The Community Service Society of New York
11/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 13:42
Press Release: Lessons Learned from This Year’s Presidential Election
November 7th, 2024
Press Release
Lessons Learned from This Year's Presidential Election
Statement from David R. Jones, CSS President and CEO
As the leader of one of New York's oldest nonprofits dedicated to fighting for more equitable and inclusive economic policies that lift up our most vulnerable citizens, including immigrants who come to our city and nation seeking a better life, the results of the 2024 Presidential election are extremely troubling.
Two days after the most consequential election, certainly of my lifetime, it may be too early to predict what to expect over the next four years.
But as we know, elections have consequences. And while it remains to be seen exactly what those "consequences" will be for the constituents and people served by this organization; we know it will not be good. Especially considering the real potential that threats made during the campaign to conduct mass deportations, repeal the Affordable Care Act, defund the U.S. Department of Education (which would gut the affordability of college for low-income students), mandate law enforcement agencies adopt aggressive police tactics like "stop and frisk" to receive federal funding, and silence the voices of dissenters could become reality.
Yesterday, in an important show of unity and defiance of what may be to come, New York's top elected officials - Governor Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James - announced joint plans to fight back against policy and regulatory threats from the next administration, and to protect New Yorkers whose rights and freedoms could be at risk. We applaud the governor and attorney general for their leadership. It will be crucial in ensuring that New York does not go backwards when it comes to safeguarding programs and policies that advance equity and freedoms we all take for granted.
I can also tell you that as I prepare to attend the SOMOS legislative conference in Puerto Rico, an annual convening of New York government officials, political leaders, and advocates that serve as a forum to discuss legislative and budgetary initiatives of concern to Puerto Ricans and the Hispanic community in New York, the severe implications of this election are being taken very seriously.
To be sure, there are many lessons our political leaders can learn from this election, perhaps no more important than the need to revisit strategies to reach Hispanic voters who feel that their needs are not being met or addressed. Latinos are one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the nation and represent the second largest racial/ethnic group in New York City. Judging by exit polls from the election, approaching this electorate with a one-size-fits-all message is not a winning strategy.
As this organization has done so before, through numerous administrations over the decades representing both sides of the aisle, the Community Service Society of New York (CSS) will continue to advocate for policies that assist New Yorkers with access to healthcare, affordable housing, public benefits, employment, and other needs. Indeed, our mission of addressing the root causes of economic insecurity and championing a more equitable New York for all New Yorkers becomes even more urgent given the outcome of this election.