QUEENS, NY – The independent political arm for the National Association of Social Workers, New York City (NASW-NYC) chapter on February 24 endorsed Costa Constantinides as the next Queens Borough President.

The NASW-NYC Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) Committee seeks to support candidates who will empower social workers in all of the sectors of the profession. NASW-NYC was founded 65 years ago to advocate for the Big Apple’s dedicated social workers, set industry standards and ethics, and help social work graduate students transition into the profession. PACE helps mobilize these members to advocate for candidates who will help enact strong social justice policies.

“Social workers work in every sector in the most populous, most diverse county in this country and we need a strong vision to address issues of great importance to residents of Queens. Whether it is acting in solidarity with immigrants, fair land-use decisions, diversifying our community boards or environmental justice, we are confident Costa Constantinides will work towards a more equitable borough of Queens,” said Brian Romero, Chair of NASW-NYC PACE.

“NASW-NYC PACE makes sure we, as elected leaders, empower our social workers, who do the selfless work of helping a broad spectrum of New Yorkers,” said Costa Constantinides, progressive Democrat for Queens Borough President. “As Queens Borough President, I will continue to help them do their best job possible as well as advocate for policies that significantly improve our communities.”

The endorsement reflects Constantinides’ record of fighting for equity, transparency, and fairness over more than six years in the City Council. He has especially focused on improving over-polluted, under-invested communities, providing educational equity, and securing 500 senior affordable housing units by the end of 2021. As a member of the City Council’s Budget Negotiating Team, Constantinides helped secure money for more social workers in New York City Schools with a focus on high-need students. Funding under this year’s budget will especially help students experiencing homelessness.

Costa Constantinides currently serves in the New York City Council, where he represents western Queens and chairs the Committee on Environmental Protection. His legislative accomplishments include the Climate Mobilization Act, a Green New Deal for New York City, as well as the historic 80% reduction by 2050 of carbon emissions commitment. Costa lives in his native Astoria with his