New York's liberal activists outline agenda for 2019

ALBANY — The annual "People's State of the State" address from the Capitol steps on Tuesday rehashed many liberal principles from the past 30 years, but now the grassroots activists are feeling emboldened by the new makeup of the state Legislature.

In advance of the new legislative session kicking off on Wednesday, a coalition of progressive organizations and labor unions voiced their continued support for action on criminal justice reform, expansion of voting rights, state investments in health care, higher taxes on the wealthy, growing the stock of affordable housing and increasing access to child care.

The coalition is more optimistic about the chances of their priorities being realized following the Democratic takeover of the state Senate and in the wake of the "justice agenda" articulated by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last month.

Hunger Action Network of New York State Executive Director Susan Zimet also highlighted the influx of female lawmakers in the Capitol.

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