46 NY state legislators endorse Clinton for prez

In a strong showing of support from her home state, Brooklyn Assemblyman N. Nick Perry, chairman of New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, announced on Tuesday that 46 members of the Caucus, including Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, and Senate Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, declared their endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president.

This announcement follows a recent meeting between Caucus members and Secretary Clinton in Harlem, during which they had direct discussions about her campaign and her agenda as president to break down barriers that hold back Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian communities in New York State and across our nation.

Other specific topics discussed at the meeting included: MWBE initiatives at the federal level, comprehensive immigration reform, the school-to-prison pipeline, criminal justice reform; how her administration would take a comprehensive approach to tackle the long-standing systemic racism still very potent in America today; and how state legislators can be a partner in these efforts.

“The clear choice to lead our nation is Hillary Clinton, and I support her wholeheartedly,” said Speaker Heastie. “She has the experience and leadership qualities we need to help guide our country and build on President Obama’s legacy. Hillary Clinton has long been a strong advocate for New York, and I look forward to her continuing that legacy as our next President of the United States.”

“Hillary Clinton has the drive, experience and passion to continue the progress President Obama has made and move our country forward. Hillary has served our country with distinction and has repeatedly proven that she has what it takes to achieve results,” said Stewart-Cousins. “She has been clear that she wants to make America whole again and is committed to breaking down barriers and building a stronger, fairer country.”

The Jamaican-born Perry, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, said Clinton has “a sustained and trusted relationship with the Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities.

“She has a proven record of support on many of the issues we continue to tackle in Albany and our communities today, such as: gun control, immigration, education, housing and voting rights” he said.

“We are confident that Hillary, as she has done as First Lady, U.S. senator, and secretary of state, will work side by side with us, to improve the lives of the families and communities we are elected to represent,” Perry added.

“We need another eight years of having someone in the Oval Office who truly has our best interests at heart, and that person is Hillary Clinton. Hillary has always had our back, and this time we are standing with her to make history in electing her president of the United States,” he continued.

The legislators who endorsed Clinton are:

Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie

Speaker, NYS Assembly

Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Senate Democratic Conference Leader

Assemblyman N. Nick Perry

Chairman, NYS Caucus of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislators

Assemblyman Herman D. Farrell Jr.

Assemblyman David F. Gantt

Senator Velmanette Montgomery

Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper

Assemblywoman Vivian E. Cook