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IEFFREYD KLEIN THE SENATE
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MAIORITY COALITION LEADER
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STATE OF NEW YORK ALBANY. NY 12247
INDEPENDENT DEMOCRATIC ALBANY 12247
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E-MAIL IDKLEIN@NYSENATE GOV

May25, 2017

Senator Simcha Felder

LOB, Rm. 944
Albany, NY 12247

Senator Felder.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to the letter sent on May 22 to every Democrat
in the New York State Senate calling on each one to commit themselves to the seven
progressive issues we identified that have not been acted upon by the Senate, including
protecting a womans right to choose and enacting more pro-immigrant policies.

However, we would be remiss if we did not point out a glaring inaccuracy in your letter. It
seems as though--based on your calculations--that you come up one short in the majority
you claim the IDC is preventing. The fact is there are not 32 Democratic members, unless
we should interpret by your letter that you have already joined the Democratic Minority
Conference.

The letter that was sent to you was specific and clear. It is not merely enough to have 32
members in a room. There must be clear support for the progressive issues we laid out. That
is why we are dismayed that along with this letter did not come a signed pledge to support
those seven issues that the IDC has prioritized--issues that are central to Democratic Party
values and as such should be supported by all duly elected Democrats.

At a time when President Trump is declaring a war on women, the LGBT community and
our immigrant communities, it is imperative that we unite around issues that will protect
New Yorkers and their rights. You might not support all of these issues, but it is important
to know where you stand and where all Democrats stand on a womans right to choose,
GENDA, single payer health care, contraceptive coverage, family planning funding,
campaign finance reform and the DREAM Act.

C
 Your clarion call for Democrats to unite means nothing if we dont have the votes to address
these core issues that are important to the IDC and millions of New Yorkers. Sign the pledge.

Sincerely,

ALLZ
Senator Jeffrey D. Klein Senator David Valesky

Senator Tony Avella Senator Jose Peralta

Vt
Senator Diane J. Savino Senator David Carlucci

Senator Jessie Hamilton Senator Marisol Alcantara