We’re writing to let you know about three ways to participate in union action this weekend!
Send a virtual message to your elected representatives to call on the NY State legislature to commit to $165M of new funding for biomedical research!
RSVP HERE to join us at the No Kings March this Saturday!
RSVP HERE to join us this Sunday at the Rally to Tax the Rich featuring Bernie Sanders. A postdoc from ERU-UAW will be speaking at the rally, and this is a huge chance to increase the power and visibility of our movement, and to tie researcher issues to the wider fight for economic justice.
More details on all of these items below:
For the past several months, we have been urging the New York state legislature to add an additional $100M to the Governor’s proposal for state-based science funding in this year’s New York state budget, bringing the total for the initiative up to $165M. We have also been pushing to make sure this includes funding for workforce development and fellowships that support early-career researchers.
However, the State Senate and Assembly leadership recently published their own versions of the budget, in which they do not commit to this expanded amount. After a year of devastating cuts to federal research funding, it is critical that our state government invests in science to make sure New York remains a global leader in biomedical research. The deadline for passing the final budget for New York State FY26-27 is April 1st. With this date quickly approaching, it is essential for us to define this as a priority for New Yorkers.
Send a virtual message to your elected representatives:
To let our elected representatives know that there is broad support for expanding New York’s science funding, please take a minute to send an email to your state representatives now, with just one click.
Feel free to pass this along to your fellow New Yorkers – including those who don’t perform biomedical research but are cognizant of the necessity of the research we perform for the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.
We’ll be joining other labor unions and many partners for two upcoming events this weekend:
No Kings March
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2PM
Where: 7th Ave & Central Park South
Local 4100 Meet Up Location: Northwest corner of West 60th & Columbus, 113 W 60th St, New York, NY 10023 (map) at 1:30pm
Tax the Rich Rally with Bernie Sanders
In the past few weeks, we went to Albany to advocate for state funding to support biomedical research. Now we need to ensure New York State has the funds to provide research funding, universal childcare, and other priorities that matter to our workers and families. A majority of New Yorkers support taxing the rich, and our movement has already pushed lawmakers to include it in budget proposals. Now we need to make sure it passes.
A postdoc from ERU-UAW will be speaking at the rally! This is a huge chance to increase the power and visibility of our movement, and to tie research issues to the wider fight for economic justice.
We need union members to turn out in force to support our colleague and amplify our message.
When: Sunday, March 29, 2PM (doors at noon)
Where: Lehman College, Bronx, NY
Local 4100 Meet Up Location: Southwest corner of Bedford Park Blvd and Jerome Avenue (at the Bedford Park Blvd-Lehman College Subway Stop – map) at 1:30pm
RSVP for both events here!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts,
ROCS-UAW Organizing Committee