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4 Ballot Proposals

Nov 8, 2022

DID Policy Recommendations

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Proposal #1: NY Statewide

"CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACT OF 2022"

Abstract: “The purpose of this proposal is to authorize the creation of state debt and the sale of state bonds in the amount of up to four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) for certain capital projects for the purpose of making environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York's natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change. If approved, the proposal would allow the State to borrow up to $4,200,000,000 to provide funding for capital projects for the following: restoration and flood risk reduction (at least $1,100,000,000), open space land conservation and recreation (up to $650,000,000), climate change mitigation (up to $1,500,000,000), and water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure (at least $650,000,000).

The proposal also would allow the State to refund the debt to take advantage of lower interest rates if the opportunity arises. To accomplish this, the proposal authorizes the State Comptroller to issue additional state bonds in sums up to or exceeding the amount of the bonds initially issued to refund, to advance refund, or otherwise to repay part or all of such bonds prior to the scheduled dates of their maturity.”

Supported by: Rebuild by Design, Waterfront Alliance, R2R participants

Link to actual Text:https://www.elections.ny.gov/2022BallotProposal.html

Link to resource: https://www.riverkeeper.org/blogs/ecology/environmental-bond-act-passes-albany/

FORM OF SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, A PROPOSITION

CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS Environmental Bond Act of 2022

To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?

ABSTRACT OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, A PROPOSITION

CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS Environmental Bond Act of 2022

The purpose of this proposal is to authorize the creation of state debt and the sale of state bonds in the amount of up to four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) for certain capital projects for the purpose of making environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York's natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change. If approved, the proposal would allow the State to borrow up to $4,200,000,000 to provide funding for capital projects for the following: restoration and flood risk reduction (at least $1,100,000,000), open space land conservation and recreation (up to $650,000,000), climate change mitigation (up to $1,500,000,000), and water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure (at least $650,000,000).

The proposal also would allow the State to refund the debt to take advantage of lower interest rates if the opportunity arises. To accomplish this, the proposal authorizes the State Comptroller to issue additional state bonds in sums up to or exceeding the amount of the bonds initially issued to refund, to advance refund, or otherwise to repay part or all of such bonds prior to the scheduled dates of their maturity.

TEXT OF PROPOSAL NUMBER ONE, AN PROPOSITION

"CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND GREEN JOBS ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ACT OF 2022"

Section

Short title.
Creation of state debt.
Bonds of the state.
Use of moneys received.

§ 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “clean water, clean air, and green jobs environmental bond act of 2022.”

§ 2. Creation of state debt. The creation of state debt in an amount not exceeding in the aggregate four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) is hereby authorized to provide moneys for the single purpose of making environmental improvements that preserve, enhance, and restore New York's natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change by funding capital projects for: restoration and flood risk reduction not less than one billion one hundred million dollars ($1,100,000,000); open space land conservation and recreation up to six hundred fifty million dollars ($650,000,000); climate change mitigation up to one billion five hundred million dollars ($1,500,000,000); and, water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure not less than six hundred fifty million dollars ($650,000,000).

§ 3. Bonds of the state. The state comptroller is hereby authorized and empowered to issue and sell bonds of the state up to the aggregate amount of four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) for the purposes of this act, subject to the provisions of article 5 of the state finance law. The aggregate principal amount of such bonds shall not exceed four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) excluding bonds issued to refund or otherwise repay bonds heretofore issued for such purpose; provided, however, that upon any such refunding or repayment, the total aggregate principal amount of outstanding bonds may be greater than four billion two hundred million dollars ($4,200,000,000) only if the present value of the aggregate debt service of the refunding or repayment bonds to be issued shall not exceed the present value of the aggregate debt service of the bonds to be refunded or repaid. The method for calculating present value shall be determined by law.

§ 4. Use of moneys received. The moneys received by the state from the sale of bonds sold pursuant to this act shall be expended pursuant to appropriations for capital projects related to design, planning, site acquisition, demolition, construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation projects specified in section two of this act.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately, provided that the provisions of section one of this act shall not take effect unless and until this act shall have been submitted to 3 the people at the general election to be held in November 2022 and shall have been approved by a majority of all votes cast for and against it at such general election. Upon approval by the people, section one of this act shall take effect immediately. The ballots to be furnished for the use of voters upon submission of this act shall be in the form prescribed by the election law and the proposition or question to be submitted shall be printed thereon in the following form, namely "To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022” authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?"

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Proposal #2: NYC-wide “Add a Statement of Values to Guide Government”

Abstract: “This proposal creates a preamble to the New York City Charter.

A preamble is a statement at the beginning of a legal document that explains its purpose or goals. The New York City Charter does not currently have a preamble. Adding a preamble would allow New Yorkers to adopt a vision and statement of foundational values intended to guide City government in fulfilling its duties.

The proposed preamble would be used to guide City agencies and officials in carrying out their duties related to planning, program reviews and audits. It would not create a direct or indirect right of action to enforce its terms or the terms of any other provision of law. It would take effect upon certification that the electors have approved such amendments to the Charter.”

Link to Preamble: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ballot/proposal-1/

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Proposal #3: NYC-wide

“Establish a Racial Equity Office, Plan, and Commission”

Abstract: “This proposal would create an Office of Racial Equity, require a citywide Racial Equity Plan every two years, and create a Commission on Racial Equity to represent communities’ needs and publicly review the citywide Racial Equity Plan. Racial equity means the achievement of equity with a particular emphasis on race and intersecting characteristics and includes a process of closing gaps in wellbeing between racial groups, with the purpose of greater equity for all.

New York City’s government does not have an agency that specifically focuses government on creating and promoting equity, with an emphasis on racial equity. This proposal establishes a framework for planning and evaluating City government efforts to advance equity.“

Link to actual text: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ballot/

Resource: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ballot/proposal-2/

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Proposal #4: NYC-wide

“Measure the True Cost of Living”

Abstract: “This proposal will require City government to develop and report, beginning in 2024, an annual “true cost of living” measurement of what it costs to live in New York City without consideration of public, private, or informal assistance. The proposed measurement is intended to focus on dignity rather than poverty, by considering the cost of meeting essential needs including, but not limited to, housing, childcare, child and dependent expenses, food, transportation, healthcare, clothing, general hygiene products, cleaning products, household items, telephone service, and internet service. The “true cost of living” measurement would be reported in addition to standards that are used to measure poverty or set eligibility for public benefits. It would not create a direct or indirect right of action.”

Link to Actual Text: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ballot/

Resource: https://racialjustice.cityofnewyork.us/ballot/proposal-3/

Resource: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/opportunity/poverty-in-nyc/poverty-measure.page

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Additional Considerations

According to ballotpedia NYS votes have approved over 70% statewide ballot measures since 1985. Thats 39 of 55 total.
Yet last year due to Republican organizing and inaction by Dems important voters rights measures did not pass in NYS.
In 2021 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the intention to form a charter revision commission to focus on racial justice and reconciliation, with a two-year mandate to identify and root out structural racism.
The 3 Citywide Proposals were developed by the City’s Racial Justice Commission noting that they “heard and learned from everyday new yorkers, community advocates scholars and experts” to appear along with “a roadmap for further action the City should take to dismantle structural racism at all levels of government”. Full commision report link.
If the 1 statewide measure passes it will be the first environmental bond act to pass in 26 years according rockefeller institute of gov.
Helpful summary article from The City.
Council Member Marte supports all 4 ballots proposals along w/ other Dems & Orgs

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VOTE YES

All 4 Ballot Proposals

Nov 8 2022