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Category: Resolutions

Resolution Calling for Electoral Changes in Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

WHEREAS, there is a global pandemic of COVID-19 – a novel coronavirus which already has approximately 5,500 cases of infection in New York and has claimed the lives of at least twenty-two New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, the newest guidelines from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alone suggest that no more than 50 people be in the same area at one time to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to not take this action would result in placing not only the voters of our great state in harm’s way but also the dedicated election staff and poll site workers; many of whom are over 70 years old – placing them in the highest risk bracket; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 can remain alive on casual items like touch screens, table surfaces and pens; and

WHEREAS, to curb the rate of infection, every other layer of government is trying to limit access, travel, crowds, etc. and, thus, it would defy logic to ask people to come out and vote under these circumstances; and

WHEREAS, New York State has always celebrated the fact that its elections are fair, open, safe, and secure and, at this present time, all four of those core principles are now threatened by COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, several local elections in New York State have already either been postponed or canceled; and

WHEREAS, the delegate selection rules set forth by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) do not allow for a presidential primary to occur after the second Tuesday in June in the calendar year of the national convention; and

WHEREAS, any deviation from the DNC’s delegate selection rules could result in a state delegation allocation being cut in as much as one-half; and

WHEREAS, it would be hypocritical for any political party and/or government to require in-person voting during a time when social distancing is imperative; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats urge everyone to follow the CDC recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats call on Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature to merge all elections between now and June 23rd, including all that have been postponed, to be on June 23rd and to institute no-excuse absentee voting for those elections; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats call on the Democratic National Committee and its Rules and Bylaws Committee to change its previously established delegate allocation rules to require all presidential primaries to occur by July 1, 2020 which would allow New York State to deviate from previously established rules without a cut to New York’s delegate allocation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats call on the New York State Board of Elections, Governor Cuomo, and the New York State Legislature to allow for no-excuse absentee voting while New York is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – especially if the DNC fails to act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats commend Sens. Ron Wyden and Amy Klobuchar for their bill to institute an emergency national vote-by-mail bill, the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020, as a way to nationally curb the spread of COVID-19 and call for its swift passage and enactment – especially if New York fails to act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats call on Governor Cuomo to work with the New York State Board of Elections and county boards of elections to establish a plan of action so that all postponed special and local elections will be conducted as seamlessly as possible; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats commend the Governor, the legislature, local elected officials, first responders, public health workers, and all others involved in the Coronavirus response for their work to keep New Yorkers safe and to contain the outbreak.

Resolution Opposing Proposition One

This past week the executive board unanimously approved the following resolution:

CONCERNING: The Referendum on the Authorization of the 2019 Constitutional Convention

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats continue to support the efforts of labor unions throughout the State of New York, and

WHEREAS, provisions protecting pension funds, the workers’ compensation system, the right for public-sector unions to collectively bargain, and other policies that benefit labor unions and their members are inscribed in the Constitution of the State of New York, and

WHEREAS, a referendum on November 7, 2017 to authorize a Constitutional Convention in 2019 will entitle elected delegates to alter provisions in the Constitution of the State of New York, and

WHEREAS, the Constitutional Convention would expose all labor protections delineated in the Constitution of the State of New York to the risk of eradication from the Constitution, and

WHEREAS, organized labor has rallied against the authorization of a Constitutional Convention as one of its primary legislative initiatives,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the New York State Young Democrats and its members actively recommend and encourage a vote against the authorization of the Constitutional Convention.

NYSYD Statement on Proposition 8

  • As many as 7.2 million Americans under age 20 are lesbian or gay.
  • 45% of gay males and 20% of lesbians experience physical or verbal assault in high school; 28% of these young people feel forced to drop out of school due to harassment based on sexual orientation.
  • 28% of boys and 17% of girls have one or more same-sex experiences before age 20.
  • Statistics from “Gay and Lesbian Stats” Edited by Bennet L. Singer and David Deschamps

These statistics demonstrate the composition of homosexual youth throughout our Country. Clearly young adults who struggle with self identity all over the U.S. begin to face discrimination at a young age. Dissuasions like passage of Proposition 8 in California have pushed the light at the end of the tunnel farther away, making it more difficult for some of our best, brightest and most capable to realize their potential in adulthood, simply because of a preference and orientation.

“WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New York State citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation;”

As this portion of a NYSYD resolution states, our members support all efforts to afford equal protection to all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation. It is in that spirit that the New York State Young Democrats are proud to support the decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which deemed the ban on homosexual marriage unconstitutional. This was a ruling that helped solidify the standing that will give young homosexuals the ability to take the next step forward in achieving true equality.

Victories like the overturning of Proposition 8 and the addition of Elena Kagan to the United States Supreme Court are the force pushing the light at the end of the tunnel back towards our grasp. Milestones such as these build momentum that will propel us closer to the end of the tunnel and ensure that the government will never discriminate any of our Nation’s citizens. People must not and cannot be discriminated against for any reason, especially a reason that is based on ignorance and insensitivity. NYSYD will remain committed to supporting all efforts to afford equal protection for all individuals in any form.

Marriage Equality

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New York State citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation;

WHEREAS, same gender couples, opposite gender couples, and their families are equal under the New York State Constitution and equally deserve the protections and happiness of marriage;

WHEREAS, civil union does not mean marriage;

WHEREAS, equal marriage will promote and protect the happiness and well-being of same gender couples and same gender attracted youth and adults;

WHEREAS, Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill would amend the Domestic Relations Law to give same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into civil marriages. It would mandate that all provisions of State law be construed to encompass same-sex marriages, consistent with the legislation’ s intent, regardless of whether they use gender-specific or gender-neutral terms. As a result of this legislation, same-sex spouses would enjoy the same legal status and treatment under New York law as heterosexual couples, on issues such as property ownership, inheritance, health care, and insurance coverage.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee on behalf of the New York State Young Democrats, enthusiastically supports the passage of Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill to end legal discrimination against same sex couples and recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage to promote the happiness and well-being of all couples.

Health Care Reform

CONCERNING: Comprehensive Health Care Reform

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats believe all Americans, regardless of life station or social position, have a right to high quality, affordable Health Care; and,

WHEREAS, one in six or 45 million Americans are currently uninsured and another 20 million are underinsured, which places and expensive burden upon the nation’s emergency services and proliferates contagious diseases; and,

WHEREAS, young people aged 18-29 comprise the largest uninsured group in the United States, with nearly a third living without Health Coverage; and

WHEREAS, Health care costs have increased 85% in the last ten years, with the expectation of exponential increases in years to come, forcing as many as 72 million Americans onto the roles of the uninsured by 2040; and,

WHEREAS, the increasing costs of Health Care will lower the take home wages of Americans by nearly $25,000 in 2040, detrimentally impacting the United States’ Gross Domestic Product and saddling future generations with insurmountable national debt; and,

WHEREAS, the Obama-Biden Health Care proposal seeks to expand coverage, improve quality, lower costs, expand preventative care, and promote innovation and advancement in medical technologies, at an affordable cost to America; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, the New York State Young Democrats and its members actively recommend and encourage the passage of President Obama’s Health Care plan to the members of the 111th Congress; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, New York State Young Democrats officially and publicly add its name to the growing list of progressive organizations which support the Presidents Health Care plan.

Women’s Right to Choose

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New York State citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation.

WHEREAS, the state of New York has long been a pioneer in protecting women’s reproductive rights.

WHEREAS, the State of New York provides for protection under the law for women exercising their right to choose, as set forth in the decision of Roe v. Wade 410 U.S. 113 (1973).

WHEREAS, a woman’s right to choose is protected under the constitutional right to privacy.

WHEREAS, it is a woman’s right to have access to and be knowledgeable about affordable contraceptives and the ability to have a safe, legal abortion if she so chooses.

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats  firmly believe that women should have the right to have say over their own bodies, especially relating to contraception and reproductive issues.

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats feel that issues regarding reproductive rights and health should be kept confidential and should be made by a woman and her doctor, not by a legislative body.

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the NYSYD Executive Committee on behalf of the New York State  Young Democrats, supports the right of a woman to choose and by adopting this resolution we make this support publicly known.

Employee Free Choice Act

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats continue to support the efforts of labor unions throughout the state of New York and throughout the country, and

WHEREAS, members of labor unions earn on average thirty percent more than nonunion workers, and are more likely to have secured retirement benefits as well as a solid health care plan, and

WHEREAS, organized labor has rallied around the Employee Free Choice Act as its primary legislative initiative, which will be one of the most important pieces of pro-union federal legislation since the New Deal, and 

WHEREAS, this piece of legislation would bring forth a growth in union membership not seen in many decades which will spur a new growth in union membership, benefiting the growing sector of middle class workers who are under the age of 36, and

WHEREAS, President Barack Obama has agreed to sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law once the bill reaches his desk.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the New York State Young Democrats and its members actively recommend and encourage the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act to the members of the 111thCongress.  

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the New York State Young Democrats officially and publicly add its name to the growing list of progressive organizations which support the Employee Free Choice Act.

Resolution in Support of H.R. 1283, The Military Readiness Enhancement

Last night the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee approved the following resolution….

Sponsored by the New York State Young Democrats

WHEREAS, Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have served and continue to serve honorably in the United States Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, the Armed Forces are weakened when competent and qualified individuals are involuntarily discharged solely due to their sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, the National Defense Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-160) created the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; and

WHEREAS, under the restrictions of the current policy, an average of two service members are discharged from the military every day simply due to their sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, over 13,000 service members – the equivalent of 3 ½ combat brigades – have been discharged as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and

WHEREAS, in the last five years, while our country has been engaged in two wars, the military has discharged over 800 mission critical troops under of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” including over 50 Arabic linguists; and

WHEREAS, up to $1.3 billion in taxpayer money has been wasted discharging otherwise qualified troops under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and

WHEREAS, it costs the military at least $60,000 to recruit and train each new service member, and much more to prosecute and pursue separations under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;”

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats hereby supports H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

NYSYD Executive Committee Adopts Health Care Resolution

On July 23, 2009 The New York  State Young Democrats Executive Committee Adopted The Following Resolution….

CONCERNING: Comprehensive Health Care Reform 

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats believe all Americans, regardless of life station or social position, have a right to high quality, affordable Health Care; and,

WHEREAS, one in six or 45 million Americans are currently uninsured and another 20 million are underinsured, which places and expensive burden upon the nation’s emergency services and proliferates contagious diseases; and,

WHEREAS, young people aged 18-29 comprise the largest uninsured group in the United States, with nearly a third living without Health Coverage; and

 WHEREAS, Health care costs have increased 85% in the last ten years, with the expectation of exponential increases in years to come, forcing as many as 72 million Americans onto the roles of the uninsured by 2040; and,

 WHEREAS, the increasing costs of Health Care will lower the take home wages of Americans by nearly $25,000 in 2040, detrimentally impacting the United States’ Gross Domestic Product and saddling future generations with insurmountable national debt; and,

 WHEREAS, the Obama-Biden Health Care proposal seeks to expand coverage, improve quality, lower costs, expand preventative care, and promote innovation and advancement in medical technologies, at an affordable cost to America; therefore,

 BE IT RESOLVED, the New York State Young Democrats and its members actively recommend and encourage the passage of President Obama’s Health Care plan to the members of the 111th Congress; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, New York State Young Democrats officially and publicly add its name to the growing list of progressive organizations which support the Presidents Health Care plan.

NYSYD Executive Committee Votes To Supports Same Sex Marriage

On Tuesday April 21, 2009 the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee on behalf of the New York States Young Democrats adopted the following resolution supporting Same Sex Marriage in New York State.

(Sponsored By NYSYD President Matthew Silverstein & NYSYD Executive Vice President Ben Jakes-Johnson, GLBT Caucus Jessica Teicher, YDA Secretary Stephanie Hausner, NYSYD Secretary Tajian Jones, NYSYD National Committeeman Dustin Hausner, NYSYD National Committeewoman Kate O’Hagen, NYSYD Council Of Presidents Chair Chris Smith, NYSYD Labor Caucus Chair Michael Corbett, YDA Organizing Director Joe McNearney)

WHEREAS, the New York State Young Democrats support all efforts to afford equal protection under the law to New York State citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation;

WHEREAS, same gender couples, opposite gender couples, and their families are equal under the New York State Constitution and equally deserve the protections and happiness of marriage;

WHEREAS, civil union does not mean marriage;

WHEREAS, equal marriage will promote and protect the happiness and well-being of same gender couples and same gender attracted youth and adults;

WHEREAS, Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill would amend the Domestic Relations Law to give same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into civil marriages. It would mandate that all provisions of State law be construed to encompass same-sex marriages, consistent with the legislation’ s intent, regardless of whether they use gender-specific or gender-neutral terms. As a result of this legislation, same-sex spouses would enjoy the same legal status and treatment under New York law as heterosexual couples, on issues such as property ownership, inheritance, health care, and insurance coverage.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New York State Young Democrats Executive Committee on behalf of the New York State Young Democrats, enthusiastically supports the passage of Governor David Paterson’s Marriage Equality Program Bill to end legal discrimination against same sex couples and recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage to promote the happiness and well-being of all couples.