New York, NY—NYIC Action, the New York Immigration Coalition's sister 501 (c)4 organization, announced its slate of endorsements for the Erie County Legislature.
NYIC Action is endorsing two candidates, Legislators Howard Johnson (District 1) and April Baskin (District 2), who have demonstrated their commitment to building long-lasting power across immigrant communities in New York. These candidates fought alongside us to advocate for the implementation of language accessibility across all departments of Erie County in 2023, and have shown up as champions for our immigrant communities in Buffalo.
All endorsed candidates have committed to NYIC Action’s Policy Pledge, 2023: A Blueprint for New York State. They vowed to champion our vision and incorporate it into their policy platform.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:
“Across New York, we are seeing those who want to uphold our states’ tradition of welcoming newcomers with open arms and those who seek to sow division in our communities by closing their doors to those in need with hateful rhetoric. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we elect pro-immigrant candidates into office at all levels of government in New York State, especially at the county level where policy can have such a direct effect on our immigrant neighbors’ lives. We are pleased to endorse Howard Johnson and April Baskin for Erie County Legislature, two incumbents who have already proven their commitment to supporting immigrant New Yorkers by advocating for inclusion and championing language accessibility to ensure that all Erie County residents can access the government services they need without language barriers. We are certain they will continue to fight alongside us in future campaigns to build a more just county and state.”
NYIC Action's Erie County endorsed candidates are:
Howard Johnson - District 1
April Baskin - District 2
“I am deeply appreciative of NYIC ACTION's endorsement. Buffalo has experienced population growth for the first time in over 70 years and the primary reason for the increase is our growing immigrant community. As our population has grown, so have the demands for inclusivity and access in local government for our newest Buffaloinans. I have introduced a Language Access Plan for Erie County to bring our vital County services into the languages of our immigrant community. This will not only provide better service, but hopefully build trust with some of our most vulnerable residents. I am grateful to NYIC ACTION for their support of immigrants in Erie County and across New York State,” said Legislator April Baskin (D2).
Background
This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for Erie County Legislature. These endorsements were made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs.
###