By:  Hal C Clarke

New York’s Working Families Party (WFP) is urging candidates vying for its endorsement in state elections to align with its progressive agenda, including advocating for a substantial $40 billion tax increase, granting voting rights to asylum-seekers, and endorsing the operation of more legalized drug-injection centers.

The WFP, (known for its affiliations with labor unions and the Democratic Socialists of America aligned with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez), is also taking a stance against the expansion and funding of charter schools, popular among urban parents.

Candidates running for state senate and assembly, particularly Democrats, often seek the WFP endorsement to bolster their progressive image for primary elections and to gain support in competitive general contests, especially against Republican opponents. The party’s influence was evident in its endorsement of the Democratic slate for statewide office, including Governor Kathy Hochul, in the previous year.

However, not all Democrats are eager to secure the WFP endorsement. State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, a Bronx Democrat, expressed discomfort with the party’s stance on raising taxes by $40 billion, deeming it too far left. He also criticized the idea of granting voting rights to non-citizens, emphasizing the significance of voting as an essential American right.

State Democratic Party chief Jay Jacobs echoed concerns, stating that promoting massive tax hikes poses challenges for Democrats in conservative regions of the state, particularly in suburbs and upstate areas. Jacobs emphasized the potential difficulties of running on such issues in these more conservative locales.

The WFP’s survey, which spans nearly 100 questions, includes inquiries about candidates’ support for raising state income and corporate taxes by up to $40 billion. The party’s “Invest in Our New York” platform advocates for progressive tax reforms, aiming to generate approximately $40 billion annually by increasing taxes on the state’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.

In the context of the ongoing migrant crisis affecting New York City and other urban areas, the WFP urges candidates to endorse giving voting rights to illegal or undocumented residents, as well as other non-citizens or migrants seeking asylum. The party supports their participation in local and state elections, asserting the need for their voices in community decisions.

Furthermore, the WFP’s questionnaire addresses healthcare coverage for non-citizens and undocumented residents, inquiring whether candidates would support legislation or the use of federal funds to provide health insurance coverage to over 250,000 individuals falling into these categories.

While advocating for increased spending, the WFP takes a stance against charter schools, questioning candidates on whether they would oppose increased state aid to privately-run charter schools and measures facilitating their expansion. The party specifically raises concerns about potential requirements for New York City to pay rent for new or expanding charter schools.

Lastly, the WFP questionnaire seeks candidates’ support for controversial drug-injection sites, known as overdose prevention centers. These facilities, where addicts can use clean needles under medical supervision, aim to reduce overdoses. However, critics argue that such sites condone and encourage illegal drug use. Currently, two of these centers operate in New York City.