This week's calls to action include the following events and activities. (All are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.)
Momentum building for single-payer health
Metro Justice and several community partners are organizing local support for a single-payer health bill for New York. Assembly member Richard Gottfried, who is sponsoring the bill, will hold a series of public hearings around the state; a Rochester hearing is set for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, December 8. The hearings are intended to review the costs of the current health system and its impact on patients, health care providers, employers, and taxpayers. The local hearing will be held at Workers United Hall, 750 East Avenue. Anyone who wants to attend or testify at the hearing should contact Kelly Spahr: 857-9738.
Brooks and Warren discuss area's future
The Rochester Downtown Development Corporation and the Rochester Rotary Club will present "Vision-Future" from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10. The event will feature presentations by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Mayor Lovely Warren. The two community leaders will talk about their priorities and economic goals for 2015. There will also be a tribute to Rochester developer Larry Glazer, and Joe Floreano, longtime former director of the Riverside Convention Center. The event will be held at the Convention Center. Tickets: $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers. Reservations: 546-6920 or [email protected].
Celebrating Human Rights Day
Downtown United Presbyterian Church will host "Capitalism vs. Human Rights," a panel discussion in recognition of Human Rights Day, on Monday, December 8. Panelists: David Cay Johnston, former reporter with the New York Times; Colin O'Malley, community organizer for Metro Justice; Ream Kidane, socialist and activist; Paola Macas Betchart, worker advocate; and Danielle Ponder, assistant public defender for the Monroe County Public Defender's Office. The event will be held at 121 North Fitzhugh Street, and it starts at 5:30 p.m. with a community potluck. Please bring a dish to pass. Information: 464-0878.