{"id":5207,"date":"2024-06-10T13:10:40","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T17:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/?p=5207"},"modified":"2024-06-13T11:29:31","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T15:29:31","slug":"pef-uup-nyc-clergy-bring-brooklyn-needs-downstate-message-to-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communicator.pef.org\/issue\/volume-42-no-5\/pef-uup-nyc-clergy-bring-brooklyn-needs-downstate-message-to-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"President Spence leads delegation to D.C. in fight to save SUNY Downstate"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"PEF,
PEF, UUP and NYC clergy leaders pose for a photo with Congresswoman Clarke following their meeting on June 5, 2024. From left to right: PEF Political Director Leah Gonzalez, Rev. Dr. Joseph Chukwu, Pastor James Richmond, Bishop Orlando Findlayter, Pastor Kyran Leo John, UUP Downstate Chapter President Redetha Abrahams-Nichols, U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, PEF SUNY Downstate Council Leader Joan Rosegreen, PEF Region 11 Coordinator Bernadette O’Connor, Minister John Williams, UUP President Fred Kowal, PEF President Wayne Spence, PEF Assistant Director of Organizing Dr. Christine Pluviose.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"PEF,
PEF, UUP and NYC clergy outside the US. Capitol building on June 5, 2024.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n


\nJune 10, 2024 —<\/em> WASHINGTON — Nearly five months after both PEF President Wayne Spence and UUP President Fred Kowal received a phone call from SUNY Chancellor John King informing them of a mysterious plan to \u201ctransform\u201d SUNY Downstate, both union leaders found themselves in the Rayburn House Office Building on June 5 thanking U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke for her help saving SUNY Downstate and securing a commitment from her that the critical healthcare hub in her Brooklyn home district will not be neglected.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spence and Kowal were joined by five members of the \u201cConcerned Clergy of NYC,\u201d a group of faith leaders who partnered with the unions from the beginning of the fightback campaign. Also on the trip were key PEF and UUP leaders who work at SUNY Downstate, as well as legislative staff from PEF and the American Federation of Teachers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“We\u2019re here along with PEF and UUP because the fight to save SUNY Downstate continues,\u201d said Bishop Orlando Findlayter, who serves as a pastor at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Brooklyn. \u201cWe had a fruitful meeting with Congresswoman Clarke and we are committed to doing what we do \u2013 street engagement, community engagement, informing members of the community that SUNY is open, and they should come for services. We\u2019re also providing some level of comfort to the employees \u2013 don’t abandon ship \u2013 because you are needed by this community.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks in part to rallies, marches, and public awareness campaigns, the Brooklyn Needs Downstate coalition was successful in \u201csaving\u201d SUNY Downstate by negotiating a deal with Governor Hochul to establish a community advisory board that now must make recommendations about the future of the hospital by April 1, 2025. There are nine seats on the board, and one will be filled by a union stakeholder, UUP President Kowal. UUP represents more than 3,000 employees at SUNY Downstate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe asked for a meeting with Congresswoman Clarke because we know she has a good relationship with the Governor and can stress to her how important it is that the advisory board be established with a transparent process that values community input,\u201d said PEF President Spence. \u201cIn addition, the long-term viability of SUNY Downstate may depend on federal dollars and knowing that we have support in Washington really helps.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The recently passed New York State budget includes $300 million for capital improvements to SUNY Downstate that will now be set aside until after the board makes its recommendations, and $100 million in the near term to cover hospital operating costs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While the board conducts its work, PEF will continue to advocate for the hospital. Additional meetings with State and federal lawmakers \u2013 including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer– are being set up, and further actions involving PEF and UUP members at SUNY Downstate will be planned.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a PEF elected officer, I\u2019ve now been part of two campaigns to save SUNY Downstate \u2013 in 2012 and again this year \u2013 and we\u2019ll stay in the fight until the future of this hospital that does so much for so many is assured,\u201d said President Spence.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"PEF,
Rep. Clarke and her staff listen as union leaders and concerned clergy share why SUNY Downstate deserves State and federal support.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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