Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Hosts Press Availability with Reverend Al Sharpton Following Clergy Breakfast in Support of UPKNYC

February 11, 2014

CONTACT: pressoffice@cityhall.nyc.gov, (212) 788-2958

Streamed live on February 11, 2014 at Bethany Baptist Church, 460 Marcus Garvey Boulevard, Brooklyn.

Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KCOKS1z-k8

Mayor Bill de Blasio: The news yesterday from Albany, as you heard me say, is just deeply distressing. And Reverend Sharpton and I – and so many other people who care about just basic fairness – reject the notion that we would be deprived a vote on such a central initiative, on something so fundamentally important to the people of this city. So we’re going to fight to rectify this. And there’s a lot of time on the clock, and the bottom line is Albany simply must provide us a vote on this issue. The people of this city demand it, and I think – it is shocking to me that in the year 2014, that Senator Skelos thinks he can sweep this under the rug. I also want to note I’m gratified by the statements from Speaker Silver, Senator Klein, Senator Stewart-Cousins, and so many others who said they’re not going to accept this new development, and they’re going to make sure that there actually is democracy in Albany. And we – we will do everything in our power to get that message across to everyone in Albany. Would you like to?

Reverend Al Sharpton: I’d just want to add that we are committed, as you saw. We had over 200 clergy this morning. We intend to saturate the churches and all of the civil rights organizations, starting this weekend, in a statewide drive to bring this vote about. This is an insult to those that believe in democratic principles, and it’s certainly insult to those that care about children. And this is not a political issue, this is a social movement. And that is why we came to this historic church, where I became a Baptist, to say that we are with the mayor in this fight. And it will be a fight, and we will win for the children in communities like this that need it so much – but in communities all over this state. So, this is the jump-off of a movement, and we will do any number of things to make sure that we secure a vote in Albany for the children of this state.

Mayor: On this topic. On this topic, Grace?

Question: Mayor, how shocking, though, is it really? [inaudible] in 2014 [inaudible] what happened to Mayor Bloomberg with congestion pricing [inaudible] a sort of – a new way of doing things in Albany?

Mayor: Well, first of all, we don’t accept the notion of not allowing a vote. So one that is – Senator Skelos or anyone else opposes our vision. It’s one thing if they want to offer an alternative vision, but not allowing a vote is unacceptable. And a – if you could compare against any other moment or any other issue, I think you’re going to find very few issues where there is this kind of societal consensus. We see it in the public opinion polls, we saw it in the results of the election. You know, there’s a real question about the – the historic notion of the consent of the governed. If Albany is not going to allow a vote on something that the people are demanding, I think people are going to be even more frustrated with the process in Albany. They’re going to feel even more cheated. And that’s not acceptable. So this moment is clear. This is something that has overwhelming support. There is an urgent, urgent need for it. There’s a reason you had almost 200 ministers here today. Lots of other things they could be doing, but they feel the urgency of this issue and what it means to their congregations and their communities. So – you know, this is going to be a profound fight – and it is a fight, both about the substance of the issue and about democracy. Yes?

Question: Mr. Mayor, have you spoken to Senator Skelos personally? If so, would you categorize that conversation?

Mayor: I am miffed, because I had spoken with Senator Skelos several times and understood there would be ongoing discussions to see if we could work forward – work on a plan to go forward together. This was quite a surprise to me that he would not allow a vote. It’s not a shock, again, that he would have differences on the issue, but I thought we were all trying to work together here to find the solution that would serve our children – and obviously that’s not the case.

Question: Just to follow up, could you tell us when you next plan to go to Albany to lobby on this issue?

Mayor: Soon.

Question: Mr. Mayor, I’m wondering, is this the first time you’ve brought up Dante’s pre-school age publicly, and if so, I’m just curious why you decided to [inaudible]?

Mayor: Well, the First Lady brought it up, and I think, just to emphasize what a pre-K teacher meant in our life – and why this is such a fundamental thing as parents. I think – she was speaking first and foremost as a parent – that when our kids get reached at that early point, all things are possible. I think that’s what the – yeah, you could look at all the academic research, but if you’re – you summarize it in common-sense language. It’s that if you reach kids early, they can learn better. If you reach them early, you can help address any problems before they fester. And in our life, we saw that and it was a very, very powerful example. Yes?

Question: Have you already had this conversation with the speaker, about if she would approve or delay a budget depending on if it had your tax plan in it?

Mayor: I haven’t had that particular discussion, because up until yesterday, we understood that there was ongoing discussions with all parties. I think the statements by Speaker Silver and Speaker Klein and Senator Stewart-Cousins speak for themselves. I don’t think any of them is satisfied with what happened yesterday. I think all of them believe this is a watershed moment. And, again, I don’t know how we move forward in a democratic process without allowing a vote on this issue. I think a lot of people in Albany feel that. Yes?

Question: Mr. Mayor [inaudible] conversations with the Governor [inaudible] any sort of movement toward a resolution?

Mayor: There’s no movement towards a resolution, because there’s no meaningful option on the table other than our plan. And, again – at least in the case of Senator Skelos – he’s not allowing a vote on the plan, so we have a real stalemate. And I think, you know, Reverend Sharpton powerfully talked about this – that we – we have a real groundswell here that has to be addressed. When people start demanding something like this so consistently, so intensely, it is absolutely inappropriate to disallow a vote. So we have Senator Skelos saying he won’t allow a vote. We don’t have any alternative plan on the table that actually achieves what we’re talking about. You know, the Reverend and I were talking about the fact that the State Education Commissioner John King very openly, very candidly said if you actually want to do full-day pre-K statewide – that’s $1.6 billion a year. The plan the governor put forward was $1.5 billion over multiple years – doesn’t cover what we need. So right now, we have a lack of progress that can’t continue. The people of this city demand resolution.

Question: The Governor [inaudible] more money [inaudible]?

Mayor: I’ve said it 1,000 times – I’ll say it 1,001 times. I don’t bargain against myself. I formulated a plan 16, 17 months ago. I put it before the people of the city. It was the centerpiece of my campaign. They voted for it overwhelmingly. It is the right thing to do because – by the way, all of the words out there in Albany – nothing achieves the reliable and consistent revenue we need to achieve full-day pre-K for every child, to achieve after-school for middle school kids. Nothing does that in the way that a tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers would. So, we have one vision and one vision only – to achieve this tax so we can have a 5-year program that makes full-day pre-K and makes after-school common and consistent and on-going in this city. Nothing else that’s been talked about even comes close to that, so we stick with our plan.

Question: Two quick questions. You mentioned that [inaudible] what time exactly are you working [inaudible]? Secondly, what are the legal options that can be taken, if the speaker refuses to [inaudible] the legislature you’re talking about for a vote?

Mayor: Well, the question of the four Sundays – I’m standing next to a man who epitomizes what can be done in terms of meaningful political and social action from the pulpit. And I think when you talk about this many ministers in common cause with four Sundays to promote a message, I think that’s a pretty seismic impact. I think that is going to generate a lot of energy in this debate. A lot of urgency. I think it’s going to be felt by the legislators who represent all of the communities here – the ministers come from here. So, I think this is going to be a game-changer, in terms of the level of intensity of this fight. As to the question of legalities, I’m not a lawyer. I’ll simply say we’re not going to stand idly by if we don’t get a vote on this issue. We’re going to use every recourse we have – legal and otherwise – to guarantee a vote.

Sharpton: Regarding this Sunday, there will be many of us that will be touring churches and encouraging congregations, as well as pastors [inaudible], but I intend to personally take a few Sundays and visit churches and get as many congregations as we can  to pressure their local officials – statewide – to force this into a vote.

Question: Mr. Mayor, do you hope the governor will speak out on the vote, on the question of the vote?

Mayor: Absolutely. I think everyone should speak out and say that this is a matter of democracy, and that we have to have a vote on this. You know, we don’t have a secret ballot when it comes to our legislators. Their job is to stand and be counted. You want to be against the interests of children and families? Stand up and say it. If you think it’s unfair to ask millionaires to pay a little more so we can strengthen our future? Stand up and say it, be my guest. But you can’t hide. There has to be a vote. And I would hope that everyone would speak out in favor of democracy. Thank you, everyone.