New York

New York's passage of a law allowing same sex couples to marry was met with support from New Yorkers, according to a Quinnipiac poll released today. A core segment of that support comes from young voters:

New York State voters support 54 - 40 percent a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, with voters under 35 supporting the measure 70 - 26 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Voters 35 to 64 years old also support the measure, while voters over 65 oppose it 57 - 37 percent. Support remained consistent before and after passage of the bill.

The more the GOP resists, the more problems it brings upon itself. Civil unions aren't enough anymore, and the larger the presence Millennials have in the voting booth and in public office, the more society will be receptive to liberty and justice for all couples.

The following letter was signed by fourteen members of New York City’s Commission on LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth, in protest of the recently announced DYCD funding cuts that threaten the safety of homeless LGBTQ youth throughout the city.

To Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Mullgrav,

We, the undersigned members of the Commission on LGBTQ Runaway and Homeless Youth, are writing to express our concern and alarm at the recently announced cuts in DYCD support of Street Outreach and Drop-In Centers in FY11 and FY12 - cuts that have followed shortly on the heels of previous cuts made to Out of School Time (OST) funding that effectively ended DYCD funding to LGBT youth-serving organizations. Over the past weekend we learned that, due to City and State budget decisions, DYCD plans to cut Street Outreach by 50% in FY11 and eliminate it in FY12, plans to cut Council-funded Drop-In Centers by 50% in FY11, and plans to cut DYCD-funded borough-wide Drop-In Centers by one third in FY11 and by 23% in FY12, except for the Staten Island Drop-In Center which will be cut by 10% in FY12. We urge you not to make these cuts, which will disproportionately harm LGBTQ youth.

The Commission Report released last June acknowledged the terrible shortage of safe shelter beds for homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City. Every night, hundreds of LGBTQ youth are forced to survive on the streets. The drop-in centers and street outreach workers constitute the safety net for these youths. LGBT youth are more reliant than others on outreach and drop-in services because of the barriers they face in accessing the shelter system.

The Commission's report actually urged that additional funding be made available to expand the availability of drop-in services, especially during overnight hours. Reducing this support will leave LGBTQ youth stranded on our streets without support. Many will turn to drugs and prostitution to survive, and many will become HIV infected and involved in the criminal justice system, outcomes that will cost far more to the City than will be saved through these cuts. Especially concerning is the fact that 62% of homeless LGBTQ youth report having attempted suicide, and we are terrified at how the lack of basic services will escalate that risk. The OST funding cut, also provided through DYCD, reduced the ability of LGBTQ organizations to provide services that began the necessary work of re-introducing these disconnected youth back into a population that has previously rejected and ejected them.

We applaud the concern for the welfare of homeless LGBTQ youth that led to the formation of the Commission. We are grateful for the recognition of the disproportionate suffering of LGBTQ youth that informed the work we did with the Commission. We envisioned a City in which LGBTQ youth would be safer, better protected, where their ability to receive the care they need would be expanded.

We are disheartened by these enormous cuts to the basic safety net for homeless LGBTQ youth. Our distress is enhanced by the fact that already in this fiscal year we have seen the elimination of LGBT-specific foster care supervised independent living programs and LGBT-specific after school programs.

We urge you not to cut runaway homeless youth services. We urge you to continue to work with us to find ways to implement the recommendations of the Commission so that New York City can become a place where our youth are safe.

Sincerely,

Ali Forney Center
APICHA
Bronx Community Pride Center
Callen-Lorde
Cindy Rizzo
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
Covenant House
FIERCE
GMHC
Green Chimneys
Project Hospitality
Safe Space NYC
United Neighborhood Houses of NY
Urban Justice Center

Despite the chatter from the punditry, yesterday was a big day for Millennials. While they focus on two races with candidates that ignored the youth vote and wonder why turnout did not match 2008's all time high, a number of young people won local elections throughout the country.

In New York, Young Democrats of America Democratic National Committeewoman Stephanie Hausner was the highest vote getter in her election to the Clarkstown Town Council. Former NYSYD National Committeeman David Carlucci won re-election as Clarkstown Town Clerk. Two former New York Young Democrats local chapter leaders, Dan French and David Fried, won local elections as well.

In New Hampshire, state Young Democrats President Garth Corriveau was elected Alderman in Manchester as was fellow NHYD Patrick Arnold.

In Washington, Kim Cole was elected to the Lynnwood City Council, Andy Ryder to the Lacey City Council, Amy Ockerlander to the Duvall City Council.

Over Twitter I've been told of a recent high school graduate that was elected to a school board in Michigan, as well as a number of other Millennial candidates that were giving victory speeches last night.

In towns and cities across the country young voters showed up to the polls to elect their own. These young local candidates realized the power of their generation, chose to run for office, and by reaching out to fellow young voters won their elections.

Yesterday's lesson was not that young voters only showed up to the polls in 2008 to elect Barack Obama, but that Democrats must continue the youth outreach and funding that occurred during the 2008 cycle. The Millennial generation does not exist to serve at the beck and call of the DNC without being respected. When a candidate speaks to the issues of young voters and actively campaigns for their votes, they will deliver. The new generation of candidates understands this, and most of those candidates have a title with -elect after it today. Creigh Deeds and Jon Corzine didn't, and in return were relegated to giving concession speeches.

The lesson for Democrats in 2010 is this: take the youth vote for granted at your own peril. If you want young voters to deliver for you, you have to be serious about earning their votes.

Also check out Sarah's take on what yesterday meant.

UPDATE: It is important to note that the 2008 youth turnout was the result of funding and youth turnout effort from 2004 through 2008, and not an isolated 2008 effort.

New Yorkers for Marriage Equaltiy, a project of the Manhattan Young Democrats, is running a "click to call" campaign in support of pro-marriage equality legislation now in the New York State Senate. New Yorkers can participate here:

In the New York legislature, an ongoing fight has emerged on legislation proposed by Governor David Paterson to legalize same-sex marriage. While the Assembly is likely to pass the bill, the state senate is struggling to find the votes to pass it.

Last night, the Student Association at Binghamton University in upstate New York, unanimously passed a policy statement supporting same-sex marriage on behalf of its student body. I was proud to be a sponsor of the policy statement and a special thanks to Phil Calderon for authoring the legislation.

The policy statement is below:

Whereas the University prides itself on having a very diverse culture and atmosphere for its students;

Whereas all of the different departments on campus of Binghamton University also strive to endure they are meeting the needs of diverse lifestyles;

Whereas Binghamton University is recognized as a leader amongst SUNY schools due to its academics and diverse student body;

Whereas the city of Binghamton, along with the mayor, unanimously showed their support of the same-sex marriage bill which was reintroduced by Governor Paterson,

Therefore be it resolved:
1. That the Student Assembly join the Binghamton City Council in supporting the same sex marriage legislation
2. That the Student Assembly join the mayor of Binghamton in supporting same-sex marriage legislation
3. That the Student Assembly here at Binghamton University position the university as a leader in this very important social issue.
4. That this Assembly show its support of the lifestyles that are within its own members and constituents and support same-sex legislation which was reintroduced by Governor Paterson to the state assembly and senate.

Dan Levin is the President-Emeritus of the College Democrats of New York

more info on the CDNY blog

This past weekend featured the 2009 College Democrats of New York Convention and as expected, it was by far our best convention ever! We had over 125 students in attendance, from 25 different chapters across the state. Students traveled as much as 8 hours from Buffalo and Fredonia into NYC where our Convention was held, hosted by by St. Johns College Democrats.

Friday night was our comedy show, featuring Laughing Liberally. I want to thank Justin Krebs, who worked with our organization to put the show together. The show was pretty funny and entertaining.

Saturday was a very long day and packed with activities. We had our state senate panel which everyone enjoyed, as our state legislators talking in depth about gay marriage which is currently on the floor of the Assembly and the increase in SUNY tuition. The biggest message that they had to deliver was that college students need to lobby our state's legislators by going to their offices, and making sure their voice is heard. I couldn't agree more. Lobbyist groups have become skilled experts at lobbying politicians to get what they want, and college students need to really improve in this area, now that we have shown everyone that we can mobilize thousand of volunteers during elections.

Our morning speakers included Matt Silverstein, President of the New York State Young Democrats, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who recently formed an exploratory committee for running for Senate in New York against Senator Gillibrand.

In the afternoon, we had our breakout sessions in New Media, Communications and Field Organizing. Surprisingly, this was one of our members' favorite events during the weekend. The in-depth discussion and trainings provided students with new skills that can add to their repertoire.

Our keynote speaker, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, did not disappoint. He was incredible, bringing energy and passion with him to the stage, speaking for half an hour, and taking audience questions for another half an hour. Not only was Suozzi elected the youngest mayor ever of his hometown in Glen Cove, NY, but he also is constantly on twitter and plugged his new website a few times. He also uses facebook frequently- in fact his facebook page status said today that he had a great time at the Convention.

On Sunday we had a session on our organization by-laws and elections to elect the new executive board. I want to congratulate my friend Ian Rivera who will be taking over as president of the organization, as I move on to a position with the College Democrats of America. In all, it was a terrific convention. Check out our website in the coming days for all our pictures.

Bumped.

Check out the latest news and info on the College Democrats of New York blog

If you are a college or graduate student in NY and still haven't registered for the College Democrats of New York Convention, what are you waiting for? Register Here

The Convention is being hosted by the St. Johns University chapter, on their Manhattan campus at 101 Murray Street. The Convention kicks off Friday night at 9pm with a comedy show by Laughing Liberally at the Rush Bar on 579 6th Avenue.

Saturday morning starts with a breakfast at 9am, followed by introductions and a welcoming by the leadership of the NY Young Democrats.

At 11:30am, we will have our breakout sessions in
Communications, Finance, Field Organizing, and New Media. Communications is being hosted by Carly Lindauer, the former Communications Director of the state party. Finance is being led by Stephanie Hausner, the Finance Director for the McElroy State Senate campaign; Field Organizing is being led by Mike Boland from the Working Families Party, and New Media by Phillip Anderson from The Albany Project blog.

After lunch and another round of those same breakout sessions, we will have our state senate panel at 2:40 p.m. featuring State Senators Brian Foley, Liz Krueger, Bill Perkins, and Toby Ann Stavisky. They will be discussing the direction of our state senate and the policies they hope to implement in a new Democratic majority.

At 4:15 p.m. the Truman Project military group will be giving a seminar on how to debate military and defense issues from a Democratic perspective.

After some internal organization proceedings that we need to take care of such as by-laws updates, etc., Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will be speaking at 6pm.

Later that evening at 9pm, at NYU's Kimmel building, at 60 Washington Square South, we will be hosting our Social Networking event with a slew of elected officials. The list of politicians expected in attendance includes: Assemblyman William Scarborough, Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, Assemblyman Mike Spano, Councilman Tony Avella, Councilman Jim Gennaro, Councilman David Yassky, Councilman Eric Gioia, City Council candidate Steve Behar, City Council candidate Jaques Leandre, City Council candidate Francisco Moya and Borough President candidate Dave Kerpen.

On Sunday, we will have elections for our executive board.

We may have one or two additional politicians attending; Schumer's office said he might stop by if he has a chance for a few minutes

Update: For those of you who live in NY, State Senator Eric Adams will be joining us for the State Senate Panel. Manhattan Borough President Cory Stringer will be attending the welcoming introductions Saturday morning, and Norman Siegel who is running for NYC Public Advocate will be attending the Social Networking event Saturday night

cross posted on the College Democrats of New York blog

I wanted to bring to everyone's attention a great blog entry, posted on The Albany Project, by Phillip Anderson, in which he informs everyone that student ballots cast in the NY-20 Special election, are being challenged by Republican candidate James Tedisco, alleging that the students did not have residency in the district. Students attending Skidmore College who voted for Democrat Scott Murphy are facing the brunt of these attacks.

Click here for the latest on the situation

These are the same old tricks we've seen by the Republican Party in the past, trying to disenfranchise young voters with intimidation tactics, and challenges to our votes. Demonstrating how desperate the Republicans are getting in the district, they just challenged the validity of the ballot cast by Senator Gillibrand, the former Congresswoman of the NY-20 Congressional District. Thankfully, the Democratic Party has been stepping up to the plate, to defend the rights of students to vote.

cross posted on the CDNY blog: http://www.collegedemsny.com/blog

Are you excited for the 2009 College Democrats of New York Convention? We sure are! This year's convention is going to be the biggest and best CDNY Convention ever and we can't wait to see you all at St. Johns University in Manhattan, April 17-19.

Click here to attend the 2009 CDNY Convention.
Tickets are only $15. If you need housing, free hotel housing is only guaranteed if you pay before the end of this Sunday, April 12.

We have a ton of great speakers, panelists and programs coming up, and this year's youth turnout at the convention is expected to double last year's registration numbers. Plus, we've inserted a New Media Panel hosted by the folks at The Albany Project, Robert Harding and Phillip Anderson who will be teaching students how to use new media technology in today's political world.

We can't wait to see you there!

Bumped. This is in my backyard next weekend. --Mike

I wanted to write about an upcoming conference which I am very excited about: The Young Democrats of America Winter Conference in New York City. The convention will start on Friday Feb 20 and last until Sunday Feb 22. Online Registration is $35; on-site registration is $45. On site registration will open Feb 20 @12pm and last until Saturday Feb 21 @12pm. The Conference will take place at the Sheraton hotel in Manhattan.

For more info about the Convention and to register, here is the link: http://www.yda.org/events/375/2009-winter-national-conference-in-new-york-city

The schedule of events is posted on the YDA website. I believe the featured speaker is the new New York State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.