Delgado advocates for universal healthcare while distancing from Hochul's policies
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado Shapes Diverse Policy Platform Ahead of Gubernatorial Bid
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is gearing up for a potential gubernatorial campaign, promising to highlight his policy differences with the current governor and present a platform that leans more towards progressive ideologies.
At a recent event attended by over 200 supporters, including Democratic county chairs from Greene, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, Delgado outlined his vision for New York. One of his key proposals is a significant boost in funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program (HAVP). Currently funded at $50 million, Delgado advocates for an increase to $250 million.
Delgado has not called for the passage of any specific legislation, beyond increasing funding for HAVP. However, he has expressed his support for universal health care, similar to the New York Health Act, and a permanent fund to support child care workers' wages. The estimated cost of these proposals is over $173 billion in state funding.
Delgado's policy proposals for universal child care require an estimated $12.7 billion in state funding. He believes that this investment is crucial to achieving his goal of universal child care, and has proposed the creation of a Child Care Worker Fund to support child care workers by ensuring they receive a living wage.
Delgado also suggested raising the statewide minimum wage to $22 and expanding the Essential Plan's annual income limit.
Despite a perceived rift between himself and the governor, Delgado remains firmly part of her administration. He believes that his approach to policy, as opposed to the governor's "tinkering," is necessary for New York's growth.
Delgado, who was independently elected, making him the last lieutenant governor who can make such a claim, considers himself a capitalist. However, his policy proposals lean towards progressive ideologies, earning comparisons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).
As the gubernatorial race heats up, Delgado's supporters, including these Democratic county chairs, will carefully consider their backing. So far, they have not yet committed to backing Hochul for reelection.
In the coming months, Delgado is expected to expand on his policy proposals and provide more details about his vision for New York.
- Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado proposed an increase in funding for the Housing Voucher Access Program (HAVP) from $50 million to $250 million as part of his policy platform for New York.
- Beyond increasing funding for HAVP, Delgado has expressed his support for universal health care and a permanent fund to support child care workers' wages, with the estimated cost of these proposals exceeding $173 billion in state funding.
- Delgado believes that his policy proposals for universal child care, which require an estimated $12.7 billion in state funding, are crucial for achieving his goal of universal child care and has proposed the creation of a Child Care Worker Fund to support child care workers.
- Delgado also suggested raising the statewide minimum wage to $22 and expanding the Essential Plan's annual income limit as part of his policy platform.
- Delgado's policy proposals leans towards progressive ideologies, earning comparisons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), despite his self-proclaimed capitalist stance.
