Independent Democratic Conference launches ‘Call the Roll’ Campaign to see where Dems stand on key progressive issues

IDC calls for 32 Dems to sign pledge to pass package of bills before the end of session to achieve real results for New Yorkers

Albany, NY— The State Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference is calling on all elected Democrats to sign a pledge, become sponsors, and help enact progressive legislation before this legislative session ends.

The campaign, “Call the Roll,” is scheduled to kick off officially on Wednesday, has the added goal of  setting the record straight on where all Democratic Senators stand on key progressive issues which include: the Reproductive Health Act, the DREAM Act, GENDA, protecting Title X funding, public campaign finance, single-payer health care and the Contraceptive Care Act.

As part of the "Call the Roll"  media campaign,  pledge letters will be sent to the offices of each Democrat in the house, asking for a pledge from each Democrat in the Senate of support on all seven issues, without exception.  In addition a three-and-half minute video will be released on Monday, outlining the IDC's call to arms to all Democrats.

“In the New York State Senate it takes 32 votes to pass a piece of legislation. It is time to call the roll,” says IDC Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) in the video.

“In the era of Donald Trump women need protection now more than ever. We need 32 votes to codify a woman’s right to choose and make decisions about her own reproductive health. The Independent Democratic Conference is the only legislative conference whose members are 100 percent pro-choice. So let’s call the roll for a woman’s right to choose,” says Senator Diane Savino (D-SI/Brooklyn).

“Education is the hallmark of our democracy. And children who come to this country in search of their dream deserve every opportunity to succeed. The education of our children cannot stop after high school, it is time the DREAM Act became a reality in New York State. Let’s call the roll and count the 32 Democratic votes for the DREAM Act,” says Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens).

“While Donald Trump’s policies incite fear in many communities across this country, we must do better in New York by passing GENDA. Protecting New Yorkers who face discrimination due to their gender identity or expression is a human rights necessity. So let’s call the roll and count the 32 Democratic votes for GENDA,” says Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens).

“Donald Trump’s cuts in health care and Title X funding for family planning services threatens our families health. We must enact safeguards in New York. We must require that the Department of Health maintain the current levels of funding and access to family planning services, regardless of any policies coming out of Washington. So let’s call the roll and count 32 Democratic votes for family planning services,” says Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn).

“The IDC has long been a champion of ethics reform and campaign finance reform to restore the public’s trust in our elected officials. Public financing of campaigns will ensure healthy competition in electing the next generation of leaders, So let’s call the roll and count the 32 Democratic votes for public financing of campaigns,” says Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland).

“Donald Trump’s attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act threatens our health care system. A single-payer health insurance model in New York would create universal health care at affordable costs to everyone. Because health care is a human right, not a luxury for the rich. So let’s call the roll and count the 32 Democratic votes for single-payer health,” says Senator Marisol Alcantara (D-Manhattan).

“With health care under attack in Washington we need to ensure access to contraceptive care here in New York. Let’s make sure all FDA approved contraceptive products, education and counseling are covered under one’s health insurance. So let’s call the roll and count the 32 Democratic votes for contraceptive care,” says IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky (D-Syracuse).