Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 27, 2020 at 1:38 AM

Make them think twice

Friend,​   February 2020 is almost over. Can you believe that? This year already seems to be flying by.    Next thing you know, Election Day will be right around the corner -- and we can't afford to be caught unprepared.   This Saturday we have a critical deadline coming up,…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 19, 2020 at 8:50 PM

The biggest freeloader

Friend,​   I’m not sure if you saw this, but in the midst of the impeachment trial, the conservative justices on the Supreme Court voted to allow Trump’s “Public Charge” rule to continue. In other words, they gave the green light to Trump’s racist attempt to close our borders to…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

February 14, 2020 at 3:18 PM

FWD: If the climate is changing, why isn't our policy?

Friend,​   Earlier this week, Nydia wrote to you about how critical 2020 is if we're going to reverse climate change. She knows it, you and I know it -- and the special interests that profit off of climate change know it. That's why they're going to pull out all the stops to mak…

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 13, 2020 at 1:51 AM

If the climate is changing, why isn't our policy?

Friend,​   From fires in California and Australia to locust swarms in Africa to record heat in Antarctica, it’s clear climate change is here. Even die-hard deniers are starting to cave.    The question is, if it’s clear our world is changing, why isn’t our policy?   We have …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 10, 2020 at 2:25 PM

Trump's projecting again

Friend,​   From using corruption as an excuse to withhold disaster funding while he himself was under investigation for corruption, to his constant assertions that the Russians wanted anyone but him to be president, Trump never misses a chance to project his own failings onto ot…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 7, 2020 at 10:27 PM

Time to reverse the trend

Friend,​   Earlier this week, we heard the president present a vision of the nation that simply didn’t line up with reality. It was painful to hear the person who is supposed to be a leader for our nation spout off lie after lie, but what's worse is realizing that we've lost fou…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 4, 2020 at 6:04 PM

8 hours

Friend,​   In 8 hours, Donald Trump will give his fourth State of the Union. And just like the previous three, all you’re going to hear is bigotry, hatred, and lies.   I think it’s obvious to most Americans that our union has been damaged by the Trump presidency. There is a hu…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

February 3, 2020 at 7:19 PM

We saw this coming

Friend,​   Last week, we watched the GOP senators betray their oath of office. Instead of standing up for the constitution (and the American people), they cowered and stood with Trump. Not only did they refuse to hear witness testimony, but they nodded along as Trump's lawyers a…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Team Nydia · [email protected]

January 31, 2020 at 6:50 PM

Don't even give them a chance

Friend,​   Tonight’s the night! At midnight, we’ll hit our very first deadline of 2020, and whether or not we hit our deadline will set the course for the next eight months.    If we blow past our goal, we’ll know we have the momentum we need to build a people-powered movement…

See More from Team Nydia

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 29, 2020 at 6:13 PM

An investment worth making

Friend,​   It's almost unbelievable. We are watching Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans turn their back on the Constitution. This week, they rejected the facts before them, refused to hear from witnesses or consider new evidence, and continued to protect the most corrupt p…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 28, 2020 at 1:06 AM

The GOP doesn't want to listen, so we've got to get loud

Friend,​   The Republicans in Congress have proven they don’t want to hear the truth during these impeachment proceedings. The only way we can get them to pay attention is to send a message that they can’t ignore.   This week we have our first campaign deadline of the year -- …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Team Nydia · [email protected]

January 24, 2020 at 3:02 PM

If you like puppies, you might want to open this one

Friend,​   We’ve had some unusually warm weather for January, but now that the cold has settled in again, an amazing sight has returned to New York’s streets: dogs in sweaters.    Fighting back against Trump’s cruelty (and McConnell’s obstruction) can be stressful, not just fo…

See More from Team Nydia

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 22, 2020 at 11:09 PM

47 years later, the attacks are getting worse

Friend,​   In the last year, we've seen attack after attack on reproductive rights. States like Georgia are attempting to totally ban abortion while the Trump administration has gone on the offensive against Planned Parenthood. These attacks are affecting millions of women acros…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 20, 2020 at 2:50 PM

Still fighting for equality

Friend,​   Martin Luther King Jr. would have been 91 this year. Thanks to his efforts, and the efforts of countless other civil rights activists, we've made amazing progress. And yet, decades after Dr. King's death, we are still seeing white supremacist protests, open bigotry on…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 17, 2020 at 9:05 PM

Let's make 2020 the NRA's last year

Friend,​   In 2019, we made progress on gun safety reform for the first time in a decade. In 2020, we’re going to make sure the NRA never gets to have a say in gun policy again.    To do that, we need to build a movement. Not only do we need to get Trump out of the White House…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 15, 2020 at 1:06 AM

This shouldn't be a longshot

Friend,​   I proposed a bill that would fully fund NYCHA and get our public housing program back on track -- and almost immediately the headlines were calling it a “longshot.” It's up to us to prove them wrong.   Public housing should never be a longshot. But right now there s…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 10, 2020 at 8:55 PM

What makes us strong

Friend,​   I don’t think it’s any secret that many GOP candidates rely on dark money to keep their campaigns afloat. In 2020, it’s time to make that a losing strategy.   I know we can win big, because our strength comes from people. Our movement is large, diverse, and motivate…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 9, 2020 at 12:08 AM

300 days out

Friend,​   We’re officially 300 days out from Election Day. While that may sound like a long time, we’ve got a lot to do in that time. We have 300 days to build the movement we need to not just grow our majority in the House, but to also take back the Senate and the White House.…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

January 7, 2020 at 12:15 AM

I don't want to imagine our city underwater

Friend,​   Last year we got the alarming news that, if we continue to destroy our environment, large portions of our city will be underwater by 2100. Just this week there was an article detailing plans for “managed retreat” as sea levels rise -- meaning we would abandon neighbor…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

December 31, 2019 at 10:07 PM

FWD: A New Year's Resolution that you can actually keep

Friend,​   There are still a few hours before tonight's festivities start (and before our end of year deadline hits!) so I wanted to make sure you saw Nydia's message from this morning.   It's critical that we build up a strong movement to defend against anything the Republica…

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 31, 2019 at 3:04 PM

A New Year's Resolution that you can actually keep

Friend,​   Let me be the first to say Happy New Year (a bit early)! 2020 is going to be the year we take back the Senate and the White House, hold the Democratic majority in the House, and bring progressive change to the American people. Trump moved our country backwards, but it…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 30, 2019 at 8:25 PM

We hit some real lows this year. 2020 is the year we right those wrongs.

Friend,​   From Trump’s ban on transgender military service members to continued family separation at our southern border, 2019 had some real lows -- not just in the context of this year but for our nation’s history as a whole. In 2020, we have a chance to not only right those w…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 28, 2019 at 7:53 PM

We accomplished a lot in 2019 -- and I have you to thank for that. Will you help me take on even bigger challenges in 2020?

Friend,​   2019 was a whirlwind. House Democrats stood up for accountability and transparency in government, protected American values, and passed over 400 bills. And I’m proud to say that I was at the forefront of much of it.   While I would love to take all of the credit for…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Yuh-Line Niou · [email protected]

December 23, 2019 at 7:18 PM

This one's a surprise...

Friend,​   From Donald Trump's deranged rants to Republicans at every level putting their party before the future of our democracy, we live in a crazy time. Which makes it even more important that we appreciate those who are standing up to protect immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ c…

See More from Yuh-Line Niou

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

December 19, 2019 at 7:50 PM

What's your favorite thing Nydia accomplished this year?

Friend,​   To put it mildly, this year has been hectic. I’m not sure if you saw the news a while back, but Nydia was named one of the most effective lawmakers on Capitol Hill by The Center for Effective Lawmaking -- which means she had a huge part to play in some of the House De…

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 17, 2019 at 1:32 AM

This holiday season, help me support the small businesses that keep New York City strong!

Friend,​   As the holidays get closer, I know many of you are looking for some last minute presents. And while it seems easy to hop online and shop from your couch, you may be missing some pretty incredible gems in your neighborhood. Who knows, maybe by shopping local you'll fin…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 13, 2019 at 5:38 PM

A Top Ten List Worth Celebrating

Friend,​   As we get closer and closer to 2020 we’re seeing plenty of “Top 10” lists pop up. And while it’s fun to argue over the top ten songs of the year or which movies deserve the most praise, I want to take a minute to focus on a different Top 10 entirely: The Top 10 Accomp…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

December 11, 2019 at 8:19 PM

FWD: We're going to win big in 2020 by working TOGETHER for progressive change!

Friend,   I’m proud of what Nydia accomplished this year -- and that’s in large part due to the support you gave her.    But in 2020, the stakes are higher than ever. This will be one of the most important elections of our lifetime, and we simply cannot afford to sit back and …

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 10, 2019 at 11:39 PM

We're going to win big in 2020 by working TOGETHER for progressive change!

Friend,   I’m proud of what we accomplished together this year. We fought to protect our elections, to protect equality, and to protect TPS and DACA recipients. But next year we have to fight even harder. Next year we have to keep the House, take back the Senate, and get Trump…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 5, 2019 at 9:18 PM

Give this bill a fighting chance

Friend,​   I’ve sent you several emails now on the importance of the MORE Act -- and why it’s critical that we not only decriminalize marijuana, but also invest in the communities that were most hurt by the War on Drugs. Well, just this week I saw a post claiming that the MORE…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

December 4, 2019 at 12:38 AM

Why is this guy still around?

Friend,​   We know Stephen Miller is a white nationalist, and we’ve seen his emails that prove it. We know he’s helped create cruel and racist immigration policy. We know he’s embraced an ideology of white supremacy. Trump knows this too -- but he’s not doing a thing about it. …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

November 30, 2019 at 7:38 PM

FWD:You're freaking them out

Friend,​   Nydia's right. The single biggest factor in our success is that we have a movement that's entirely built by supporters like you -- not dark money donors or corporate PACs. That's powerful, and it's scaring the GOP. But if we let momentum slow, it could all fall apart.…

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 29, 2019 at 9:38 PM

You're freaking them out

Friend,​   The Republicans are freaking out. For three years in a row now, you organized, mobilized and showed up to the polls to reject the policies of Trump and his cronies. We have seen some massive wins and a growing movement that’s proving that the power in our democracy st…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 28, 2019 at 3:14 PM

Before the festivities start...

Friend,​   Whether you’re watching the parade, getting last-minute preparations finished for today’s meal, or simply relaxing and enjoying a day off, I wanted to send a quick message to let you know I’m thankful.   I’m thankful we have Democrats in the House willing to hold th…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 26, 2019 at 6:19 PM

Corrupt and compromised

Friend,​   I don’t know if you watched the hearings last week, but one thing was pretty clear: The Republicans embarrassed themselves. They asked misleading questions, pulled immature stunts, and attacked a Purple Heart veteran. They bent over backwards to defend Trump -- all wh…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 24, 2019 at 9:50 PM

TELL CONGRESS: It's time to decriminalize!

Friend,​   Last week, the House Judiciary Committee took a big step towards decriminalizing marijuana by marking up the MORE Act. That means we're seeing real movement towards moving the bill out of committee! That's in no small part because supporters like you made their voices…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 17, 2019 at 8:37 PM

SIGN NOW: It's time to decriminalize, expunge, and invest

Friend,​   It's no secret that the War on Drugs was more accurately a war on minority communities. Our neighborhoods have witnessed unjust incarceration and targeted discrimination -- and our government needs to make things right.     Not only should marijuana be decriminalized…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 15, 2019 at 4:50 PM

Trump's trashing our planet

Friend,​   Trump’s record on the climate is sickening. Not just because it’s a betrayal of the American people, but also because it will quite literally lead to illnesses from polluted air and water.   The GOP has spent years in complete denial of climate change, and now they …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 13, 2019 at 9:50 PM

The GOP are walking out on our veterans

Friend,​   You may have seen the video of my GOP colleagues in the House storming out of the Veterans Affairs Committee. Want to know the point of this temper tantrum? They were walking out to avoid extending additional veterans' benefits to the women who serve our country.   …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 11, 2019 at 3:38 PM

We can do more

Friend,​   Today, I wanted to just take a moment to say thank you to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. There are 39,000 veterans in Manhattan, 54,000 in Brooklyn, and 59,000 in Queens. And while our city has certainly gotten better about ensuring that these men …

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 8, 2019 at 8:04 PM

ADD YOUR NAME: It's time for decriminalization!

Friend,​   Marijuana reforms are impacting more and more states, with decriminalization and legalization pushes seeing success again and again. The problem is, the federal government has yet to get with the times. We are still stuck in the past — and the effects of these backwar…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 5, 2019 at 2:02 PM

We need you at the polls!

Friend,​   Today is election day and your voice is needed! From ensuring that Jumaane Williams remains our Public Advocate to weighing in on some critical ballot questions, your vote is absolutely necessary.   Many of you took advantage of early voting so if that’s you, go ahe…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

November 1, 2019 at 8:50 PM

Vote early and vote blue!

Friend,​   For the first time ever, New Yorkers are heading to the polls early. While Election Day is on November 5, you have until November 3 to participate in early voting. This means more voters than ever have the opportunity to participate in our democracy, and I’m proud tha…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 31, 2019 at 9:01 PM

Two possible paths

Friend,​   We’re hours away from our October deadline and while the support you’ve shown this week has been incredible, we want to end this month by proving that we have the people-powered momentum necessary to carry this campaign in 2020.   Because here’s the thing, Friend, i…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Fernando Ramos · [email protected]

October 31, 2019 at 12:42 AM

FWD: It's been 7 months

Friend,​   I’m proud of the movement Nydia’s been able to build. No one works harder for the people of New York, and she makes that clear day in and day out. Her choice to reject corporate PAC money was a bold one, but to her it was the only way forward. I hope you had a chance …

See More from Fernando Ramos

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 29, 2019 at 7:30 PM

It's been 7 months

Friend,​   Seven months ago, I took a huge risk. I decided to rely entirely on a people-powered movement, rather than accept one more dime of corporate PAC money. I’m proud that, as your representative, I’ve always voted with the best interests of New Yorkers in mind. And I want…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 24, 2019 at 10:38 PM

Move fast and break things

Friend,​   Facebook’s motto for a long time was “Move fast and break things.” And while that’s a nice catchphrase, when the “thing” being broken is our economic stability, it’s up to Congress to pump the brakes.    Mark Zuckerberg wants to play fast and loose with his economic…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 23, 2019 at 11:04 PM

What stands out to you?

Friend,​   The cable news cycles have been focused on impeachment for the last few weeks. And while I believe the impeachment proceedings are critical, it can start to feel as though that’s all that has happened in DC this year. And while that’s what the Republicans would want y…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 21, 2019 at 1:38 PM

It's just good business

Friend,​   I’m not sure who counts as an economic “expert” in Trump’s administration, but they’re clearly not steering the president in the right direction. If they were, they would let him in on a simple fact: Immigrants are good for business.    But Trump’s immigration polic…

See More from Nydia Velázquez

  Nydia Velázquez · [email protected]

October 17, 2019 at 11:04 PM

Finally some cooler weather

Friend,​   From sweating in subway stations to high utilities, New Yorkers love to complain about the summer heat. It’s a tradition -- just like block parties, cookouts in the park, and outdoor markets. Luckily, it’s finally starting to cool down in NYC.   Here in Washington, …

See More from Nydia Velázquez