SCAA Job Announcement

Karen Schimke, SCAA President and CEO since 1996, is retiring in June 2010. SCAA is seeking a President/CEO, who will provide leadership for SCAA’s second century of advocating for social and economic justice for children, the poor, the chronically ill and disabled. The Albany-based position requires a person capable of positioning SCAA at the forefront of policy analysis and advocacy in NYS, developing and implementing a strategic plan to advance SCAA’s mission and objectives, and promoting SCAA’s financial stability and growth. Experience in non-profit management or state government and a recognized ability in public speaking are strongly preferred. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

A complete job description is here. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume electronically to: mhummel@manatt.com in an e-mail entitled “SCAA Search”.

The deadline for applications is February 28, 2010. SCAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Save youths from prison horror

A January 31, 2010 Times Union Op-Ed by Karen Schimke, SCAA President and CEO, comments on recommendations from a recent report by the Governor's Task Force on Transforming Juvenile Justice. See Op-Ed.

Higher Education Testimony

January 27, 2010 testimony before the Joint Fiscal Committees on the SFY 2010-11 Executive Budget Higher Education Hearing, presented by Karen Schimke, SCAA President & CEO is here.

New York Health Access Site Launched

The Empire Justice Center, The Legal Aid Society, and Selfhelp Community Services have announced the launching of a new website called New York Health Access designed for New York State health advocates, caregivers, and consumers. The website provides articles, guides and training materials on access to health care services and health insurance programs for low-income New Yorkers.

SCAA Releases Getting Serious About the GED. Report Focuses Attention on the Problems with New York State’s GED Testing System.

Getting Serious About the GED: How New York Can Build a Bridge from High School Dropout to Postsecondary Success examines New York State’s “educational funnel”—a large population of potential GED test-takers that narrows significantly at each stage, eventually funneling out all but the most dedicated—or luckiest—students. It recommends strategies for increasing both pass rates and successful transition to higher education and training, with the belief that the educational funnel can be widened significantly. See the January 11th press release. All other press coverage is here.

Critical Medicaid Services For Vulnerable New Yorkers In Jeopardy. Cuts to So-called Optional Medicaid Services are Not Optional at All.

Advocates from across the state called upon state elected officials not to pass
devastating cuts in the safety-net that will jeopardize New York’s health and safety. See the November 18th press release here.

N.Y. can't compromise children's futures

A November 16, 2009 Times Union Op-Ed by Karen Schimke, President and CEO, Schuyler Center for Anlysis and Advocacy is here.