Good News- Clean Elections, GM Labeling, Overturning Citizens United

Image from Citizen Action

Public Financing of Elections One Step Closer!
An unlikely coalition of wealthy individuals, business leaders and grassroots organizations like Citizen Action and MoveOn have joined forces to push for clean elections in New York State! Gov Cuomo backed the idea in his State of the State address in January. This could be the start of something really BIG!
Take action - http://votersnotdonors.org/2009/06/what-is-public-financing-of-elections/
BREAKING- Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has introduced legislation to bring fair elections to NY.
Locally- Attend a screening of the documentary Pricele$$ - May 4, 7PM Rosendale Recreation Center- Join the campaign to win Fair Elections for New York for a special screening of PRICELE$$, and a discussion about why New York needs Fair Elections campaign finance reform.
http://www.fairelectionsny.org/events/rosendale-pricele-screening

Overturning Citizens United 
Vermont became the third state to vote for an amendment to overturn Citizens United - one of the worst decisions of the Supreme Court that basically allows for legalized bribery and negates the bedrock of democracy of One person, One vote.

Sign the petition to "End Corporate Rule and Legalize Democracy" at Move to Amend.. Join Ulster County Move to Amend on FB.

Urge your state legislators to support a Constitutional Amendment at Free Speech for People.

Read more on why the Citizens United ruling is a death knell for democracy here.

Reigning in Exorbitant CEO Pay
Shareholders voted down the $14.9 million annual pay for its CEO at Citibank! "The opening shot in the battle to restore sanity to CEO pay."

Mega bonuses and outlandish CEO pay have contributed greatly to vast income inequality in America. In 2011, the average CEO pay jumped almost 14% to about $13 million a year. The average worker's wages rose 2.8% to $34,053. Three decades ago, the average CEO pay was 42 times the average worker and now it is nearly 400 times greater! "This yawning gap is the largest in the world." Read more.

States Mobilizing to Demand Labeling of GMOs! 

When the federal government fails in its duty to protect its citizens- we have another route to demand fairness and justice. So far, 20 states have introduced legislation to demand labeling of foods that contain GMOs (genetically modified organisms). For more on the health and environmental risks of GMO's- click here.

No where is the fight as dramatic as California. A labeling law is on its way to be voted on this November as a CA Ballot Initiative.

Vermont was well on its way to demand labeling when Monsanto threatened to sue the entire state. Looks like the governor is backing down in the face of it, despite 90% of his constituents wanting it  and sound science behind it. Contribute to the Organic Consumers Association Defense Fund now- so Vermont and other states can stand up to the biotech bullies.

Over 50 countries representing 40% of the world's population have mandatory GM labeling laws. Through the states, Americans are rising up to demand the same!

Join us on FB- GMO? OMG! Hudson Valley for NO GMO

ALEC Exposed
Not only are corporate members leaving the right wing organization in droves (Proctor and Gamble is the 13th to distance themselves from ALEC)  now Common Cause has submitted a formal whistle blower complaint against ALEC to the IRS. They allege ALEC broke federal tax laws by posing as a 501c3 not for profit, but actually engaging in lobbying activities.

"Their ain't no power like the power of the people because the power of the people don't stop!"