New York City Council Progressive Caucus

The Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council is a bloc of progressive New York City Councilmembers that was formed in 2009.[1] In 2010, the Caucus consisted of 12 members, nearly 25% of the 51-member New York City Council.[2] The caucus grew to 35 members following the 2021 city council elections, before narrowing to 20 members in February 2023 following new bylaws requiring members to sign on to their Statement of Principles.[3] It is co-chaired by Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) and Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn). Jennifer Gutierrez (D-Brooklyn) and Carmen De La Rosa (D-Manhattan) are Vice Co-Chairs.[1][4]

Statement of principles

The Progressive Caucus's stated objective is to create a "more just and equal New York City, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing policies that offer genuine opportunities to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society's prosperity."[5] The Caucus's stated principles prioritize (i) a "fair budget", (ii) a progressive economic policy, (iii) "safe, decent, affordable housing", (iv) "high-quality public education", (v) "a more sustainable and environmentally just city", (vi) "strong, vibrant, diverse neighborhoods", (vii) a criminal justice system focused on "prevention, alternatives-to-incarceration, partnership with communities, and police accountability", (viii) "full civil rights for all New Yorkers", and (ix) a restoration of "confidence and participation of government" and "strengthening the practice of local democracy".[5]

Legislative agenda

The Progressive Caucus website shares 7 issue areas with related bills that they are prioritizing. They are:

  1. Banning Solitary Confinement
  2. Prohibiting housing discrimination on the basis of arrest record or criminal history
  3. The "Public Bank Package"
  4. Police Transparency
  5. The "Zero Waste Package"
  6. Creating Permanently Affordable Housing
  7. The Earned Safe and Sick Time Act Expansion for Gig Workers[6]

History

The Progressive Caucus was formed in 2009 order to promote policies focused on building "a more just and equal New York City."[7] The Caucus initially consisted of 12 members, co-chaired by Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) and Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan/Bronx).[8]

In July 2016, the caucus encouraged New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign an anti-Airbnb bill into law.[9] This bill, the first of its kind as it pertained to regulation of Airbnb,[9] was signed into law in the state of New York on October 21, 2016.[10] Also, in November 2016, the caucus endorsed Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison for chairman of the Democratic National Committee.[11]

Members

Current membership includes the following members:[1][4]

Membership during the 2018-2021 term included the following members:[7]

References
  1. "About Us". 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  2. Chen, David W. (2010-03-23). "12 New York City Council Members Form Liberal Bloc". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  3. Mays, Jeffery C.; Fitzsimmons, Emma G. (2023-02-17). "What Does It Mean to Be a Progressive in New York City?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  4. "Council Members & Districts". New York City Council. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
  5. "Statement of Principles". 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  6. "The Progressive Agenda". Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council. 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  7. "About Us". 2011-02-08. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  8. "Why We Are Launching the New York City Council Progressive Caucus | Brad Lander". bradlander.nyc. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  9. "NYC Council progressive caucus pushes for anti-Airbnb law". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  10. Conley, Kirstan; Fredericks, Bob (2016-10-21). "Cuomo signs bill that deals huge blow to Airbnb". New York Post. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  11. "NYC Council Progressive Caucus Backs Keith Ellison for DNC Chair". Observer. 2016-11-22. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
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