Long Island Business and Organized Labor Unite for Political Action on Housing and Transportation Commack, Long Island, NY Mineola, New York. Business and Labor on Long Island today announced an unprecedented agreement on political action to advance major initiatives in housing and transportation that are vital to the people of the region. The LIA Action Committee, which is separate from but affiliated with the Long Island Association, the region’s principal business organization; the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; and the Nassau/Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council released a Memorandum of Understanding saying that “now is the time for specific actions to be taken by incumbent State Legislators and candidates with respect to housing and transportation.” The three organizations will cooperate on political support, including election strategy, including endorsements and recommendations for endorsements; fundraising; and the distribution of resources and people on the ground. Political support from the organizations will depend upon:
The organizations stated in the Memorandum “these issues have achieved a level of urgency that motivates this political alliance. Housing and transportation have an immediate and a long-range impact on our economic well being. Their impact on sound economic growth -- including jobs, family security, tax stability for our communities, and opportunities on Long Island for future generations -- has been well documented and thoroughly discussed.” LIA Action Committee Chairman, Brain Cullen, Co-President of King Kullen said, “This is an historic agreement. Business and Labor will work together on political action to protect Long Island families and our economic future. We hope that the agreement of business and labor on these vital issues will cause Long Island's public officials to get them done without delay.” LIA Action Committee board member, and LIA President Matthew T. Crosson said, “This is an historic agreement. Business and Labor will work together politically to protect Long Island families and improve our economy. The Workforce Housing Initiative bill has passed the State Assembly unanimously three times; it is crucial to solving Long Island’s housing problem and keeping the next generation here. The third track of the LIRR is the region’s most important transportation project. It will allow mass transit for workers from New York City and enable the Rail Road’s access to Manhattan’s East Side, which will increase the Rail Road’s capacity by 40 percent. Both initiatives must move forward immediately.” John Durso, President of the Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO said, “Housing and Transportation will dictate the type of economic development we will have on Long Island for years to come. The way we respond to these issues now will determine what kinds of opportunities all of us on Long Island will have in the future. The time has come for our elected leaders to take action.” Jack Kennedy, President of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau Suffolk Counties said, “The labor and business communities are standing together today to demand action on two critical issues. Our elected leaders in the State Senate and State Assembly, as well as our statewide and local elected officials, have before them concrete measures to address the vital issues of housing and transportation. The Balboni-DiNapoli bill and the third track proposal of the Long Island Railroad must be passed. We can no longer give our support to candidates who refuse to stand up on these questions.” Steve Flanagan, Business Manager of Laborers Local 66 said, “When you think about economic development and those who would benefit, some only think it’s the builders and the laborers. That’s just not true. It is the entire community and its government. When infrastructure improves, the local mom and pop shops also benefit, not just the commuters. This is what we call smart economic development, and that’s why we are here today.” Ralph Ranghelli, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049 said, “ When organized labor and the business community work together, we can shape a positive direction for the larger community. Our alliance is about jobs and opportunities for future generations. Our expectation is that Long Island’s elected delegation will lead the way and break the log jam on economic development in Albany.” Nick LaMorte, Regional President of the Civil Service Employees Association said, “Our goal is to place two issues before our state lawmakers and ask them to respond. We all know that we cannot continue to deliver vital public services with a declining economic base. Building our infrastructure expands that base. The development of workforce housing will allow our members and their children to live and work on Long Island, and enjoy the stable lifestyle of home ownership.” Paul Pecorale with the New York State United Teachers said “Young Teachers need assistance coming up with their first down payment, as do young building tradesmen and public employees. Our roles in our communities are essential to Long Island’s quality of life. Housing is an issue we all take seriously, and we are glad to partner with the business community to send a loud and clear message up to Albany.” Jimmy Rogers with the Painters & Allies Trades, DC 9 said, "Transportation and housing issues on Long Island are not being addressed properly. It's just one band-aid after another and it’s the residents of Long Island who suffer, not just organized labor and the business community." Walter Barton, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 6000 said, “ Usually labor and management disagree. But here we find an alliance centered around housing, transportation and economic development. The political community should take note of this, and hopefully, take on some responsibility too.” George Welker, President of the Communication Workers of America Local 1108 said, “I think the State Legislature would be wise to pass the Balboni-DiNapoli Housing Initiative this year. My members like all Long Islanders would love to own a home that they can afford.” Dalton Mayfield of 1199 of the Service Employees International Union said “As a health care professionals, we earn a decent living, but the cost of living is so out of control. We will keep doing our jobs and provide the best possible care that we can, but we can’t continue to live and work here if we can’t afford a home. Long Island needs health care workers.” |
