are Critical!</h2>This year, we have two Democratic candidates running for New York State Supreme Court, 7th District (which includes Yates County). Judicial elections are some of the most important votes you can cast. The Seventh Judicial District of New York encompasses a region that includes several counties, primarily serving as a vital part of the New York State court system. This district includes the counties of Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Yates, Livingston, and Cayuga. It is responsible for the administration of justice across various legal matters, including criminal, civil, family, and surrogate court cases.The district's courts are designed to ensure that legal proceedings are conducted fairly and efficiently. Each county within the Seventh Judicial District has its own court facilities, where judges preside over cases and administer justice in accordance with state laws. In addition to trial courts, the Seventh Judicial District also features appellate courts (the Fourth Department Appellate Division), allowing for the review of decisions made in lower courts.Judges within the Seventh Judicial District are tasked with upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals involved in court proceedings. The district is equipped with resources and support services aimed at aiding both litigants and legal professionals in navigating the complexities of the judicial system. This district plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the legal process in New York State.This November, you can cast you vote for TWO Democratic candidates:

<h2>Josh Cavinee, Middlesex Town Council</h2>Josh is a Mechanical Engineer with Garlock Sealing Technologies, B. S. Aerospace&nbsp;Engineering from Ohio State University. He is also currently revitalizing a 40-acre horse farm to raise Tennessee Walkers in Middlesex. "I am running for town board to provide practical problem solving and attention to detail in service of the community where I will spend the rest of&nbsp;my life."

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<h2>David Siguenza, NYS Supreme Court, 7th District</h2><h4>David is committed to serving our communities here in the 7th Judicial District with the utmost integrity and asks for your vote so that he may serve as your next NYS Supreme Court Judge, dedicated to justice for all. </h4><h4>Learn more about David at <a href="https://www.siguenzaforjudge.com">https://www.siguenzaforjudge.com</a></h4>

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Make a difference this election. Our committee meets every month, holds forums and events, writes postcards, and maintain websites and our Facebook page.You can help a little or a lot. It all matters. Lend some of your professional expertise (legal, marketing, event planning, etc…), help at an event, or from home on your own schedule. Reach out, let us know how you want to help and we will go from there. And thanks in advance for your time.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/d1a53ec8-199d-46b0-a174-f6779c9b8af7/d347ba00-4b2f-416a-8acf-1f9aeed41eba/d347ba00-4b2f-416a-8acf-1f9aeed41eba.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1512%2C2016&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="37.5" variant="framed">

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Debate Watch Party

Join your friends from the YCDC for a rousing night of issues, zingers, flubs, and crosstalk. It's the first (only?) presidential debate of the 2024 cycle between VP Kamala Harris and convicted felon Donald Trump.&nbsp; Bring your own wine, soft drinks, snacks and camaraderie to share. Of course, this event will be canceled if Trump chickens out.

Meet Democratic candiadtes for the NY-24 Congressional Primary

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Meet Democratic candidates for the NY-24 Congressional PrimaryAlissa Ellman and Diana Kastenbaum

YCDC Coffee Hour: All About the Penn Yan Community Garden

Guest Cheryl Flynn will share the exciting new happenings at the nearby Penn Yan Community Garden, and how anyone can get involved.&nbsp; Then we’ll move the party to the garden itself, where Cheryl will provide a hands-on tour! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about a significant community resource.

YCDC Key Issues Series: Protecting Seneca Lake's Water Quality

Bill Roege, president of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, and will explore Seneca Lake and the organizations that address water quality issues for the benefit of the entire community and region.&nbsp;Learn more about the lake and larger watershed, the agencies and organizations protecting them, and how citizens can get involved in this effort.

Brown Bag Lunch Conversation: Stop the Coup 2025

Join us for a chat about the news of the day, exploring whatever current headlines have us buzzing. Bring a lunch and a curious mind for these engaging and respectful talks. This month we continue exploring the Right's frightening post-election plans by familiarizing ourselves with Project 2025. Join us to learn more about this insidious threat.

On Feb. 11, the U.S. House passed <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7296" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>, also known as the SAVE America Act. The bill would require voter registration applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and impose strict photo identification rules to vote in federal elections. Similar bills with proof of citizenship requirements passed out of the House in 2024 and 2025 but stalled in the Senate. The 2026 version is largely similar but adds requirements related to voting in person and by mail.Verifying citizenship for voters is the most significant trend in state elections legislation NCSL <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/2025-election-enactments" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">tracked in 2025</a>, and that trend is likely to continue in 2026. <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/legislative-approaches-to-ensuring-only-citizens-vote" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bills have been introduced</a> offering a wide variety of approaches to ensuring only eligible U.S. citizens can vote; some ask the voter to take action, while others give state election officials tools to check citizenship status. <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:NH2023000H1569&amp;ciq=ncsl15&amp;client_md=7b6e38d338f51702c27a0c136f10f29f&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Hampshire</a> and <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:LA2024000S436&amp;ciq=ncsl15&amp;client_md=3abd33356655a131a26524b2559987ea&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Louisiana</a> both passed bills in 2024 requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register, and <a href="https://custom.statenet.com/public/resources.cgi?id=ID:bill:WY2025000H156&amp;ciq=urn:user:PA195824351&amp;client_md=2c24798b590b0930046b0a2edb913724&amp;mode=current_text" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wyoming</a> did so in 2025. State versions of documentary proof may materially differ from the SAVE America Act. These states have not yet administered a federal election under the new requirements, though they have held lower-turnout elections.

Congress and many state legislatures are focusing on the same thing: ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote.On Feb. 11, the U.S. House passed <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7296" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act</a>, also known as the SAVE America Act. The bill would require voter registration applicants to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship and impose strict photo identification rules to vote in federal elections. Similar bills with proof of citizenship requirements passed out of the House in 2024 and 2025 but stalled in the Senate. The 2026 version is largely similar but adds requirements related to voting in person and by mail.

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Voting Rights

Brown Bag Lunch Session: Beginner Zumba!

invites you to participate in regular, casual conversations about the news of the day.&nbsp; Bring a lunch and a curious mind for these engaging talks!&nbsp; This month, we have a special treat: Ellen Hegarty will lead us through a beginner Zumba routine.&nbsp; Join us and learn how to incorporate this practice into your regular routine.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC-6) reintroduced bicameral legislation to modernize America’s voter registration system and protect voting rights. The Voter Empowerment Act (VEA) would expand voter registration and voting access by requiring states to make online voter registration available, establish automatic voter registration systems, permit same-day voter registration, and accept voter registration applications from citizens under the age of 18.

Gillibrand, Clyburn Reintroduce Legislation To Protect Voting Rights

Democratic immigration reform proposals in 2025-2026 focus on balancing border security with expanding legal pathways, including increasing employment-based visas, protecting "Dreamers" with paths to citizenship, and enhancing technology for processing. Key goals include reforming <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djobjtuq2Z4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ICE operations</a>, addressing root causes of migration, and creating "startup visas" for entrepreneurs.

Immigration Reform

Yates County Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting

The Yates County Democratic Committee invites everyone interested in politics and civic engagement to join us for our monthly business meeting.&nbsp; The official meeting starts at 5:15; all are welcome to arrive early (5:00 p.m.) or stay late for social time.&nbsp; You may also join online via Zoom by accessing the link via Linktree here:<a href="https://linktr.ee/y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://linktr.ee/y</a>

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee,&nbsp; along with Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Dave McCormick (R-PA), introduced the bipartisan Senior Security Act to help stop financial predators from scamming America’s seniors. This bipartisan legislation would protect seniors’ savings by creating a Senior Investor Task Force within the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer recommendations for strengthening protections and safeguards for senior investors.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee,&nbsp; along with Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Dave McCormick (R-PA), introduced the bipartisan Senior Security Act to help stop financial predators...

Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Protect Seniors’ Savings

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Schumer Says Reassigning 9/11 Health Program Staff To ICE Is A Disgrace And Betrayal Of First Responders Who Put Their Lives On The Line Schumer Calls On Trump And Secretary Kennedy To Immediately Return All Reassigned Staff To The World Trade Center Health Program Schumer: 9/11 Survivors Are Dying Of Cancer And Fighting To Breathe — Stripping Their Care To Staff ICE Is Callous, Senseless, And Cruel NEW YORK, NY – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today called on President Trump and HHS Secretary...

SCHUMER SOUNDS ALARM: AS TRUMP STRIPS STAFF FROM 9/11 HEALTH PROGRAM AND REASSIGNS THEM TO ICE...

Nearly <a href="https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2025/2025-12-stats.pdf">600,000</a> New Yorkers Rely On Supplemental Security Income Benefits — But Parts Of The Program Haven’t Been Updated In Over Five DecadesU.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined dozens of House and Senate lawmakers in introducing the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Restoration Act, legislation that would strengthen the critical SSI benefits that support over seven million seniors and Americans with disabilities. The bill would make much-needed updates to the benefits program — much of which hasn’t been updated since it was first established over five decades ago — and will expand benefits eligibility, increase cash payments, and fix rules that currently penalize Americans for trying to save money.“Supplemental Security Income forms a crucial lifeline for thousands of low-income New Yorkers, but outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors and people with disabilities aren’t receiving the benefits they need,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act will finally modernize this critical program by expanding eligibility, increasing benefits, and fixing outdated rules that penalize Americans for trying to save. As the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I will keep fighting to strengthen this critical program and ensure every American can live with dignity and basic economic security.”Supplemental Security Income (SSI) was first signed into law in 1972, becoming the first fully federalized disability program to provide disabled Americans with benefits. Today, more than seven million Americans rely on SSI to meet their basic needs.While SSI is still a key source of federal income support for older and disabled Americans, the system has not been updated since it was first established more than fifty years ago. Currently, many of the program’s original income and asset limits — which eligible recipients may not exceed — fall below the poverty line, often trapping beneficiaries in poverty and falling short of the program’s mission.The SSI Restoration Act will expand and strengthen benefits by:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increasing “income disregard” amounts, which have not changed since 19742.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Updating the asset limit to $10,000 / $20,000 for an eligible couple&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Increasing the benefit rate to 100% of the federal poverty level and repealing the marriage penalty4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repealing penalties for in-kind support, resource transfers, state taxes and tribal benefits&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Streamlining lump-sum and back payments6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Extending the program to the U.S. territoriesIn addition to Senator Gillibrand, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Tina Smith (D-MN), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI). Representatives Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) led companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.“SSI is a critical lifeline for millions of Americans — but the program is five decades out-of-date, leaving people behind and even punishing them for trying to save up,” said Senator Warren. “At a time when Donald Trump’s policies are already driving up everyday costs, we need to make sure seniors and Americans with disabilities can afford their basic needs. My bill will expand and strengthen SSI benefits to deliver some real relief.”“For millions of seniors, people with disabilities, and families raising children with high needs, Supplemental Security Income is the last line of defense against poverty,” said Representative Grijalva. “The program has not been meaningfully updated since the 1970s, forcing people to live far below the poverty line just to qualify for help. The SSI Restoration Act will finally modernize this lifeline by increasing benefit levels, updating outdated asset limits, and eliminating punitive rules that trap people in poverty. Our seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers deserve the dignity and security that this program was always meant to provide.”“Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a vital lifeline for millions of low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and families struggling to make ends meet,” said Representative Schakowsky. “Today’s SSI system still relies on outdated, overly burdensome rules written decades ago, leaving far too many beneficiaries living in poverty. This legislation will modernize and strengthen SSI by raising asset and income limits, establishing a livable minimum benefit, ending punitive reductions, and extending benefits to eligible residents of Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Every person deserves to age and live with dignity, and Congress must act to ensure SSI fulfills its promise.”&nbsp;The bill is endorsed by AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association on Health and Disability, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), American Society on Aging, ASSIST Program, Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Benefits Law Center, Bread for the City, California Alliance for Retired Americans, California Association of Food Banks. Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Center for Medicare Advocacy, Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Cure SMA, Disability Belongs, Economic Policy Institute, Educate. Advocate., Empire Justice Center, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Homeless Action Center, Homeless Advocacy Project, Inner City Law Center, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, Latinos for a Secure Retirement, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Legal Council for Health Justice, Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Disability Representatives, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of Gray Panthers Networks, National Council on Aging, National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), National Organization for Women, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), National Respite Coalition, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, New York Legal Assistance Group, Paralyzed Veterans of America, People With Disabilities Foundation, Public Justice Center, SAGE, Service Employees International Union, Social Security Works, Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Strengthen Social Security Coalition, The Arc of the United States, Triage Cancer, USAging, and Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER).

Nearly <a href="https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2025/2025-12-stats.pdf">600,000</a> New Yorkers Rely On Supplemental Security Income Benefits — But Parts Of The Program Haven’t Been Updated In Over Five Decades

Gillibrand, Colleagues Introduce Legislation To Update, Expand Lifeline Benefits...

Trivia Night: Pop Culture Politics

It’s back by popular demand: YCDC’s political trivia night!&nbsp; This time we’re tackling the intersection of politics and pop culture.&nbsp;If the reality of election season is getting you down, recharge with this trip through the political surreality of your favorite fictional universes, from the MCU to the future of Star Trek and beyond.&nbsp;

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