New Yorkers to Vote on Four Important Proposals

On November 8th, the New York electorate will have the opportunity to vote in a referendum. The referendum will see New Yorkers vote for four different proposals during the general election. Of these four proposals, one will apply to New York as a state while the other three will have a direct effect on the city as it would result in amendments to New York’s City Charter. The electorate will have the option of voting “YES” or “NO” on whether a proposal should pass or not.

The first proposal that residents of New York can vote on is the passing of the Environmental Bond Act of 2022. This would allow the state to borrow $4.2 billion to embark on environmental projects such as the improvement of water infrastructure, launching renewable energy facilities, and introducing zero-emissions school buses.

The second matter to be decided at the ballot is the drawing up of a statement of values that would be added to the New York City charter. This statement of values will serve the purpose of requiring the city to be just and equitable for all. The Racial Justice Commission of 2020 suggested that the preamble of the New York City Charter “acknowledges and speaks to historical wrongs” as a means to “reconstruct, revise and reimagine our city’s foundations, structures, institutions, and laws to promote justice and equity for all New Yorkers.”

The third proposal to be voted on by residents are three new requirements in the city charter. One of the changes would require city agencies to draw up “racial equity” plans every two years. An Office of Racial Equality that would coordinate racial equity planning across city departments would have to be created as well. The third requirement would see the installation of a racial equity commission. This commission will be required to release regular reports on how to reduce racial disparities in New York City.

The final proposal that will be voted on would require the city to determine the true cost of living in New York. This would be a calculation of the “real” cost of living without public, private, or informal assistance. The calculation would be based on the real income and expenditure of residents.

These proposals are important and can have an impact on the residents of New York. For more information and to learn about supporting arguments and opposing arguments to these proposals, visit https://www.nycvotes.org/meet-the-candidates/2022-general-election/2022-ballot-proposals/