Puerto Rican Elected Officials Endorse Cuomo

NEW YORK – During this weekend’s SOMOS El Futuro Conference, leading Puerto Rican elected officials on the city, state and federal level announced their enthusiastic endorsement of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for re-election, citing his unparalleled record of progressive achievements and national leadership in the Puerto Rican recovery and relief efforts.

In their endorsement, Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr., Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, Congressman José E. Serrano, and Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo praised Governor Cuomo for immediately stepping up as a national leader to come to the aid of the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Governor Cuomo launched the Empire State Relief and Recovery effort, bringing together an unprecedented partnership of civic, business, labor and industry leaders. The Governor has led a massive effort to provide thousands of personnel and volunteers, millions of supplies and other resources, helped secure millions in private donations to support the recovery efforts, and deployed a Tactical Assessment Team to help develop a rebuilding roadmap to assist Puerto Rican communities in their time of need. Additionally, under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York has also helped Puerto Rico create the Build Back Better Plan – a $94.4 billion plan to rebuild the island’s infrastructure.

“When Hurricane Maria struck its devastating path, it left a hole in the heart of New York because the people of Puerto Rico are our brothers and sisters. But we did what New York does when faced with tragedy and adversity – we stepped up to help those in need. We will continue to stand with Puerto Rico and do everything in our power to ensure they have the resources they need to recover and rebuild stronger than ever before. I am truly honored to have earned the support of such dedicated leaders in New York’s Puerto Rican community, and look forward to building on the work we’ve started,” said Governor Cuomo.

“For two terms Gov. Andrew Cuomo has delivered for our city and our state, and I am proud to support his re-election. As our governor, Andrew Cuomo has delivered on a progressive agenda that is setting the tone for our nation while also guiding the critical infrastructure projects New York needs to remain an economic powerhouse. Andrew Cuomo has led the way on the issues that matter to New Yorkers, from increasing the minimum wage to creating new jobs all over the state. Governor Cuomo was and always has been a steadfast friend to Puerto Rico, as the first person on the ground after the storm hit and the nation’s leading voice in the recovery effort. He understands that we must do everything we can to rebuild the island and support the 3.5 million American citizens who call it their home. He deserves our support, and I urge all New Yorkers to join me and support Gov. Andrew Cuomo for re-election,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“In the wake of the devastation after Hurricane Maria, Governor Cuomo was the leading voice nationally helping the people of Puerto Rico build back stronger, better and smarter. That’s the exact approach the governor has taken throughout his entire tenure in office – delivering results for New Yorkers by making college tuition-free, enacting a $15 minimum wage, and passing the strongest gun safety laws in the country. Governor Cuomo is a voice for change and a national progressive leader, and I’m proud to endorse him for reelection,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.

“Governor Cuomo has been a champion for Latinos in the Bronx and across New York. He has made our state a leader in fighting the Trump Administration’s anti-immigrant initiatives, and he responded immediately to the needs of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. We are living through trying times, and we need leaders who fight every day for our values and our families. That is why I am proud to endorse Governor Cuomo for reelection.” said Congressman Jose E. Serrano.

“From leading the charge to help Puerto Rico rebuild in the face of federal inaction to enacting strong progressive victories like paid family leave and a $15 minimum wage — there has been no stronger champion for the Latino community in New York than Governor Cuomo. The Governor doesn’t just talk the talk, he’s gets it done and continues to deliver for the hardworking people of this state, and that’s why I’m proud to endorse him for re-election,” said Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo.

Governor Cuomo’s Record Of Achievement:
Among the progressive record of achievement that Governor Cuomo has delivered, in their endorsement of the Governor, these leaders sited the following accomplishments:

* Made national history by making the Office for New Americans the first statutorily created immigrant office. The Office has already seen over 120,000 New Yorkers.

* Directed more than $1.8 billion annually in New York for immigrant-related services, including medical services to legal immigrants, bilingual education for both children and adults and legal services for immigrants.

* Formed the Joint Task Force on Worker Exploitation and Employee Misclassification in 2016 to combat worker exploitation in various industries including car washes, nail salons, agriculture, and restaurants. This action particularly affects immigrants because due to immigration status and language barriers, many immigrant workers distrust government and law enforcement, and do not report abuse which results in worker exploitation.

* Passed a $15 minimum wage – the highest statewide minimum wage in the nation, guaranteeing millions of workers in all industries across the state receive a livable wage.

* Enacted the most comprehensive paid family leave program in the country, providing 12 weeks paid leave when caring for an infant or sick loved one.

* Funded universal pre-K for more than 120,000 and ended finger printing for food stamps.

* Established the Excelsior Scholarship Program, the nation’s first free public college tuition program, providing middle-class families and individuals making up to $125,000 per year the opportunity to attend college tuition-free at all CUNY and SUNY two- and four-year colleges in New York State.

* Raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18-years-old, and supported intervention-based treatment for non-violent young adults.

* Appointed the nation’s first and only special prosecutor in matters relating to the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement officers.

* Launched the Liberty Defense Project, the nation’s first public-private immigrant legal defense initiative.