ALBANY (Mar 15, 2023) – Lucas Shapiro, Interim Executive Director of ALIGN, a leader in the NY Renews and Raise Up NY coalitions, released the following statement today in response to the one-house budget proposals:
“The Senate and Assembly have heard workers’ call: we must increase the minimum wage, then adjust it to inflation to restore its lost value. We applaud their leadership to address our cost-of-living crisis and look forward to working together to commit to a $21.25 minimum wage, because 3 million New Yorkers can’t afford anything less.
On climate, the Senate has invested in the future of our green economy by backing key pillars of the Climate, Jobs, & Justice package, including the Climate and Community Protection Fund, Climate Change Superfund Act, NY HEAT Act, and Build Public Renewables Act. And crucially, they have attached gold-star labor standards to these measures to fund a just transition that puts workers and frontline communities first. We urge the Assembly to match the Senate’s leadership in addressing New York’s urgent climate crisis. We also applaud both houses for pushing the State to lead the way by decarbonizing its highest-emitting facilities by 2025, leveraging thermal energy networks to deliver cleaner air and good, green union jobs. Now, we urge the Governor to prioritize bold, equitable climate solutions that deliver lasting economic relief to our state.”
About ALIGN
ALIGN (Alliance for a Greater New York) is a longstanding alliance of labor and community organizations united for a just and sustainable New York. ALIGN works at the intersection of economy, environment, and equity to make change and build movement. Our model addresses the root causes of economic injustice by forging strategic coalitions, shaping the public debate through strategic communications, and developing policy solutions that make an impact.
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