CAUCUS MEMBERS RALLY WITH ADVOCATES TO PRESENT PACKAGE OF FAMILY CIVIL RIGHTS BILLS

Members of the Caucus joined advocates to show their support for a package of family civil rights bills aimed at reforming CPS Agencies in New York State.

"I stand in solidarity with the bill sponsors, members of the Caucus, and advocates, urging policies that prioritize the needs of children and families." said Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus Chair Michaelle Solages . "The Family Miranda Rights Act, Confidential Reporting, and Informed Consent bills represent critical steps towards ensuring fairness, protection, and informed decision-making for all. We are demanding justice for New York families, so that we empower and safeguard them. Family policing is harming communities, and our stance is clear: we stand in support of children and families."

“Family separations have been systematically leveraged against BIPOC families throughout every moment of our nation’s existence – often under the pretense of being ‘for our own good.' said Senator Jabari Brisport. "The need for family civil rights has been silenced in the past through stigma and the marginalization of BIPOC women and children – but that silence is rapidly breaking. New York can be known as a state that led the way on family civil rights, or it can become famous for its commitment to surveilling and tearing apart loving BIPOC families.”

"We are responsible for keeping families together both as legislators and as black folks." said Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson.

"What it boils down to is it's not about your position in life, what type of work you do or what community you live in. It's about policies which continue to affect us." said Assemblyman Demond Meeks.

"We fight to make sure our children are taken care of, that parents are taken care of and to know they have a right to speak up on issues that impact them." said Senator Robert Jackson.

"We know this is an issue that overwhelmingly impacts people that look like people living in my district, people of color, immigrant communities and low income families." said Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas.

"We are here to stand with you and we are here to get this done." said Assemblyman Brian Cunningham.