The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus

While there are parts of the budget that are beneficial to the communities we represent, we are greatly disappointed that more was not done to address the needs of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. We were optimistic when many of our top priorities were mentioned as key priorities of the Governor in his State of the State. However, the actual results fell short.

We thank Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for their leadership during budget negotiations for advocating for the poor, low-income and middle class New Yorkers, but their efforts are only part of the process.

Marijuana possession is the number one arrest is New York City and a top arrest in New York State, leading to racial discrepancies, while costing taxpayers $600 million over last decade

Citing overwhelming support and outsize need for higher wages in communities of color, lawmakers seek hike to $8.75, plus indexing to inflation

ALBANY — Members of the Black, Puerto-Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus called Tuesday for the state Legislature to raise the minimum wage to $8.75 and allow for annual increases to keep up with the rising cost of living. Workers of color are the majority of minimum-wage workers in New York State. More than half of the 1.5 million New Yorkers who would benefit from an increase in the minimum wage are Black, Latino or Asian. 

Honorable Andrew Cuomo Executive Chamber State Capital Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

We write to request changes to your state budget and also to highlight specific changes that would support education, the justice system, MWBE, ELL, minimum wage, and school age children. However, we begin by acknowledging our support for a number of your proposals. We appreciate that your budget reflects an increase in minimum wages, as well as a 4.4% growth in education aid.