One of the goals of the Somos el Futuro conference in Puerto Rico is to outline the agenda for the upcoming legislative session in Albany, NY1’s Zack Fink reports on what issues might be considered.
Democrats control the state Assembly, the governor’s office and even share power in the Senate between a breakaway group of Democrats and Republicans, but for some Democrats, a progressive agenda has not always been front and center in Albany.
One of the key priorities for Latino lawmakers is the Dream Act, which would allow undocumented students to tap into state tuition assistance in order to attend college.
“Look, I think we are seeing the national tide turning,” said state Assemblyman Francisco Moya, who represents Queens. “Governor Christie came out two weeks ago in support of New Jersey’s Dream Act. You know, I think this is one of those times where the legislature and executive can really work on really putting New York back on the map as really the most progressive state in the union.”
So far, Republicans in the Senate have refused to go along with the Dream Act and Governor Andrew Cuomo has not embraced it as an issue he will push for.
The more progressive Assembly Democrats have already passed it.
“We passed the Dream Act for the first time in the history of New York. We have to get the governor and the Senate on board with that bill,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Another issue for Democrats is the 10-point women’s equality agenda outlined by Governor Cuomo. The 10 bills were passed by the Assembly as part of one package and included a component strengthening New York’s abortion law.
But the abortion bill was precisely what failed in the Senate when Republicans balked and introduced the bills separately.
“We look forward to passing all 10 items. We will not take the watered down version and pass them individually.”
At a luncheon Saturday afternoon here at the Somos conference, Democratic Senate Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said she believes the issue is still alive.
“Women’s equality can’t be dead because again, there are 10 points that the governor again rightly pointed out where we could do so much more in terms of enhancing the lives of women,” Stewart-Cousins said.
Legislators are still puzzled by Governor Cuomo’s absence in Puerto Rico since it’s an opportunity for all Democrats to get on the same page about the upcoming legislative agenda which begins in Albany in January.
Organizers said he cancelled his trip late Friday, but the governor’s office maintains that he never committed to going.
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