With Election Day less than two weeks away, a coalition of Latino leaders is urging their communities to vote on the Working Families Party line when they cast their ballot for Governor Andrew Cuomo. The powerful coalition believes that a strong Latino showing on the WFP line is the best way to turn Albany’s promises into action on key issues, such as passage of the DREAM Act and raising the minimum wage.
From left, NY State Senator Adriano Espaillat, President of the NYC Council, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Héctor Figueroa, President of local 32BJ and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez in front of NYC Hall. Foto cortesía WFP
Comments from the event participants:
Maria Cortez, Make The Road Action Fund Member
“As a Latina and a community leader in Brooklyn I know that ensuring a victory for the Working Families Party is the only way to ensure that we pass stronger rent laws and increase the minimum wage in the 2015 legislative session. I have been volunteering tirelessly to get my community out to vote the Working Families ballot line this election season and I am ready for this final push for November 4th. Latinos will vote our values on November 4th, we will vote for the Working Families Party.”
Jasmine Cruz, Make The Road Action Fund Member
“This election day is a decisive day for my future and the futures of thousands of other DREAMERs across New York. If we secure a Working Families Party majority in the Senate the NY Dream Act will pass, ensuring that DREAMERS like me who have worked really hard to learn English and graduate high school are able to afford a college education. I encourage everyone who believes in the value of education and in the Dreams and aspirations of immigrant youth to vote the Working Families ballot line on election day. Latinos who are able to vote need to come out and represent our community at the polls because for every Latino voter there are many more Latinos, like me, who are not able to make our voices heard at the ballot box. Let’s make the power of community be felt this November 4th.”
Rep Nydia M. Velázquez
“Over the last two decades I have stood up for working families to ensure access to affordable housing, empowering local small businesses and pushing for comprehensive immigration reform. That’s why I am urging all working families to join me in voting for Governor Cuomo and all democratic candidates on the Working Families Party ballot line this November 4th, stated Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D, 7th CD) “A vote on the Working Families ballot line sends a clear message that we will elect democrats to Albany who will take action on the issues that are most important to us — raising the minimum wage, so no working family will have to struggle to put food on the table; passing a Dream Act that will provide our children the same opportunities for tuition aid that other college students enjoy; and, ensuring affordable and accessible housing for New Yorkers.”
Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
“Whether it’s raising the minimum wage, passing the women’s equality agenda or fighting for the New York State DREAM Act, New Yorkers have a lot at stake in this election. On November 4th we have a chance to elect Democrats on the Working Families Party line who will go to Albany and will be dedicated to passing the types of progressive legislation that will help lift up New Yorkers all over the state. I am looking forward to supporting Governor Cuomo, Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Comptroller Tom Dinapoli on the WFP line. “
Héctor Figueroa , President, 32BJ SEIU
“By voting on the WFP line we send a clear message to our elected officials: 32BJ members and New York’s working people want policies that strengthen our communities, including raising the minimum wage, passing the DREAM Act and the Women’s Equality Act and getting corporate money out of politics. These issues are important to Latino working families and all working families.”
George Miranda, President, Teamsters Joint Council 16
“Latino workers know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. We want good jobs, affordable housing, and a voice in government. The Working Families Party lets us send a message with our vote. By voting for our union endorsed candidates on the WFP line, we show our support for the DREAM Act, higher minimum wage, fair elections, and women’s quality.”
Eddie Bautista, Executive Director, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
“Voting on the Working Families Party is a way to send a message to Albany to put our communities first and prioritize good jobs and a healthy environment.”
Council Member Julissa Ferreras
“I proudly serve as a council member of this great city because I believe to my core that we can never turn our back on our nation’s working families and that we improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities, especially our children. It is the reason I have worked side by side with the Working Families Party as part of the large progressive coalition that won paid sick days and elected our first Latino City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark Viverito. Together we have fought for a New York that works for all of us. But times remain toughest for low-income working families, especially people of color and the children who depend on them. We can do better. Democratic voters will have several options but we need to fight for our families so when I walk into that voting booth on Election Day, I’m voting for Governor Cuomo and all democratic candidates on the Working Families Party line and I urge all working families to do the same so we can send a clear message that we will only elect those democrats for whom the minimum wage, the Dream Act, and affordable housing are not only campaign promises but an agenda to pursue on Day 1.”
Council Member Carlos Menchaca
“For over a decade the Working Families Party has played a role in nearly every major progressive victory in New York, from raising the minimum wage to passing the Millionaire’s Tax. They’ve helped expand access to affordable housing and end the abuse of stop-and-frisk. I’m proud to have worked side by side with the Working Families Party as part of the large progressive coalition that won paid sick days and elected our first Latina City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark Viverito. If we win a Democratic-Working Families majority in the New York State Senate, we have the chance to see an entire progressive platform become reality — one that includes raising the minimum wage, passing campaign finance reform, passing a state-wide DREAM Act, and so much more. Voting on the WFP line helps us get there, and it’s a signal to all of Albany that you expect action on these issues.”
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
“The Working Families Party is the anchor of progressive reform in New York City with issues such as raising the minimum wage, passing a Dream Act. The Working Families Party has helped lead the charge in ensuring affordable and accessible housing for all New Yorkers. Thus, I urge Latinos and working families across the city to vote for Democrats on the Working Families Party line so we can send a clear message about the issues that are important to us. Let’s vote WFP.”
Senator Adriano Espaillat
“To win real change that the Latino community needs – raising the minimum wage, passing a Dream Act that will provide our children the same opportunities for tuition aid that other college students enjoy; and, ensuring affordable and accessible housing for New Yorkers, we must send a clear message about our priorities. That’s why I’m voting for Governor Cuomo and the Democratic ticket in the Working Families Party ballot line this November 4th and urging all Latinos and working families to do the same. A Working Families Party vote elects Democrats to Albany who will take action on the issues that are most important to us.”
Senator Jose Peralta
“I’ve often been asked, ‘What issues matter most to Hispanics?’ as if economic and educational opportunity were somehow of primary importance to everyone but Latinos. I’ve never been asked that question, though, by anyone in the Working Families Party. The WFP and all its candidates get it. They don’t need a crash course or cheat sheet about the need for a higher minimum wage, more affordable housing and the DREAM Act. I urge Latinos and all working families to vote on the WFP line on Election Day, from Governor Cuomo on through the rest of the ticket.”
Senator Gustavo Rivera
“The Working Families Party is the anchor of progressive reform across this diverse state. They’ve helped expand access to affordable housing, reform the Rockefeller Drug laws and end the abuse of stop-and-frisk. That’s why I’m voting for Governor Cuomo and all democratic candidates in the Working Families Party ballot line this November 4th and urging all working families and Latinos to do the same,” State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “A vote on the Working Families ballot line sends a clear message that we will elect those democrats for whom the minimum wage, the Dream Act and affordable housing are not only campaign promises, but an agenda to pursue on Day 1.”
Assemblyman Francisco Moya
“New York State is home to more than 3.5 million Latinos; more than one third of them born outside the United States. We make up 27.5% of New York City’s population and more than 18% statewide. We should be in the forefront of the fight for immigration reform and the DREAM Act; instead, we are lagging behind some other states. Immigration status should never be a barrier for young college-bound students. Denying these young men and women access to educational opportunities is unacceptable. That is why we must elect Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democrats on the Working Families Party line. If we do not re-elect Governor Cuomo and progressive Democratic lawmakers to a majority in both the Assembly and the Senate the DREAM Act will not become a reality. “
Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, Chair, NYS Senate-Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force
“As chair of the NYS Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force my colleagues and I work every day on issues that affect our communities but there is still a lot of work to be done. That is why on November 4th I am voting for Governor Cuomo and democratic candidates on the Working Families ballot line. The Working Families Party has been the key voice in pushing the Democratic Party to be more responsive to the issues that matter to everyday low- and middle-income New Yorkers. I urge Latinos and all working families to vote on the WFP line on Election Day, from Governor Cuomo on through the rest of the ticket.”
Assemblyman Victor Pichardo
“If we win a Democratic-Working Families majority in the New York State Senate, we have the chance to see an entire progressive platform become reality — that includes raising the minimum wage, passing campaign finance reform, and many other important issues. This is why I am voting on the Working Families Party line this November. I look forward to making sure the issues working families in my district and across New York State care about are made a reality.”
