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Andrew Cuomo on Civil Rights
Democratic Governor
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Women's Equality Act: Shatter the glass ceiling
Let's make history and let's pass a Women's Equality Act in the State of New York. Women's Equality Act would have a ten point agenda. - Shatter the glass ceiling by passing a real equal pay law - treble damages for underpayment or discrimination.
- Have zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the workplace period.
- Strengthen employment, lending, and credit discrimination laws.
- Strengthen human trafficking laws.
- End family status discrimination.
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Prevent landlords from denying housing to qualified tenants based on the source of funds, Section 8 families.
- Stop housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence.
- Stop pregnancy discrimination once and for all.
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Protect victims of domestic violence by strengthening the Order-of-Protection laws.
- Protect a woman's freedom of choice. Enact a Reproductive Health Act because it is her body, it is her choice. Because it's her body, it's her choice.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature
, Jan 9, 2013
Marriage equality for ALL New Yorkers
For decades, millions of New Yorkers had been treated as second-class citizens by their own government. We ended that injustice. We stopped the discrimination. We made history. We led the nation.
We passed marriage equality for ALL New Yorkers and we did it together. With this historic victory, New York is the largest state in the nation to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry.
Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address
, Jan 4, 2012
$200M contract support to get 20% MWBE contracts
Last year, I created a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Task Force dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises ("MWBE"). The MWBE Task Force has aggressively sought ways to expand opportunities for
MWBEs. In this economy, obtaining credit is difficult for almost everyone, especially small and minority-and-women-owned businesses. MWBEs historically have not been able to compete with more established companies on large construction
projects because they lack credit and capital. The state will address this problem by extending credit that will give MWBE contractors the backing they need to compete.
This program will support at least $200 million in contracting for MWBE firms over a period of years. We will hit our target of doubling MWBE participation in state contracting to 20 percent.
Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address
, Jan 4, 2012
Improved services to 2 million residents with disabilities
We must transform the way we deliver services to our over two million residents with disabilities. We spend more than any other state on services and support provided both by our government and a vast array of nonprofit and private agencies.
Yet New York ranks in the bottom quartile among states in serving adults with disabilities. This situation is fiscally irresponsible and morally unacceptable.Many of the problems our disabled residents encounter are not the result of limited
resources, but rooted instead in failures in the organization and management of services. We must develop a system that recognizes the potential of and the barriers faced by each individual we serve. We must focus on quality and prevention, and simplify
and streamline access to services.
We must erase stigmas and ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are fully recognized and fully protected. In addition, we must do all we can to ensure the safety of those in our care.
Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address
, Jan 4, 2012
Supports same-sex marriage and same rights of marriage
Friday, June 24, 2011 marked a momentous day in the history of our great State, with the passage of the
Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry under the law, and the hundreds of accompanying rights, benefits, and protections that have previously been limited to married couples of the opposite sex.
Source: N.Y. 2011 gubernatorial press release "Marriage Equality"
, Jul 24, 2011
Marriage equality gains 1,000 federal and 700 state rights
The State has been surpassed by many other countries which have legalized same sex marriage including the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Portugal; as well as by many states which have also done so including MA, CT,
IA, VT, and NH.Marriage equality is a question of principle and the State shouldn't discriminate against same-sex couples who wish to get married. Barring marriage equality denies same-sex couples and their families over 1,000 federal and
700 state rights and responsibilities. For instance, employers offer spouses sick leave, bereavement leave, and access to health insurance and pension; and the law provides certain automatic rights to a person's spouse regardless of whether or not a
will exists. None of these rights exist automatically for same-sex couples in the absence of marriage.
As Governor, Andrew Cuomo will not stand for such discrimination. He will fight to make sure all couples have equal marriage rights under the law.
Source: 2010 Gubernatorial campaign website, andrewcuomo.com
, Nov 2, 2010
Require complying with MWBE reporting requirements
Minority & women-owned businesses ("MWBEs") have come to constitute a large percentage of businesses in NY, but continue to face barriers in getting their fair share of government contracts. Cuomo will ensure that MWBEs have the opportunity to earn their
fair share of the State's business, by alleviating the burden of excessive performance bonds for small businesses and certified MWBEs for smaller contracts and will require that all state contracting agencies comply with MWBE reporting requirements.
Source: 2010 Gubernatorial campaign website, andrewcuomo.com
, Nov 2, 2010
Our housing stock remains largely segregated
During my tenure as HUD secretary, I was responsible for enforcing antidiscrimination laws and was outraged at the continued violations and our nation's apparent complacency.
The fact remains that an African America earning $60,000 is more likely to be turned down for a home loan that a white person earing $40,000.
Our housing stock remains largely segregated, as do our schools. To compound this problem our enforcement of civil rights, fair housing, and equal employment laws is lax at best.
Democrats should champion racial and ethnic justice and bring a new diligence and drive in enforcing the antidiscrimination laws.
Source: Crossroads, by Andrew Cuomo, p. 77
, Oct 14, 2003
Opposes Amendment to prevent same sex marriage.
Cuomo opposes the CC survey question on banning same-sex marriage
The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.
The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Federal Marriage Amendment to prevent same sex marriage"
Source: Christian Coalition Survey 10-CC-q3 on Aug 11, 2010
Page last updated: Apr 26, 2013
