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2011, The State of New York State, A Poor and Working
People's View
By mickielynn on 2011-01-04 14:53:26
Here in New York State, once one of the richest states with the best social services, we're beginning a new decade, with a
new Governor and a budget deficit of nearly $10 Billion. But if we prioritize the well being of all of our citizens (not just
the richest ones) and seek long term growth and a strong economy we need to include justice and sustainability in our
budget plans. Right now we need to invest in jobs, housing, nutrition and education if we want a workforce that is healthy
and prepared for the future. Housing , nutritional and health programs, pre-school education and excellent childcare are all
a part of insuring and supporting the growth, talents and well being of our children. A few facts about the current
distribution of wealth in New York State. Right now, statewide the richest 1% receive 35% of the state's total income. And in
New York City (where the financial sector reigns) the top 1% receive 45% of New York's income. At the moment New York
State ranks first among the 50 states in the size of the gap between highest and lowest incomes. On the day before the
Governor's State of the State address Hunger Action Network of New York www.hungeractionnys.org holds its annual
"People's State of the State Rally" to remind the Governor and the legislature of the needs of the working poor and others in
poverty. For this year's rally I wrote some song lyrics. I'll share them with all of you.
“We’re The People of New York State”
Tune: The Mexican Hat Dance Words: Mickie Lynn Chorus: We’re here today to say, we’re the people of New York State.
We’re hungry and we’re poor. We’re homeless and we can’t wait. Oh we need more affordable housing, good nutrition and
job programs too. Now it’s time to be much more inventive. To create long-term plans that are new. Chorus: We’re here
today to say... Make the wealthy and Wall Street pay their way. ‘Cause you know it would only be fair. If we get to keep
financial taxes we’ll have more than $10 billion to spare. Chorus: We’re here today to say... On big tax breaks and short
term incentives do we want to be spending our dough? When that money could subsidize new jobs that would make our
economy grow. Chorus: We’re here today to say... All our children are precious resources. They have got to be healthy to
thrive. They need food, and safe spaces and childcare to keep all their potential alive. Chorus: We’re here today to say...
“Bring Our War Dollars Home”
Tune: God Bless America lyrics: Mickie Lynn Bring our war dollars home. We need them here. This last ten years we’ve
spent trillions. Now let’s get our priorities clear. No more killing. No more dying. No more lying. No more drones. Fund all
our human needs, bring war dollars home. Balance our budgets now. Bring war dollars home. Right here in New York State,
war makes us poor. We’ve paid taxes for war_costs of one-hundred-one Billion and more. We need health care. We need
welfare. Good nutrition and safe homes. Cut funds to the Pentagon. Bring war dollars home. Reduce ‘“‘defense” spending and
bring war dollars home.
“When All Our Hungry Are Well Fed”
Tune: When the Saints Come Marchin’ In (based on a Code Pink and Women’s Peace and Justice Chorus concept. New
words by Mickie Lynn)
When all our hungry are well fed, When all our hungry are well fed. Oh how I want to be in that number, When all our
hungry are well fed. When people’s needs trump corporate greed, When people’s needs trump corporate greed... When we
repair the safety net...(2xs) When we all earn a living wage... When we fund health instead of war... When we build jobs
both fair and green... When we protect all families... When everyone pays their fair share...
