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New York, NY – Today, New Yorkers will vote yes or no on three proposals put forth by the NYC Racial Justice Commission in the wake of 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. The measures would mark New York City as the first in the nation to take formal steps in dismantling structural racism in city government, through outlining equity as a value in the City Charter, establishing a Racial Equity Office, and tracking the “true cost of living” in NYC.
Since July, FPWA (The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies), New York City’s leading anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization, had led a voter education campaign to generate public awareness and understanding of the three racial equity proposals, and to get voters get to the polls and flip their ballots.
Voter education efforts on these proposals have been supported by Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Comptroller Brand Lander, and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, many of whom joined Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA and Chair of the Racial Justice Commission, for a press conference in October to promote the ballot measures.
“On November 8, all New Yorkers will have what seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity to decide whether racial equity and justice should be enshrined in our city’s charter,” says Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO and Executive Director of FPWA. “Taken together, the three ballot proposals would define and cast a vision of equity for all who live here; establish accountability for government to create, adopt and implement plans to advance equity and justice; and ensure that the City considers the true cost of living when setting policies and making program decisions.”
“Voter engagement and education are the tools needed in the fight to protect voting rights across our city and our country. When the public is well-informed about their voting rights, they are more civically engaged,” says New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “FPWA’s voter education campaign powers New Yorkers with information about what is on the ballot and helps generate awareness on what is at stake in November. New Yorkers can vote on the Racial Justice Commission’s ballot initiatives to place racial equity at the heart of New York City government. Let us get to the polls!”
About FPWA
FPWA is an anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing economic opportunity and upward mobility for New Yorkers with low incomes. FPWA has long served New York City’s social service sector, advocating for fair public policies for people with low incomes and the agencies that serve them. FPWA’s member network of 170 human-service and faith-based organizations reach more than 1.5 million people living in New York’s communities each year. Find out more at fpwa.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
