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 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.

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."

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.

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.

What's Up! The leadership team of the Oyate Group, Tomas Ramos, Jason Autar & Cyrille Njikeng, visited #TeamJackson, to share their experiences and vision as an organization on a mission to empower underserved communities across NYC. Matthew Levy, the legislative director for the office of Senator Jackson, also joined the conversation. He shed light on the bills Senator Jackson has introduced to push the needle on the fight in the long and hard road to achieve equity and justice for communities of color across the nation and here in New York. Want to join the conversation and weigh in or be part of our show? Give us a call at 212.544.0173 / 347.264.9842 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected]. Also, head to Twitter and use the hashtag #Whatsups31 or #TeamJackson and share this and all other episodes!

Senator "Action" Jackson and his Chief of Staff Johanna Garcia share their thoughts on the loss of lives of victims of the tragic fire at a 120-unit in the Bronx, ERAP (emergency rental assistance program), School Safety, and more. 

The new year is here, and with it comes new challenges and great hope for positive changes for our communities. With the turn of the calendar also comes the start of the 2022 NYS Legislative Session.  Last year, many good things were accomplished; among the highlights were the delivery of the full funding of Foundation Aid for our schools, voting reform package, criminal justice bills, funding for rent relief, and advances towards climate justice. #TeamJackson invites you all to listen to State Senator Robert "Action" Jackson talk about what he hopes will be a very productive legislative session and why.  

Welcome to the world of Team Jackson, spearheaded by Senator Robert "Action" Jackson. Join us weekly for conversations about what goes on behind the scenes at the New York State State Senate. Enjoy!