Message from Governor Cuomo on Justice Scalia

photograph of the justices, cropped to show Justice Scalia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s biggest fans and greatest detractors might not see eye to eye on much, but on this they would agree: Justice Scalia believed first and foremost in the Constitution of the United States. The specific words were the focus for many of his decisions and dissents during his three decades on the bench of the Supreme Court.

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution states that the President shall have the power to nominate, with the advice and consent of the Senate, Justices of the Supreme Court. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say the President or the U.S. Senate should put aside these responsibilities because of politics or a presidential election, and we cannot let partisan bickering cripple the nation's highest court.

Washington gridlock has already succeeded in largely immobilizing the legislative and executive branches of our federal government. To allow it to now paralyze the judicial branch, in defiance of the U.S. Constitution, would be a disservice to both parties and to Justice Scalia's legacy. And this is not an academic exercise. The current Supreme Court term could be one of the most important in the last 50 years, with cases affecting women's health, immigration and workers' rights.

This only underscores the fact that the American people deserve an orderly and swift confirmation process, and that’s why I wrote an op-ed, which you can read here.

The Constitution lays out clearly the guiding principles of our government's responsibilities to the people. Some of the most important responsibilities are shared between the different branches of government for the very reason that divided control would force both parties to work together. We will have failed our founding fathers and the document they signed if our parties' leaders are no longer willing to even try.

Politics are always hard to put aside, even harder in an election year. But in this moment both Democrats and Republicans need to put their Constitutional responsibilities first. That’s what we've done here in New York, that's what needs to finally happen in Washington D.C. and that's what the legacy of Justice Scalia deserves.

Sincerely,


Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Wednesday News After Noon: Living Wage in NYC? Cuomo's Running Mate, More

Wal-Mart Seeking More Control of its Supply Chain
The company is contacting manufacturers and seeking to provide its own transportation in instances where Wal-Mart can do the same job for less. Wal-Mart asked for 6 percent reduction in the price it pays for products based on its own cost calculation, while suppliers estimated the actual expense was equal to about 3 percent.


Wal-Mart isn't what Liberty Road Needs (MD):
"People need to connect to their neighborhoods."


Trader Joe's and Wal-Mart Sprouts Recalled for Salmonella
Sprouts sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart have been recalled after an outbreak of salmonella sickened more than 20 people in 10 states.


Labor History Month All Year Round
The month may be nearly over but union leaders, students, teachers and activists are taking advantage of new resources to keep telling our story and building our future beyond May, which is officially Labor History Month.


MOTT'S Workers Peel Away Contract to the Core and Find Nothing but a Rotten Apple... Declare a Strike
Over 300 full time manufacturing workers at the Mott's plant in Williamson,NY went out on strike because of painful wage cuts while the company enjoyed a record year of $555 million in profits.


More Arrested in Immigration Law Protest
Nearly 40 people were arrested Monday during an act of civil disobedience in Lower Manhattan meant to rally against Arizona's immigration law.


Boston.com is covering the Shaw's march...

Worcester Hospital Workers Authorize Strike

About 1,300 housekeepers and lab workers at a number of UMass Memorial Care facilities have rejected the company's latest two-year contract proposal and authorized a strike.

Tavern on the Green Staff Hold Out Hope for Jobs
Mayor Bloomberg has said the city will solicit new proposals for a restaurant in coming months, using the space as a visitor center in the interim. Many of Tavern's former employees wonder whether that future includes them


Gourmet Garage Opens on Upper Park Avenue
Gourmet Garage, New York Citys own specialty food marketplace, will be opening its fifth store in Manhattan at 1245 Park Ave between 96th and 97th Streets in February. 


FreshDirect Expands its Office Food and Beverage Delivery Service
FreshDirect At The Office, the office food and beverage delivery service division of the leading online grocer FreshDirect, is now delivering to business customers in Westchester and Fairfield Counties.

ShopRite plans 8th Maryland store.


Walmart  is reportedly testing a virtual makeup mirror in a 90-day trial at 10 stores in various locations around the country, according to StoreFrontBacktalk, a technology blog. [SN]

UFCW Local 418 President was beaten by the police.

Organizing victory for UFCW Local 5, read more at MyUFCW.

And another story from MyUFCW, Small business owners believe strong unions help business.

AFL-CIO Blog: Jobs Bill, 1 Million Jobs at Stake...Tell Congress to Pass it

Politics


Pushing a Living Wage Bill in NYC
The Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act is expected to go before the New York City Council today.

More @ Globe St.

New York Times: Wage Proposal May Prompt Fight at City Hall.


Local One Endorse Kathleen Rice for Attorney General 
Nassau District Attorney Recognized for Fighting Labor and Safety Violations by Wal-Mart and Other Employers

Poll Puts Cuomo Far Ahead of GOP Opponents
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo Goes to his party's nominating convention this week with a commanding lead over his Republican opponents in the race for governor, a new poll shows. 


Cuomo's First Union Endorsement, UFCW Local 1500.


Cuomo has selected an Lt.Governor candidate.