The Progressive Caucus has established the eleven-point ADVANCEMENT framework that outlines the legislative, budget and advocacy goals for this term. With a steadfast commitment to a more equal and more just New York, the ADVANCEMENT Agenda shapes the Caucus’ vision for public policies that reduce inequality.
This month the Progressive Caucus Members and allies gathered to discuss legislative priorities aimed at offering genuine opportunity to all New Yorkers, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity. Full Release
WHAT PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS MEMBERS SAY:
“The City Council’s Progressive Caucus is at the forefront of the fight for equality, workers’ rights, stronger communities, protecting the environment and expanding democracy across the city,” said Council Member Donovan Richards, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. “Today we get the opportunity to stand together with our partners throughout the city to celebrate our achievements and continue to push for a more inclusive city that supports working families while magnifying their concerns to ensure that their needs are no longer left behind. I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus and all of our partners for helping to make New York City a better place to live, work and thrive.”
“In response to the complex and urgent issue of inequality in New York City, the Progressive Caucus has a bold array of solutions, including a $15 minimum wage for all workers, waste equity, and student voter registration day. It’s an honor to work alongside my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus, and I look forward to sharing our work at the Advancement Conference,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Vice-Chair for Budget Advocacy of the Progressive Caucus.
“The 2013 council elections and subsequent selection of a progressive speaker created a opportunity to advance policies which uplift workers, address inequality, and create opportunities for all, particularly those who had been marginalized and excluded,” said Council Member Ben Kallos, Vice Chair for Policy of the Progressive Caucus. “The 2015 Progressive Caucus ADVANCEMENT Conference was a moment for council members, staff, and advocates to reflect on the successes of the last two years and plan for the next two. We have much more to do, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I look forward to continuing the work.”
“The Progressive Caucus and the progressive cause draw in an incredible diversity of communities and perspectives. This conference is an opportunity to bring those voices together for a conversation on how to make our city a fairer and more equitable place. It is critically important for progressives in New York to work together, share ideas, and mobilize to advance our shared policies and priorities,” said Council Member Stephen Levin.
“It was a pleasure to participate in the conference today and particularly to moderate the panel on defending workers’ rights,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller, Chair of the Committee on Civil Service and Labor. “The discussion had here and the actions upcoming, ranging across a variety of pending and enacted legislation, will serve to positively impact the lives of workers and the communities they live in.”
“The Progressive Caucus brings together many diverse and unique voices in the fight against inequality, and I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “The Advancement Conference provides an important time to not only celebrate our achievements, but to come together with our partners across the city as we continue to advance progressive policies that benefit all New Yorkers.”
“For close to two years, the Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council has proven to be an effective and tireless agent through which the priorities of New Yorkers are voiced on a city-wide platform. This coalition of Council-Members, with the support of our Speaker and so many community partners, has been able to legislate and identify budget priorities in an unprecedented way, and that has disproportionately higher impacts in some of our most vulnerable communities. I am proud that today’s conference offered space to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our City. Thank you to my colleagues, and to the Progressive Caucus Director, Alana Cantillo, for putting this together,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca.
“As a founding member of the Progressive Caucus, I am proud to see such a dynamic coalition of elected officials working together to reduce inequality and improve our communities. Today’s ADVANCEMENT Conference was an excellent opportunity for New York to see how this Caucus is actively fighting to defend workers’ rights, expand democracy, and improve police-community relations. I look forward to more opportunities like this in the years to come,” said Council Member Jumaane D. Williams.
“As we work to reduce inequality in our city and make New York a more livable and just city for all, it is important that we come together to review our public policies and legislative priorities,” said Council Member Debi Rose. “Today’s Advancement Agenda Conference gave me an opportunity to discuss Int. 108A, which I am prime co-sponsoring with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. The bill would prohibit employment discrimination based on an individual’s actual or perceived status as a caregiver, and provide a right to reasonable accommodations where they do not present an undue hardship to the employer, because no worker should be fired or punished at work for fulfilling important familial obligations.”
Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council 
