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Category: Press Releases

NYSYD Statement on Delgado

For Immediate Release

Contact Person: Jovan C. Richards, NYSYD President
JRichards@nysyd.org

New York – (May 3, 2022) – Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed Congressman Antonio Delgado as her Lieutenant Governor and the New York State Democratic Party has appointed him as the party’s nominee in the upcoming primary. The Congressman will serve for the remainder of the year and will run on the statewide ticket with Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, Comptroller DiNapoli, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

“Lieutenant Governor Delgado is a great choice and we congratulate him on his appointment. The Congressman has been a friend to young professionals, students, and the Young Democrats since he was elected to Congress. We happily invite the former Congressman to meet with us at his convenience, and we look forward to the opportunity of working together during his current and possibly future term of LG,” says Jovan C. Richards, President of the New York State Young Democrats.

Lieutenant Governor Delgado is an Afro-Latino, Rhodes scholar, dedicated family man, and the first person of color to represent the Hudson Valley and upstate New York in Congress. Delgado was first elected to Congress in 2018 and has served the 19th Congressional District since.

NYSYD Statement on Roe

For Immediate Release

Contact Person: Jovan C. Richards, NYSYD President
JRichards@nysyd.org

New York – (May 3, 2022) – If reports of the leaked Supreme Court Opinion draft obtained by Politico are true, the Supreme Court of the United States is aiming to overturn Roe v. Wade, which would eliminate the right to choose and decimate the ability to have safe and secure reproductive procedures in this country.

This decision will likely have seismic repercussions for not only reproductive healthcare but also the potential to overturn other decisions by the Supreme Court enshrining civil liberties not afforded by the United States Constitution.

The pending decision is just the latest example of the effects of a twice impeached former president, Senator McConnell, and the Republican Party’s blatant disrespect for democracy, and the health and safety of the American people. Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett sit in seats they have no right to occupy. Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanagh take away rights they have no business having an opinion on.

Despite this horrific decision, abortions will not stop! New York will continue to defend reproductive rights at all costs. Governor Kathy Hochul has promised that for anyone seeking access to care “our state will welcome you with open arms.” We echo our Governor’s sentiments, but we know not everyone will have the means to travel or move to New York, which is why it is important for the United States Senate to vote to codify Roe immediately and send it to the President’s desk for his signature. The House of Representatives has done its duty, and we call on our friend U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to assemble his caucus and bring this important matter to a vote as soon as possible. We fear that in states without sane leadership that lack the same respect for human rights, abortion will continue despite these pointless GOP restrictions, potentially resulting in the deaths or injury of thousands of women.

“This is a prime example as to why elections have consequences. For too long, we have fought for women, trans men, and non-binary individuals to have the right to make their own choices with their bodies, but now the Republican-controlled court has begun to eliminate that possibility. Young people, young Democrats, and the New York State Young Democrats, in particular, will not stand for this. We will continue to fight for the right to safe reproductive care, and to ensure New Yorkers maintain their fundamental right to their bodily autonomy.” says NYSYD President Jovan C. Richards.

New Yorkers are fortunate to have leaders like Governor Hochul, Attorney General Tish James, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes at the helm defending New Yorkers against the caveman mentality that is sweeping other states’ capitals. NYSYD joins our state’s leaders and our national partners at the Young Democrats of America to prepare to fight the good fight for New Yorkers and Americans alike.

“This is not how generations of fighting for responsible access ends. This is how the fight finds its second wind and creates a larger movement this world has yet to experience,” claims Richards.

New York-Based Resources & Worthy Causes to Invest In

Planned Parenthood
Center for Reproductive Rights
The Lilith Fund

NYSYD’s Statement on AG’s Investigation

Five months ago, we believed the survivors and trusted that the Attorney General’s investigation would substantiate the allegations that had been made. Yesterday’s report from Attorney General James brought the survivors one step closer to justice by validating their claims that Governor Cuomo engaged in a pattern of unacceptable behavior and sexual harassment. Today, we, the New York State Young Democrats, again, call on Governor Cuomo to promptly resign. If Governor Cuomo does not resign, we urge the New York State Legislature to expeditiously remove him through the impeachment process.

Far too often, survivors do not have an investigation and comprehensive report published by the Attorney General to validate their claims. Furthermore, many of the protections that are afforded to those in most workplaces are diminished, or non-existent, for staffers in all three branches of the state government. In this case, we have an opportunity to enact a level of swift justice by removing the perpetrator from power.

We continue to call upon the legislature to revise practices and enact legislation that will provide a safe environment for survivors to come forward — and find justice when they do. We have full confidence in the Democratic supermajorities to pass swift and comprehensive legislation that centers on protecting victims of sexual harassment and violence. Now is the time to make the workplace safer for all.

To all survivors of sexual harassment or assault in any instance: We hear you and support you wherever you are, as this is not limited to the workplace or legislative halls. We remain an organization committed to working with you to dismantle the systems that sustain environments where these actions are welcome.

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Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center
For survivors, employers, employees, organizations looking to eliminate sexual violence in the workplace.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
Survivor Hotline: 800.656.HOPE(4673)

YWCA of New York
For Victims and Survivors of sexual violence who are in need of housing and counseling

1in6
For men who are survivors of sexual abuse or harassment

NYSCADV (New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

NYS Young Democrats Stands with Survivors Calls on Cuomo to Resign

We acknowledge the courage of everyone brave enough to speak their truth in regards to their experiences with Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) firmly stand with all survivors of sexual harassment or assault. We understand that 75% of all workplace harassment incidents go unreported, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). We take these allegations seriously and we support Attorney General Letitia James’ independent investigation into these matters.

We believe the survivors and trust that the AG’s investigation will substantiate the claims that have been made. Because of this, and in light of this demonstrated pattern of behavior, we call on the governor to resign immediately.

These particular incidents reiterate the need to reform the structures and systems through which the legislature and executive address issues of sexual harassment and assault. Alongside the need for investigating these particular incidents, we call upon the legislature and executive chamber to revise practices so that staff and survivors not only feel they can come forward, but that they will find justice when they do.

To all survivors of sexual harassment or assault in any instance: We hear you and support you wherever you are, as this is not limited to the workplace or legislative halls. We remain an organization committed to working with you to dismantle the systems that sustain environments where these actions are welcome.

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Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center
For survivors, employers, employees, organizations looking to eliminate sexual violence in the workplace.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
Survivor Hotline: 800.656.HOPE(4673)

YWCA of New York
For Victims and Survivors of sexual violence who are in need of housing and counseling

1in6
For men who are survivors of sexual abuse or harassment

NYSCADV (New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

NYSYD Denounces Sen. Borrello’s Anti-Disabled Comments Senator Says Automatic Voter Registration Will Expand Voting Rights for Persons Who Lack the Cognitive Skills to Understand the Electoral Process

The New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) condemn the anti-disabled and ableist remarks made by newly-elected State Senator George Borrello (R-57) on the first full day of the 2020 legislative session, Thursday, January 9, 2020, during a floor debate regarding a bill to enact automatic voter registration (AVR) when he said that the bill would enfranchise people with cognitive disabilities who, he claims, lack the requisite skills to understand how to vote.

The bill, if enacted, will automatically register people to vote after they fill-out paperwork with certain New York State government agencies – most notably the Department of Motor Vehicles. Currently, when a person goes to a DMV office to get a license, permit, or other state identification, they can check a box to indicate that they wish to have their information forwarded to the New York State Board of Elections (BOE) so that they will be added to the voter rolls. The AVR bill would do the opposite: the person would have to check a box to actively opt-out of their information being sent to the BOE. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the states that have enacted AVR have seen the rates of voter registration rise to be as much as 94%. Furthermore, The Nation reports that as a result of its AVR law, Oregon saw a 4% increase in voter turnout from 2012 to 2016.

While explaining his plans to vote against the AVR bill Sen. Borrello finished his remarks by saying:

This [bill] is [also] about registering people who have come into government to collect benefits, [and] to, perhaps, address mental health issues they may have. Those are the folks who are automatically be registered – people who may not even understand the impact of voting. It’s about influencing people who, otherwise, should not understand and will not understand. I find that really abhorrent. So, I will be voting ‘no’ on this.

“It is quite a feat to show yourself to be ableist on your first day at a new job,” said NYSYD and Young Democrats of America Disability Issues Caucus Chair Seamus Campbell. “Senator Borrello literally said people with mental illness and cognitive disabilities are too dumb or unbalanced to vote. He should be ashamed of himself. Borrello thinks that people with disabilities lack the ability to learn about the role and importance of democracy and how to do the necessary research about the issues and candidates on the ballot. As a person who has dealt with clinical depression for his entire adult life, I am both shocked and disgusted that to learn that he honestly thinks that my condition is in any way a barrier to being an informed citizen and active voter. The fact that I have not missed a single election – primary, general, run-off, or special – in over 5 years should be proof that his beliefs are just plain wrong.”

Under New York State Law, any United States citizen, a resident of New York State for at least 30 days, and over the age of 18, and is not currently serving time for a felony conviction can register to vote. Furthermore, the only persons empowered to remove a person’s voting rights due to mental capacity is a judge.

Said Paolo Cremidis, NYSYD Rural Caucus Chair, “George Borrello is peddling fear for the sake of peddling fear. I am troubled by the fact that he is targeting folks to exclude via automatic voter registration. The issue of mental health is not something that we can joke about. He needs to apologize for his comments to his constituents and to our broader Upstate New York community. Making comments like these do not do anything to help represent Upstate.”

“It’s disappointing to see our representation in Albany speaking out against legislation that will strengthen democracy in New York State,” said Frank Besse, Chautauqua County Young Democrats President. “Not only does Mr. Borrello position himself in opposition to empowering the people of our state he does so in a way that incites baseless fears and offends common decency.”

“It makes total sense that Senator Borrello would say this in 2020 of all years,” said NYSYD President Patrick Jordan. “The GOP in New York knows that with Trump on the top of the ballot this year, they are vulnerable because there will be an even bigger surge in voter turnout than we saw in 2018. So, their only recourse to save themselves electorally is to add more barriers so that people cannot or will not go to the polls in November. The New York State Young Democrats just found yet another reason to mobilize this year against Republicans up and down the ballot and we have added a new candidate we’re targetting: George Borrello.”

The New York State Young Democrats call on Senator George Borrello to apologize immediately for his statements. NYSYD plans to organize and mobilize its members so that 2020 will be the only year Borrello spends in Albany.

To view Senator George Borrello’s floor remarks in their entirety, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuxWppCmy30.

NYSYD Supports Renaming Confederate Streets in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn

Brooklyn, New York – With Confederate monuments being taken down all over the country, it’s time New York became one of the many states to remove their public Confederate monuments. In Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, prominent political figures have called on the U.S. Army to rename two streets named after Confederate Army generals, Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson.

Arguments for these changes are not just because these generals were traitors to the United States of America for joining the Confederacy, but more importantly these individuals fought in favor of slavery and the subjugation of African-Americans. New York State Young Democrats and Brooklyn Young Democrats agree that these memorializations should be removed as soon as possible.

“With Confederate memorializations being removed throughout the country, it is time that New York City, a leader in progress, continues to show that we won’t back down to the regressive and hateful Alt-Right that is threatening the very foundation of our great nation,” said Justin Westbrook-Lowery on behalf of New York State Young Democrats. “NYSYD supports the efforts of our local representatives in making these changes, and will continue to work with them to progress forward.”

The Department of Defense has denied requests to change the streets’ names, citing the current policy includes naming military streets, “for a soldier who holds a place of significance in our military history. The great generals of the Civil War, Union and Confederate, are an inextricable part of our military history.” Despite denying the request, leaders will continue to urge the Army to change its mind, and will also explore legislative possibilities. It’s worth noting, there are 10 other military bases in the country, all located in Confederate states, that are still named after Confederate officers.

“Brooklyn Young Democrats applauds the efforts of Congressmembers Yvette Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor de Blasio, and Governor Cuomo to advocate the renaming of Confederate streets in Brooklyn’s Fort Hamilton. The Department of Defense’s decision not to rename the streets is defenseless,” said Brooklyn Young Democrats President John Wasserman. “These individuals have no place in our diverse and progressive borough. Military base or not – these individuals ought not to have the high honor of a street bearing their name. Brooklyn Young Democrats will continue to advocate for their removal and condemnation. We are a nation that must celebrate those who strive for genuine equality and individuals who move us forward towards a more perfect Union.”

YDA Passes IDC Reunification Resolution

Dallas, Texas — This past weekend, young Democrats from all over the country came together at the biennial Young Democrats of America (YDA) Convention in Dallas, Texas. It was a weekend to celebrate the collaborative power of the youth arm of the Democratic Party, but also unite under a banner of resistance. For New York and Washington state, that meant passing a resolution demanding the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) of the New York State Senate and the self-identified Independent Democrat in the Washington State Senate rejoin the mainline Democratic conferences to which they were elected.

Sponsored by the New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) and the Young Democrats of Washington (YDWA), the resolution was passed in conjunction to the 2017-2019 YDA Platform which specifically calls for, “the reunification of Democratic caucuses and factions within state legislatures and localities in the United States to prevent rogue factions from denying Democrats the majority in these legislative bodies and preventing progressive legislation from being passed by these bodies.”

“I am proud of the Young Democrats of America for condemning the actions of the, ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ Democrats who actively betray our progressive values in order to gain favor and power with the Republican Party,” said NYSYD President Patrick Jordan. “YDA is one of two national organizations to condemn these breakaway Democrats, and it’s going to take working with Democrats across our great nation to ensure we unite our party and fight to stem the tide of this regressive administration.”

“The Young Democrats of Washington were happy to join the New York State Young Democrats to voice opposition to Democrats who choose individual power over representing the people that elected them,” said YDWA President LaKecia Farmer. “We have a chance this year in Washington to regain the majority in our State Legislature, and we look forward to helping New York do the same.”

Young Democrats of America, the official youth arm of the Democratic National Committee, now joins the chorus of elected officials, unions, activists, and DNC members calling on the IDC and its Washington State counterpart so progressive legislation can be sent to their respective governors’ desks for signatures.

Statement on Comments Made at Convention

In light of comments of which I was made aware following convention, I want to make something perfectly clear about the board of the New York State Young Democrats: we will not tolerate any racially charged nor racially insensitive comments made by anyone who wants to be a member of this organization.

We will do anything and everything that we can do to tackle the issue of race. I will work with any chapter who asks, as well as the New York State Democratic Party, to fight this. If you have any statements on actions of individuals that were made at convention please report them to myself and any member of the board you wish to handle this. I will respond to any questions or comments as quickly as I can.

It is my belief that the diversity of this organization is one of its strongest as well as most important qualities. However, moving forward, I do want us all to have open and frank discussions and dialogues about how to address issues of race in the future of this organization.

New York State Young Democrats Holds 2017 Convention

The New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) convened in Poughkeepsie, NY from May 5th through 7th to elect new officers, adopt rule changes, and attend trainings to learn the role and relevancy of young democrats on the local, state, and national levels under the Presidency of Donald Trump.

The newly elected Executive Board officers and caucus chairs consists of:

President: Patrick Jordan (Queens)
Executive Vice President: Lauren Bailey (Albany)
Treasurer: Stephanie Campanha Wheaton (Brooklyn)
Secretary: Justin Westbrook-Lowery (Bronx)
National Committeeman: Mohammad Alam (Manhattan)
National Committeewoman: Stacey Eliuk (Queens)
Legal Director: Michael Twomey (Brooklyn)
Capital Region Vice President: Danielle McMullen (Rensselaer)
Central Region Vice President: Brian Garcia (Broome)
Hudson Valley Region Vice President: Jovan Richards (Westchester)
Western Region Vice President: Heather Neu (Monroe)
Chair of Council of Presidents: John Midwood (Dutchess)
Caucus of Color Co-Chair: Jugba Santi (Bronx)
Caucus of Color Co-Chair: Kyle Ishmael (Manhattan)
Disability Issues Caucus Chair: Jim Kane (Dutchess)
Jewish Caucus Chair: Brent Weitzberg (Queens)
Labor Caucus Chair: Rebecca Lamorte (Manhattan)
LGBT Caucus Chair: KC Hankins (Staten Island)
Rural Caucus Chair: Paolo Cemedis (Chemung)
Women’s Caucus Chair: Veronica Aveis (Brooklyn)

“When I decided to run for President, I wanted to have a strong team alongside me and I got exactly that,” said NYSYD President Patrick Jordan. “The team that was elected has a great diversity of skills and backgrounds. If we are going to kick out the Republicans and their allies, the work starts now with our local elections. We need to begin now to stop any brand of Trump’s politics that may arise and fight for Democratic values in our State in all 62 counties at all times.” Following the convention, in his first act as President, Jordan appointed Seamus Campbell of Brooklyn to serve as NYSYD Chief of Staff.

Young Democrats from all across New York State attended panel discussions about the role of labor unions during the Era of Trump, women in politics, and a training on how to write and develop a field plan for a successful political campaign – all vital skills as NYSYD prepares for the all-important mid-term elections next year. Speakers throughout the weekend included Assemblyman Michael Blake, former congressional candidate Zephyr Teachout, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Committee Basil Smikle, and Chairwoman of the Dutchess County Democratic Committee Elisa Sumner. Additionally, NYSYD adopted changes to its Constitution to ensure accountability of the caucuses, fiscal responsibility, and clarified membership requirements.

On the second night of the convention, NYSYD held its 3rd Annual Awards Gala honoring:

Young Elected of the Year: New York State Assemblyman Michael Blake
FDR Trailblazer Award: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Rookie of the Year: Justin Westbrook-Lowery
Labor Leader of the Year: Michele Gilliam
Chapter of the Year: Manhattan Young Democrats
Alumni of the Year: Christopher Smith
Woman of the Year: Amanda Pizzuti
Man of the Year: Michael Corbett

This convention marks the last under the presidency of Mike Corbett. “Having seen all that Patrick has done in Queens and having worked with him for the past three years on the state level,” said Corbett, “I am honored to have been named Man of the Year but I am even more honored to have been succeeded by a man who has the most capable hands to lead this organization.”

NYSYD to Sen. Robert Ortt: Resign

In light of his recent indictment, New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) calls on Robert Ortt (R-Niagara County) to immediately resign from his seat in the New York State Senate.

In an indictment in Albany County unsealed yesterday, Sen. Robert Ortt was indicted on three felony counts of filing a false instrument in a scheme to create a no-show job for his wife while he was Mayor of North Tonawanda and facing a $5,000 annual salary reduction and funnel $21,500 into his household between 2010 and 2014. The charges were brought by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Senator Ortt has pleaded not guilty and said he will not resign his seat in light of the charges. Ortt, however, had no issue in 2015 calling on former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos to resign from his leadership post when Skelos was indicted on similar charges when he arranged a no-show job for his son, Adam.

“As the late, great Yogi Berra liked to say, ‘This is déjà vu all over again,'” said NYSYD President Mike Corbett. “We saw this with Dean Skelos – a public official setup a no-show job for a family member. The people of the 62nd Senate District deserve better than another corrupt official who will end up spending more time in a courtroom than doing work for constituents. It’s only right that Senator Ortt practices what he preached two years ago and step down.”

Stemming from the investigation by Attorney General Schneiderman’s Office, Ortt’s predecessor, former Sen. George Maziarz, was indicted on five felony counts of filing a false instrument in relation to the scheme and has pleaded not guilty. Maziarz is accused of misusing funds donated to both his campaign committee and the Niagara County Republican Committee in order to funnel money to a former State Senate staff member, who left following allegations of sexually harassing a female colleague, using a “pass-through” entity to hide the payments from public scrutiny. Additionally, Former Niagara County Republican Chairman Henry Wojtaszek has plead guilty to a misdemeanor related to failing to proper file campaign finance disclosures between 2012 and 2013 and will be sentenced later this year.