COUNCIL MEMBER YDANIS RODRIGUEZ CALLS ON PROGRESSIVE FORCES TO REMAIN RESOLUTE IN SUPPORT OF CHAMPION FOR CHANGE DE BLASIO
New York, NY -- On May 19, 2016, Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez of Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill issued this statement in support of Mayor Bill de Blasio for his steadfast commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers in need.
"Today I call on all of our progressive leaders, across the city and beyond, to continue to stand behind Mayor Bill de Blasio. Never before has our city had a mayor so dedicated to proactive and people-focused policy aimed at lifting up the disadvantaged, and preventing the cycles of poverty that permeate our society.
"His progressive values resonate in the strides we've made on behalf of working families across the city. They shined through when he delivered free full day pre-k for over 65,000 toddlers, starting their educational journeys at a younger age, a proven method to garner academic excellence in later years.
They shined through when he expanded tech education citywide, free SAT prep and after school programs for all middle-schoolers. He exhibited vital leadership when he expanded paid sick leave; pushed for an all-but-ruled-out $15 dollar minimum wage for New York City early on, which is now law; and when he presided over the highest job growth in New York City's history over a two year period, with the largest gains made in areas outside of Manhattan.
"This is a mayor who has guided New York City forward in an equitable way; expanding opportunities, keeping crime low and retaining our position as a global urban leader on issues across the board. It is vital that we remain steadfast in support of Mayor de Blasio so that we can continue to advance toward a brighter and more equitable future."
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