Dear Lucas:
On Wednesday, we officially began the 2013 Legislative Session, which has already proven to be historic.I was deeply honored and humbled to be sworn in as the first woman ever to lead a legislative conference in New York State.
In his State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo laid out a true progressive agenda and we in the Senate Democratic Conference will work tirelessly to see that agenda passed.
We must get the economy moving forward once again and create good jobs for all New Yorkers.
We must enact common sense gun laws to ban assault weapons, employ stronger license requirements and implement universal background checks on gun buyers.
We must stand up for the health and equality of women and pass the Reproductive Health Act and Fair Pay Act.
And now is the time for a major overhaul of our State’s outdated Campaign Finance laws.
We were sent to Albany to provide New Yorkers with the progressive change and real leadership for which they overwhelmingly voted in November. The Democratic Conference will continue to advocate for the passage of the DREAM Act so all children have access to the quality education they deserve. As elected officials, we must provide real leadership by raising the minimum wage and helping lift over one million New Yorkers out of bone crushing poverty. And we must ensure that our State’s natural resources are protected for future generations.
Time and again, New York has proven that government can be a force for good when elected officials are willing to take bold steps to achieve real change. As we enter this new power-sharing agreement in the State Senate, I urge my colleagues to remember that the only history we will be judged upon will be our accomplishments this session.
The Democratic Conference stands ready to work with all Senators, regardless of party, to solve the problems facing our state but we must also ensure that we do not settle for half-measures or watered down legislation. The people of New York want and deserve real change!
Sincerely,
Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Democratic Conference Leader