By Bill Parry
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) joined the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference Wednesday, bringing their membership to eight. The IDC has had a power-sharing agreement with Republicans since 2012 giving them control of the upper chamber in Albany.
“Today’s political climate demands that progressive legislators take bold action to deliver for their constituents,” Peralta said. “That’s why I’ve decided to join the Independent Democratic Conference, where I can best affect progressive change on issues like affordable housing, higher education, school funding equity, homelessness reforms, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, affordable healthcare, senior citizen protections and so much more. The IDC’s track record on delivering for the most vulnerable New Yorkers is irrefutable. They delivered an increased minimum wage, free UPK and Paid Family Leave. Joining IDC will allow me to not only speak about, but deliver on a progressive agenda for all New Yorkers.”
When state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) joined the IDC in 2014, he said it was to “put bills on the floor” and have a serious role in budget negotiations.
“I welcome my fellow Democrat and neighbor in Queens to a conference that gets things done,” Avella said. “Sen. Jose Peralta will make a great Independent Conference member because he is serious about effecting positive change in his district and in this state. We welcome him to our conference.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
