What's Up S31!

Learning, Unlearning, & Leading: Reflections from Team Jackson Interns

Step inside the halls of public service through the eyes of Senator Robert Jackson’s interns. In candid conversation, they share first impressions, “aha!” moments, and the lessons that reshaped their view of politics, governance, and community impact. From day-to-day experiences to career-shaping insights, this episode offers a fresh look at what it means to learn, unlearn, and lead.

We’re Back!

We’re back on the mic! After a brief break, What’s Up S31 returns with fresh updates from Albany and the heart of Senate District 31. Senator Robert “Action” Jackson calls in with the latest from the State Capitol, and Chief of Staff Johanna Garcia shares what’s happening in our community. Plus, Team Jackson highlights key resources and services available for our community.

Breaking Down the Class Size Revolution: NYC's Path to Smaller Class Sizes

Our state achieved a significant milestone in children's education with the passage of the Class Size Reduction Bill. On June 2, 2022, the NY State Legislature approved the bill with overwhelming support, receiving a vote of 59-4 in the Senate and 147-2 in the Assembly. This legislation mandates a five-year plan for NYC schools to reduce class sizes, signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on September 8, 2022. In April 2023, the NYC Department of Education established a Class Size Work Group consisting of parents, teachers, advocates, and administrators to initiate the development of a plan and formulate recommendations. Johanna Garcia, Chief of Staff to Senator Robert Jackson and co-chair of the Class Size Working Group, along with Dr. Kaliris Yimar Salas-Ramirez, an integral member of the working group, joined us to explain the legislative history and the broader context of the struggle for smaller class sizes, stemming from the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit. They also discussed how the working group is deliberating its recommendations to the NYC Department of Education, emphasizing the nuanced nature of the class size debate beyond simplistic notions of "small is good" and "big is bad."

When Women Lead - A Campaign Story

Two Afro-caribeñas joined forces to lead Senator Robert Jackson to a resounding primary victory in the new District 31. These education activists, alongside many other community organizers (mainly women), proved that a shared commitment to work together and actively participate in democracy could defeat the special interests that seek to divide and destroy our communities.

What's Up S31! Hits The Streets⁣!

Team Jackson took What's Up S31! to the streets and hit the corner of 175th & St. Nicholas Avenue in the Washington Heights area of Uptown Manhattan. This was an opportunity for the residents of "El Alto" to sit down with Team Jackson and share their concerns as we chat about what went down in Albany during the end of the legislative session.