Press Statements

CONTACT Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org, 203 470 9979 Mayor Adams: Don’t Put Swagger Before Substance, Invest in Policing Alternatives That Don’t Criminalize New Yorkers NEW YORK — In response to Mayor Eric Adams considering excluding the NYPD from a 3% budget cut to city-wide agencies, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to Jon McFarlane, VOCAL-NY Civil Rights Union Leader: “On the campaign trail, […]

CONTACT Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org, 203 470 9979 VOCAL-NY Launches Budget and Legislative Platforms to Reverse Failed Drug War Policies, End Mass Incarceration, and Eliminate Homelessness Earlier Today, VOCAL-NY Leaders and Members Hybrid Joined a Press Conference to Announce the Platforms Find VOCAL-NY’s Legislative Platform Here, and Budget Platform Here NEW YORK — Today, VOCAL-NY launched it’s 2022-2023 budget and legislative platforms, laying out demands and policy priorities to create a Caring and Compassionate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Wednesday, January 5, 2022 CONTACT Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org, 203 470 9979 VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO 2022 STATE OF THE STATE, CALL ON GOV. HOCHUL AND LEGISLATURE TO GO FARTHER  NEW YORK — Today, VOCAL-NY members and leaders gathered virtually to watch Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2022 State of the State address, a preview of

View Governor Hochul’s Message Here, Mayor-Elect Adams’ Message Here NEW YORK — Today Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor-Elect Eric Adams recommitted to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by video ahead of the World AIDS Day community forum held in NYC. The community forum follows a NYC rally and march by VOCAL-NY and activists, and a press

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Contact: Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org, 720-480-5262 After Historic Year of Surging Overdoses, New York City Makes History by Opening the First Overdose Prevention Centers in the Country NEW YORK — In the wake of the deadliest surge and highest overdose deaths in history, Mayor de Blasio announces New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 CONTACT Joe Loonam, Joseph@vocal-ny.org, 347-409-4650 VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO THE RESIGNATION OF STEVE BANKS, NYC SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER NEW YORK — In response to the resignation of Steve Banks, VOCAL-NY released the following statement attributable to Joe Loonam, Housing Campaigns Coordinator: “Steve Banks has shaped the policies around homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, November 23, 2021 CONTACT Mariah McGough, Mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY SLAMS NY PAROLE OFFICERS FOR INTIMIDATION AND ESCALATION AT RALLY IN ROCHESTER ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On Monday parole officers with Public Employees Federation Division 236 physically assaulted an organizer with VOCAL-NY after being challenged for supporting mass incarceration and specifically the repeal of

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, October 7, 2021 CONTACT Jasmine Budnella, Jasmine@vocal-ny.org Mariah McGough, Mariah@vocal-ny.org VICTORY FOR OVERDOSE PREVENTION: AFTER YEARS OF FIGHTING, VOCAL-NY CELEBRATES GOV. HOCHUL SIGNING BILLS TO EXPAND ACCESS OF LIFESAVING TREATMENT TO JAILS & PRISONS AND DECRIMINALIZE SYRINGES Signings are Step Towards Reversing the Negligence of the Cuomo Administration on the Overdose

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, October 5, 2021 CONTACT Jasmine Budnella, jasmine@vocal-ny.org Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY APPLAUDS NEW FUNDING FOR HARM REDUCTION SERVICES FROM OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUND Attorney General Letitia James’ Held a Press Conference Today in Albany as a Part of her HealNY Tour ALBANY, N.Y. — Today, VOCAL-NY leaders stood alongside Attorney General Letitia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 CONTACT Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org VOCAL-NY RESPONDS TO NYT INVESTIGATION OF SHELTER PROVIDER, CALLS ON LIKELY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS TO STOP FUNDING UNSCRUPULOUS OPERATORS VOCAL-NY Members Can Attest CORE Corruption is Not Unique or Uncommon, Citing Inedible Food, Crumbling Buildings, and Overdose Deaths NEW YORK — In response to