New York City Council Progressive Caucus

New York, NY – The Caucus is welcoming five recently-elected Council Members as members of the Progressive Caucus for the 2018-2021 term.

Alicka Ampry-Samuel, District 41: Council Member Ampry-Samuel has worked in various capacities with City and State legislators and has spent years sharpening her servant leadership. For Council Member Ampry-Samuel, altruism and empathy for others have driven her professional career. As Chair of the Committee on Public Housing, the Council Member looks forward to advancing policy and legislation that will benefit the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

Diana Ayala, District 8: Council Member Ayala has worked for nearly two decades serving the people of the 8th District in social service agencies and government. She is a passionate advocate on housing, mental health, gun violence, and senior services issues. Growing up in both public housing and the shelter system, she experienced challenges that afford her a unique voice and perspective in government and politics.

Justin Brannan, District 43: Council Member Justin Brannan was born and raised in Brooklyn, the son of a record salesman and early childhood educator. With too many people feeling that government only works for the wealthy and well-connected, Council Member Brannan has vowed to always fight for the “little guy.”

Keith Powers, District 4: Council Member Powers is a lifelong New Yorker and a third generation resident of Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town. Throughout his life, Council Member Powers has been committed to his community as a tenant leader, community leader and government aide, and he looks forward to continuing to advance progressive policy as the Council Member for District 4.

Carlina Rivera, District 2: Council Member Rivera represents Manhattan’s 2nd Council District, which includes the East Village, Flatiron, Gramercy Park, Rose Hill, Kips Bay, Murray Hill and the Lower East Side, her life-long home. Council Member Rivera is focused on progressive solutions to many issues, including affordability, preservation, open space, resiliency, education equality, and small business survival.

The Caucus, with the new energy and ideas of its incoming members, hopes to build on last term’s accomplishments, further its 2018 policy platform, and continue to work towards a more just and equitable New York City. For a number of years, the Progressive Caucus has been a political and budget advocacy powerhouse within the city’s legislative body, with its members passing more than 50 bills through the Progressive Caucus’ policy platform last term. The Caucus held rallies every month around local issues and bills pertaining to progressive values, and advocated for millions in budget allocations for initiatives and organizations working for the wellbeing of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.

Last year, the Progressive Caucus also completed launched their Resistance & Progress: 18 Policies for 2018 platform at a policy conference attended by more than 200 elected officials, advocates, and community members. The exciting 18-point campaign document outlines the Caucus’ policy priorities for the 2018-2021 New York City Council Term.

“As we go to work on the behalf of all New Yorkers, welcoming progressive leaders like Council Members Ampry-Samuel, Ayala, Brannan, Powers and Rivera into the Progressive Caucus makes us even stronger. I look forward to working with our new members to continue to fight for a more just and fair New York City,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso, co-chair of the New York City Council Progressive Caucus.

“It’s an honor to welcome these five exciting new members who will help bring fresh, new perspectives to elevate our diverse platform of progressive policies,” said Council Member Donovan Richards, co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. “While the Caucus has made great strides to make our City a more equitable over these past few years, we have a lot more work to do and I am confidant that their leadership, experience, and commitment to serving New Yorkers will help move us forward.”

“I am honored to be a member of the Progressive Caucus of the New York City Council”, said Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel. “The key word in Progressive is Progress and it is my job, along with my colleagues of the caucus to ensure that our great city is moving in the progressive direction that can be the standard for many cities to follow across the country. It is my duty to work with my colleagues in the council to stand for those who are looking to us for that progressive leadership, which in turn will provide upward mobility, equality and fairness to all New Yorkers.”

“I am so pleased to have been endorsed by the members of the Progressive Caucus, and will endeavor to be a worthy teammate. This pioneering body has worked tirelessly for years advocating for and endorsing numerous bills and progressive issues that have improved the lives of so many individuals. I look forward to working with my colleagues in identifying and promoting issues that are central to this body’s dynamic mission,” said Council Member Diana Ayala.

“In order for our government to be a tool to advance equity, it must function efficiently and it must serve all people. From protecting immigrants to making it easier for working families to put food on the table, the goal will always be making New York City work for everybody. I look forward to working with the Progressive Caucus to make real differences in the lives of New Yorkers,” said Council Member Justin Brannan.

“I am proud to join the Progressive Caucus to make sure that New York City remains committed to its progressive ideals,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “The Progressive Caucus has led the charge on issues like immigration, worker protections, women’s rights, and upholding our democratic values. As the Chair of the Criminal Justice Services Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that we have a fair criminal justice system in the coming years.”

“As a life-long New Yorker and progressive, I am excited to join my fellow members in the Progressive Caucus in standing against the Trump agenda and advocating for a fair and equal New York City,” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “The Progressive Caucus has passed some of the most impactful policies and Council reforms over the last four years, and I look forward to continuing that trend during my term.”

The full list of 21 members for the 2018-2021 term include:

1. Council Speaker Corey Johnson (District 3, Manhattan)
2. Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel (District 41, Brooklyn)
3. Council Member Antonio Reynoso (District 34, Brooklyn & Queens)
4. Council Member Ben Kallos (District 5, Manhattan)
5. Council Member Bill Perkins (District 9, Manhattan)
6. Council Member Brad Lander (District 39, Brooklyn)
7. Council Member Carlina Rivera (District 2, Manhattan)
8. Council Member Carlos Menchaca (District 38, Brooklyn)
9. Council Member Deborah Rose (District 49, Staten Island)
10. Council Member Diana Ayala (District 8, Bronx & Manhattan)
11. Council Member Donovan Richards (District 31, Queens)
12. Council Member Helen Rosenthal (District 6, Manhattan)
13. Council Member I. Daneek Miller (District 27, Queens)
14. Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (District 26, Queens)
15. Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (District 45, Brooklyn)
16. Council Member Justin Brannan (District 43, Brooklyn )
17. Council Member Keith Powers (District 4, Manhattan)
18. Council Member Margaret Chin (District 1, Manhattan)
19. Council Member Mark Levine (District 7, Manhattan)
20. Council Member Steve Levin (District 33, Brooklyn)
21. Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez (District 10, Manhattan)

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