NEW YORK – Following is a weekly newsletter from NYS Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, called Kirsten’s New York Minute:
Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!
Here’s what she’s been up to:
1. Protecting workers and unions
Kirsten announced legislation to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act would fight union busting and help create an economy that works for everyone.
2. WATCH: Kirsten talks Social Security and public safety
Kirsten joined Kurt Semder on News 12’s Power and Politics to talk about her work to protect Social Security, address gun violence, fight hunger, and more.
3. Meeting with Hispanic leaders
Kirsten attended the annual SOMOS New York Conference in Albany to meet with Hispanic legislators and labor leaders from across the state. They discussed key issues facing the community, including equal pay for Hispanic women and labor rights.
4. Benefits ? Veterans
Continuing her tour of veterans organizations and clinics across the state, Kirsten visited Rochester and Corning to make sure vets exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances know how to access new benefits they might be owed under the recently passed PACT Act.
Learn more and submit your claim at VA.gov/PACT. Contact Kirsten’s office if you need assistance.
5. Fighting discrimination in the military
Kirsten was an early champion for repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Now, she’s fighting for justice for veterans wrongly discharged from the military for being gay.
Why it matters: Dishonorably discharged service members can’t access VA benefits or funding from the GI Bill. Kirsten co-leads legislation to identify service members targeted for their sexuality and get them the benefits they’re owed.
6. $$$ for firefighters
Kirsten announced over $400,000 for the Cortland Fire Department. The money will help the department recruit college-age individuals to become firefighters.
7. Getting New Yorkers their tax refunds
Kirsten’s office took action to help a constituent who hadn’t received her 2020 tax refund. The office contacted the IRS on her behalf and got her over $3,000 back.
Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.
