February 10, 2023

NYS Council member agency and Northern Rivers CEO Bill Gettman started a movement resulting in a group purchase of space on a very prominent billboard here in Albany that will shout our message re: COLA to state leaders.  The billboard is located right where lawmakers and other state leaders make the turn off the highways as they head to the Capital and Legislative Office Building in downtown Albany.

THANK YOU BILL for spearheading this movement!  

See Bill’s message to the gang that chipped in to make the group purchase (below).  Also see what will go up on the billboard:

———- Forwarded message ———
From: Gettman, William <William.Gettman@northernrivers.org>
Date: Fri, Feb 10, 2023 at 6:33 PM
Subject: 8.5 % COLA Billboard Goes Live

United by a workforce crisis and some of the greatest challenges their sector has ever seen, a collective of nearly 30 not-for-profit Human Services providers from across New York State have purchased a billboard near the Capitol urging elected officials to support an 8.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in this year’s state budget. The billboard, located on Interstate 787 south of the Interstate 90 interchange, reads:

8.5% COLA for Human Services

Retain staff & Keep the lights on!

The electronic billboard ad will run for 6 weeks beginning Wednesday February 15. It will run on an electronic  board (over the 6 weeks and switching ) to reflect north and southbound directions. The colors will have a good punch during the  day and evenings

Thanks everyone for your support for the 8.5 COLA Advocacy

Thanks also to Lauri for her crisp and direct language!