Feb. 1, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
State Senator Jose Peralta is hosting a town hall meeting later this week to address his decision to leave the Democratic Party to join a breakaway group.
Peralta announced his decision last week, stating that he is leaving the Democratic Party to join the Independent Democratic Conference in the hopes that he can better “affect progressive change on issues.”
Amidst concerns from his constituents, however, Peralta is holding a town hall on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights at 37-06 77th Street to speak on his decision and try to assuage any anxieties.
“I want to make clear that I am not a Republican, that I am not siding with the Republicans. I continue to be a progressive Democrat, like I have been for my whole political career. In this new era of Trumpism, I cannot sit on the sidelines any longer, I need to bring real results for my community,” Peralta said in a statement today.
“I also want to tell my constituents what my legislative priorities will be, including fighting for homelessness reform, affordable housing, school funding, senior citizen protections, higher education, among others,” he added.
The IDC is a group comprised of breakaway Democratics who have been elected to the State Senate. With Peralta joining its ranks, the IDC now has a total of eight members in the 63-member chamber.
The IDC has joined forces with the GOP and have formed a majority coalition.
4 Comments
Nevermind switching partys, too bad he didnt switch citys, get lost
All summer people were talking about the need for a 3rd party. Looks like Peralta heard the 3rd party cry. Or Peralta heard the cry from residents that they need the state to fund their promises.
Democrats nor Republicans, have stopped their rivalry long enough to actually help.
Maybe negotiation and working together for all NY, may actually help. Nothing else seems to have worked.
The IDC only serves to fragment the Democratic Party, allowing Republicans to do whatever they want. Peralta is now helping the party of Trump and their hateful agenda. Shame on him.
He is the biggest Bulls hitter either you are a Democrat or you are a Republican and right now this supposed coalition is Republican. What a shame