NYSYD Rural Caucus condemns the partisan and lacking vision delivered by President Donald Trump in his 2019 State of the Union Address on Tuesday Night
Instead of delivering a true message of unity, President Trump stuck to his well-practiced playbook, which calls for pitting progressives against conservatives, rural versus urban and the wealthy against the poor.
His address outlined a jingoistic nightmare of international issues — a border wall with Mexico, talks with the Taliban despite continued violence in Afghanistan, and crediting himself with avoiding a nuclear standoff with Korea — which still intends to develop and deploy nuclear weapons against America.
Again and again, the president contorted statistics to tout an economy that has made the rich richer, and the working class wondering how they will educate their children, purchase a home and retire.
Today, those living in rural communities, waiting for a raise, waiting for a path to prosperity for their families ask President Trump — “What about us?”
What about the roads and bridges that carry rural commuters to their jobs?
What about the farmers literally giving their cows away because milk prices have tanked?
What about the global markets cut off to America’s innovators due to steep tariffs caused by a trade war sparked by himself?
Why does New York only see 87 cents on the federal tax dollar returned for programs that create jobs, feed the hungry and assure healthcare and housing for those who would otherwise go without?
What we saw last night was lip service, and not even good lip service that promises an empty framework. The president’s words are reflective of how he’s handled the office for two years — all show and no substance. This is not reflective of the needs, will or work ethic of America’s rural communities.
To paraphrase the president, he alone can’t fix it. He and his Republican colleagues in Congress can be a part of the solution. We will them to fix it, but we won’t hold our breath as the federal government hurtles towards another shutdown on Feb. 15, despite the hurt the first one caused.
New York State Young Democrats Rural Caucus will continue to work on the grassroots level to elect representatives in local, county state and federal government who want to work as hard as the people of Upstate New York.
One major step to putting our state and nation on the right path is to work to elect the people making major decisions in our lives. Pound the pavement, knock doors, & GOTV!
We're proud to endorse the following individuals for the 2018 Election Cycle!
Congress
NY-3 – Tom Suozzi
NY-2 – Liuba Gretchen Shirley
NY-11 – Max Rose
NY-14 – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
NY-19 – Antonio Delgado
NY-21 – Tedra Cobb
NY-22 – Anthony Brindisi
NY-23 – Tracy Mitrano
NY-25 – Joe Morelle
NY-27 – Nathan McMurray
Statewide
Governor – Andrew Cuomo
Lieutenant Governor – Kathy Hochul
Attorney General – Tish James
Comptroller – Tom DiNapoli
State Senate
SD 3 – Monica Martinez
SD 4 – Lou D'Amaro
SD 7 – Anna Kaplan
SD 8 – John Brooks
SD 11 – John Liu
SD 15 – Joe Addabbo
SD 22 – Andrew Gournardes
SD 39 – James Skoufis
SD 40 – Pete Harkham
SD 41 – Karen Smythe
SD 43 – Aaron Gladd
SD 44 – Neil Breslin
SD 46 – Pat Strong
SD 50 – John Mannion
SD 51 – Joyce St. George
SD 53 – Rachel May
Assembly
AD 9 – Christine Pellegrino
AD 11 – Kimberly Jean-Pierre
AD 46 – Mathylde Frontus
AD 61 – Charles Fall
AD 64 – Adam Baumel
AD 94 – Vedat Gashi
AD 101 – Chad McEvoy
AD 102 – Aidan O'Connor, Jr.
AD 106 – Didi Barrett
AD 118 – Keith Rubino
AD 124 – Bill Batrowny
Local Elections
Broome County Legislator – Rob Rynearson
Broome County Legislator – Karen Beebe
Chautauqua County Sheriff – Joe Gerace
Chemung County Executive – Jerome Emanuel
Chemung County Legislator – Deborah Lynch
Chemung County Legislator – Bill McCarthy
Chemung County Legislator – Ed Bond
Columbia County Coroner – Bernadette Powis
Dutchess County Legislator – Tara Langworthy
Johnson City Village Trustee – Benjamin Reynolds
Putnam County Legislator – Scott Reing
St. Lawrence County Legislator – Kaitlin Tyndall
St. Lawrence County Legislator – Nicole Terminelli
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of Western Vice President of the New York State Young Democrats due to the resignation of Vice President Heather Neu.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PATRICK JORDAN, President of the New York State Young Democrats, pursuant to Article V, Section 7 of the New York State Young Democrats Constitution, do hereby order and proclaim that an election for the office Western Vice President be held on the twenty-fifth day of February, two thousand eighteen and that such election is to be conducted in the manner prescribed by said section the New York State Young Democrats Constitution with the Presidents of the chapters which constitute the respective regions of the New York State Young Democrats, pursuant to Article III, Section 3 of the New York State Young Democrats Bylaws, serving as the designated electors and that all perspective candidates shall apply no later than the eighteenth day of February, two thousand eighteen.
GIVEN under my hand in the City of New York, Borough of Queens this thirtieth day of January in the year two thousand eighteen.
We had an amazing weekend for the YDA 2018 Winter National Committee Meeting. Held at The City College of New York in Harlem, the cradle of the black renaissance, young Democrats from all over the country came together to demand change and ride the Blue Wave that is coming in 2018. From the Women’s March to partying it up at LGBTQ+ beacon of resistance, Stonewall Inn, we said hell no to this administration at every turn. This weekend also reminds us that our work as true allies is far from over. Even we Democrats can do better by our people of color, our LGBTQ+ siblings, and our women.
Elizabeth Williams-Riley from the American Conference on Diversity, host of our Make it About Race panel said, “Intent doesn’t equal impact.” In its simplicity, this powerful statement epitomizes how we can do better to support our marginalized communities. We must continue to fight against systems that are so deeply ingrained in our society and say, no, that doesn’t work for me. We must challenge our own inclinations to take the easy road, and then follow-through with action. Words are easy, actions are hard! As we move forward in 2018, we look forward to putting our money where our mouth is, as we take on this administration.
Thank you to my amazing team, Vice President Lauren Bailey, Treasurer Stephanie Campanha Wheaton, Secretary Justin Westbrook-Lowery, National Committeeman Tazbir Alam, National Committeewoman Stacey Eliuk, and my Chief of Staff Seamus Campbell for their late nights and hard work to make this possible. A special thank you to the Manhattan Young Democrats President Malik Wright and Vice President Henri Metivier and their team for hosting and helping make this meeting such a huge success.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t nod to our sponsors that believed in our mission and supported us this weekend. So thank you to the following sponsors: New York State Democratic Party, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, DNC Vice Chair Assemblymember Michael Blake, Assemblymember Jamel C. Holley, Kings County Democratic Chairman Frank Seddio, Manhattan Young Democrats, Queens County Young Democrats, New Jersey Young Democrats, Connecticut Young Democrats, NYC & Company, and Pizzuti Strategic Associates.
To a year of resistance!
Brooklyn Young Democrats Women’s Caucus Launch Speakers (left to right) Monique Chandler-Waterman, Latrice Walker, Christina Das, Diana Richardson, Keshia L. Adams, Steph Wheaton, Tremaine Wright, and Pamela Harris
Wednesday, July 26, 2017, marked a monumental evening for Brooklyn Young Democrats (BYD) with the official launch of their Women’s Caucus. Co-chaired by BYD’s Executive Vice President, Christina Das, and one of their newest members and community advocates, Keshia L. Adams, the caucus aims to strengthen community ties between women of Brooklyn, as well as empower more young women, with an emphasis on women of color, to run for office. Joined by eight of Brooklyn’s leading ladies, including Assemblywoman Latrice Walker of the 55th District, Caroline Piela-Cohen, Attorney & Community Advocate, Monique Chandler-Waterman, Executive Director of East Flatbush Village, and Assemblywoman Pamela Harris of the 46th District to name a few, this was an inspirational night for 60 young women of Brooklyn.
“There is a real issue when women make up over half the nation’s population, yet we hold less than one-third of elected offices,” BYD’s EVP Christina Das, a proud first generation Indian American said, “It’s a tragedy.”
In fact, in a city where women outnumber men by approximately 400,000, New York City still has a strong disparity of female to male elected officials. Sadly, only twenty-five percent of City Council members are women (13 out of 51 members), with four of them term-limited in 2017. Even with initiatives like 21 in ‘21, there is still tremendous opportunity for women to get more involved. Assemblywoman Tremaine Wright of the 56th District said, “it’s not only important to empower young women to run for office, but also build a strong community of women that will be there to support and uplift one another.”
Assemblywoman Pamela Harris of the 46th District echoed these sentiments speaking about her background as a former corrections officer and a survivor of sexual assault, “We need to advocate for women and speak up for ourselves. We need to educate ourselves on the discrimination that occurs daily, and not allow it.”
In Brooklyn particularly, a borough where the majority of small businesses are owned by women, there is an even greater divide of women-electeds holding office. Even with the increase in women running for office throughout the city, there are still far too few elected women. In fact, less than twenty-five percent of local offices are run by women, with the amount of women of color in those positions even less.
(Left to right) Caroline Piela-Cohen, Tremaine Wright, and Christina Das
As a first generation native of Crown Heights, Brooklyn of West Indian descent, Assemblywoman Diana Richardson of the 43rd District spoke about gentrification, and emphasized the importance of women of color to put themselves out there to prevent products of gentrification from further under-representing the already marginalized. “It’s all about the rent,” she says, “and it’s vitally important that women educate themselves as renters and as homeowners in order to maintain their culture and values.”
So how can women get involved in their local politics? District Leader Tori Burhans Kelly of the 49th District encourages women to go to their District Leader and ask about how to get elected for local positions like county committee or community board. Other ways to get involved in your communities include joining a Brooklyn Democratic Club.There are seventeen clubhouses throughout Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Young Democrats that serve each community. These clubs will assist you in getting on the ballot and dial you into the issues that matter most to your community. There are also an abundance of nonprofit agencies working tirelessly to advocate and support your communities, like East Flatbush Village, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit committed to providing support and information to indigent populations.
“With so many different ways for women to get involved, now is the time to use these resources and come together as a community,” Christina Das said. “Now is the time to resist!”
With over 60 new and existing members of Brooklyn Young Democrats attending Wednesday’s event, Christina and Keshia are already channeling this momentum to propel the Women’s Caucus forward, and will be partnering with one of the night’s speakers, Amy Bettys from #GetOrganizedBK‘s Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights, and with Eleanor’s Legacy to organize a Civics and Campaign Workshop, as well as a session on Campaign Fundraising.
To join Brooklyn Young Democrats and be part of the Women’s Caucus, please visit their site at https://www.bkyoungdemocrats.com/, or email Christina and Keshia directly at Brooklynyds@gmail.com. You can also get involved with the New York State Young Democrats’ Women’s Caucus by following them on Facebook or by reaching out to the Caucus Chair, Veronica Aveis at Veronicaaveis@gmail.com.
Check out New York State Young Democrats President Patrick Jordan, alongside Council of Presidents Chair and state committeeman John Midwood and Rural Caucus Chair Paolo Cremidis, speaking on a young democrats panel at the New York State Democrat State Committee meeting in Albany, NY on July 26, 2017 discussing the planned growth of the organization over the next 2 years.
The LGBTQ community in NYS is vibrant, resilient, and worth celebrating, especially in the Hudson Valley region. Last month was LGBTQ Pride Month, and across the Hudson Valley people experienced two annual pride celebrations, one in Hudson, the other in New Paltz. The recently formed Columbia County Young Democrats (CCYD) proudly marched alongside other local Democrats at the parade in Hudson. Though this was Hudson’s first parade with a Republican occupying the White House, this year’s parade did have a different feel to it.
The Democratic contingency in the parade was the largest I have ever seen. Marching with the Young Dems were the Hudson Democrats, Columbia County Democratic Committee, and the Greene County Democratic Committee as well as four of the candidates running for the congressional seat in NY-19.
The crowd in Hudson was, to say the least, happy to see us, especially us Young Democrats. We had just received our new CCYD banner and it was our first time ever having an identifiable presence at a public event. The streets of Hudson were packed, largely with Democrats of course. The entire city was ecstatic to see us.
As CCYD walked down the seven long blocks of Warren Street, we were greeted with cheers fueled by hope and excitement. Several people looked surprised, but happy to see that we even existed. This was Hudson’s first pride parade since the election, and you could tell that the City of Hudson had a heightened sense of awareness and urgency surrounding the current political climate. The way the crowd cheered on Democrats was something I have never seen before in Hudson. The residents in the parade and around the route knew that we were the leaders actively working to change the local political landscape, and for that they were grateful.
For many LGBTQ New Yorkers, the battle towards liberation and justice is just beginning. Rural LGBTQ New Yorkers, many of whom are not protected by the laws of larger neighboring cities, are even further away from full equality. Three crucial pieces of legislation have repeatedly failed to pass in the NYS Assembly and Senate. The Gender Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which would add gender identity and expression as a protected class in the state’s human rights and hate crimes laws. The Healthy Teens Act which would establish an age-appropriate sex education grant program for schools throughout NYS. And lastly, the Child-Parent Security Act, which recognizes the legitimacy of children born through assisted reproductive technology and legalizes surrogate parenting contracts. These are just a few examples to show that the fight for LGBTQ equality, even in NYS, is far from finished.
Marching in a parade may not seem revolutionary, but for the small-town communities in the Hudson Valley, it continues to be an important act of celebration. In rural NYS, LGBTQ people are in need of local political champions that will bring their voices to the table. CCYD is working tirelessly to ensure that every local office across the county is filled with progressive leaders who uplift, affirm, and fight for the LGBTQ community. It is our hope, that through the efforts of our rural young Democratic chapters, we can elect new Democrats, pass critical LGBTQ legislation in Albany, and finally have NYS model what LGBTQ justice and liberation looks like.
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in the office of Downstate Vice President of the New York State Young Democrats;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PATRICK JORDAN, President of the New York State Young Democrats, pursuant to Article V, Section 7 of the New York State Young Democrats Constitution, do hereby order and proclaim that an election for Downstate Vice President for the unexpired term be held on the sixteenth day of July, two thousand seventeen and that such election is to be conducted in the manner prescribed by said section the New York State Young Democrats Constitution with the Presidents of the chapters of the Downstate Region of the New York State Young Democrats serving as the designated electors and that all perspective candidates shall apply no later than the Ninth day of July, two thousand seventeen.
GIVEN under my hand in the City of New York, Borough of Queens this twelfth day of June in the year two thousand seventeen.
